This video offers a unique, high-speed look at the JR West Kusatsu Line from Kusatsu Station to Tsuge Station, using a five-times speed boost for a dynamic viewing experience. Filmed in April 2023 during peak cherry blossom season, the journey showcases beautiful sakura-lined tracks and provides a detailed look at station stops, landscape, and rail operations. Map tracking and a speedometer overlay, captured via GPS, let viewers follow the route and the train’s velocity, adding a technical dimension for railway fans.

The video features the 221 Series EMU operated by JR West. The Kusatsu Line’s local train departs from Kusatsu Station, making brief stops at several notable stations: Tehara, Ishibe, Kosei, Mikumo, Kibukawa, Konan, Terashō, Kōka, and Aburahi before finally arriving at Tsuge Station. Along the way, the scenery transitions from urban peripheries to rural Shiga countryside, highlighted by landscapes dotted with blooming cherry trees—a signature scene for train rides in spring Japan.

Some key stations include Kusatsu, a regional transport hub in Shiga Prefecture, and Tsuge, located further southeast at the meeting point with the Kansai Main Line. The stops along the Kusatsu Line underscore the region’s mix of small towns and agricultural areas. For visitors interested in Japanese local trains or the seasonal views of sakura, this ride is a great showcase.

Travelers should note that the video’s speed and map data rely on GPS, which may be inaccurate in tunnels or near tall buildings, as explained by the creator. However, for those interested in planning rail journeys across Shiga and surrounding areas or for railway enthusiasts researching Japanese EMUs and tracks, this accelerated Kusatsu Line video provides both insight and inspiration.