Where Nature, Culture, and Adventure Begin
Kusatsu Athletic Tea House Park is a vibrant roadside station nestled at the gateway to Kusatsu Onsen, just a five-minute drive from the famed hot spring town. Perched at an elevation of 1,200 meters, this scenic stop offers travelers a refreshing pause amid the rolling mountains and lush forests of Gunma Prefecture. With its distinctive German-inspired brick architecture and panoramic viewing bridge, the station stands as a welcoming landmark and a true starting point for any journey through the region.
Beyond its picturesque setting, the roadside station thrives as a cultural and culinary hub. Visitors can savor local specialties like Kusatsu ramen with local pork and traditional gyoza at the forest-themed dining hall, shop for regional treats such as azuki bean sweets, or explore the nearby BanZip TENGU zipline for breathtaking views and heart-pounding adventure. Whether arriving or departing, this vibrant stop offers a perfect blend of relaxation, discovery, and authentic mountain charm.
Why Visit
Visit Kusatsu Athletic Tea House Park to experience the only roadside station in the region featuring a German-inspired brick building and a panoramic walkway bridge offering sweeping views of the Kusatsu Valley. Here, you can savor authentic local dishes like Utsunomiya-style mochi pork karaage udon and the exclusive Kusatsu Onsen gyoza, available nowhere else. The park also serves as the gateway to unique nearby attractions, including the illuminated Onsen Gate and the thrilling BanZip TENGU zipline soaring above the mountains.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Kusatsu Athletic Tea House Park’s dining area.
Sakura Flower Dining Hall
しゃくなげ
Specialty
Local cuisine from Kusatsu
A dining hall nestled in nature, offering a relaxing atmosphere where visitors can enjoy authentic local dishes made with regional ingredients.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique souvenirs and regional treats at the roadside station’s convenient shop.
Local Specialty Store
地元の特産品やお土産がそろう売店
A shop offering a wide variety of local products and souvenirs from Kusatsu, perfect for travelers looking for authentic gifts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kusatsu Flower Bean Sweets
Farmers Market
農産物販売
A market featuring fresh, locally grown produce and seasonal agricultural products from nearby farms.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local seasonal vegetables
Featured Products
Explore signature items like local bean sweets and premium mountain-grown produce.
Kusatsu Flower Bean Sweets
花豆スイーツ
Delicate sweets made with locally grown azuki beans, known for their sweet aroma and smooth texture.
Kusatsu Hot Spring Mineral Water
草津温泉の水
Natural mineral water sourced from the Kusatsu hot spring area, known for its purity and refreshing taste.
Kusatsu Local Honey
草津地産はちみつ
Pure honey harvested from local wildflowers in the Kusatsu region, offering a unique regional flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy 24-hour parking, restrooms, and scenic park spaces for relaxation.
Information Center
The roadside station features a comprehensive information center that provides guidance and assistance to visitors. It serves as a starting point for exploring the area and offers details about local attractions, events, and services.
Main building
Parking
The roadside station offers ample parking space for visitors. The parking area is available 24 hours a day.
Front of the main building
Restroom
Public toilets are available at the roadside station and are accessible 24 hours a day. A renovation project for the restroom was announced on October 27, 2025.
Near the main entrance
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station for visitors' convenience.
Throughout the facility
Play Area
The station includes a spacious park area where visitors can enjoy walking, sightseeing, and relaxing. The park is ideal for families and children.
Within the station grounds
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available at the roadside station for visitors traveling with EVs.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitors to withdraw cash conveniently.
Near the main entrance
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is available for mothers with infants, providing a comfortable and quiet space for breastfeeding or changing diapers.
Inside the main building
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around seasonal highlights and local insights for the best journey.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the "Shakunage" restaurant before the morning rush, as the local specialty udon with upper Ashigara pork and Kusatsu hot spring gyoza are typically sold out by 11:30 AM.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter near the main entrance to pick up the limited-edition Kusatsu-style bean paste sweets, which are only available in the morning and sold out by midday.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the outdoor seating area near the brick building by 10:00 AM to enjoy the free foot bath at the Kusatsu Onsen Gate, which opens at 10:00 AM and attracts crowds quickly.
- Best Photo Spot: Head to the elevated viewing bridge behind the main building before 11:00 AM on weekdays to capture unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains without the midday tourist congestion.
- Exclusive Product Tip: Purchase the "Kusatsu Mountain Tea" blend at the souvenir shop between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, as it is only restocked once daily and often sells out by 1:00 PM.
- Best Time for Relaxation: Visit the back garden area near the BanZip TENGU information booth between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM on weekdays to enjoy the quiet atmosphere and panoramic views without the afternoon tour group noise.
- Local Experience: Take the short 5-minute walk from the roadside station to the "Ryokuchi" hidden wellness area to try the free face bath and visit the comic café, which opens at 11:00 AM and is only accessible via the footpath behind the main building.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market in early spring, with peak canola flower viewing in late April.
Summer (June–August): Ideal for enjoying the scenic views from the elevated walkway and visiting the nearby hot spring areas.
Autumn (September–November): Best time for viewing autumn foliage, with illuminated park walks from late October.
Winter (December–February): Quiet season with snow-covered landscapes, offering peaceful visits to the roadside station.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a spacious park, stroller-friendly paths, and a children's play area. Features kid-friendly local food options and interactive exhibits at the Bellts Memorial Hall, enhancing family appeal.
Food Lover Review
Serves authentic local cuisine like Utsunomiya pork noodle soup and Kusatsu hot spring dumplings. Offers fresh regional produce and a variety of unique, high-quality artisanal snacks.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour restrooms and vending machines, with a quiet setting ideal for short stops. Overnight parking is not explicitly permitted, limiting extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Boasts panoramic views from the elevated site, with seasonal beauty in autumn and well-designed scenic viewpoints. The German-inspired brick architecture enhances the aesthetic appeal.