At a glance
A-Square is a modern shopping complex in Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture, just minutes from JR Kusatsu Station. This wheelchair-accessible mall features diverse retail shops, restaurants, entertainment options, and convenient amenities, including a supermarket, food court, and children's playground. Free parking available for up to three hours.
Photographs
A-Square Shopping Mall
A‑SQUARE at Kusatsu Station stretches from the west exit of JR Kusatsu, just a few minutes on foot. Since its opening in March 1996, the complex has grown into a sprawling hub of roughly 130 stores, featuring everyday staples like Al Plaza Kusatsu and DIO WORLD, along with fashion favorites like UNIQLO, MUJI, and GU in the Big SARA wing. The site spans nearly 58,600 m² and encloses a generous town‑centre, style parking area, never feeling like a typical mall layout but more like a gentle community square.
Built on what was once a horse‑racing track and later an Ayaha textile complex, A‑SQUARE interweaves local regional history into its modern character. The “SARA” section stands for Shopping, Amusement & Restaurant Avenue, and is where you’ll find changing pop‑up workshops in pottery and textiles, ceramics stalls, and tidily themed displays.
Every early summer, the famous Umbrella Patio arches across two main zones festooning the ceilings with hundreds of colorful umbrellas to soften the rainy‑season mood. It’s been running for eight consecutive years, and for 2025 the sculpture‑like theme was a poetic tribute to rain with traditional “wa” (和) colors that both float above and reflect below as dancing shadows on the ground. Umbrella Patio at A‑SQUARE is strictly a seasonal event, not a permanent installation, usually only in summers.
Despite the scale of A‑SQUARE, there’s a surprising rhythm of human touch. By mid‑afternoon the sun picks out louvers and café topis from the Atrium Food Court, and the open plazas hum with pop‑up events—strummed acoustic sets, whimsical bubble‑art demos, even tempura cooking demonstrations. When the SUIME aquarium is installed, you’ll typically find playful elements like origami sea creatures hanging alongside the umbrellas, encouraging spontaneous snapshots. It’s worth climbing up to the second‑floor terrace for a panoramic framing of gravity‑defying umbrella lines, or finding the soft path lighting at dusk to capture the mall’s welcoming energy
Before you go
The food courts and cafés cluster near the central plaza and generally have English menus. A dedicated children’s play zone in the north wing allows kids to stretch their legs, but tables can stay occupied on busy days, so if you bring snacks there’s space to sit nearby in the common seating areas. Photography is allowed in the open areas including Umbrella Patio and Aquatic art displays. Please be mindful of event staff or other guests when setting up shots.
A‑SQUARE is open year-round, though some stores may open later or close earlier. It remains open during major holidays, including New Year’s, when it hosts special events like the first sale week.
When to go
A-Square Shopping Mall features seasonal decorations and events throughout the year, with the Umbrella Sky installation being a major highlight every summer. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable shopping conditions with moderate temperatures and special seasonal promotions. Early weekday mornings, especially between 9 AM and 11 AM, provide the most relaxed shopping experience with minimal crowds. Avoid peak weekend hours between 1 PM and 4 PM when the mall reaches maximum capacity.
Average crowd levels throughout the day, based on historical data.
Public review summary
Visitors consistently praise the diverse dining and shopping options while noting the malls convenient location and cleanliness. The spacious layout and family-friendly amenities receive positive feedback, particularly the childrens play areas and accessibility features. Some concerns are raised about weekend crowding and parking lot congestion, with specific mentions of traffic flow issues during peak times. The parking staff interactions and air conditioning maintenance draw occasional criticism.
What you'll find here
Location & access
- DirectionsAddress
1 Chome-23-1 Nishishibukawa, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-0025, Japan
- How to get there
By Public Transportation: From JR Biwako (Tokaido) Line Kusatsu Station, use the west exit and walk about 3 minutes west to the A‑SQUARE main entrance . The train ride from Osaka takes roughly 50 minutes via Kobe Line, and around 30 minutes from Kyoto.
By Car: Take the Meishin Expressway, exit at Rittō IC, then drive south along Route 1 toward Ōtsu for about 15 minutes. Parking is ample at 3,000 spaces.
Common questions
Is A-Square Shopping Mall wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the mall features wheelchair accessible entrances, parking lots, and restrooms throughout the facility. The aisles are specifically designed to be wide and easy to navigate with wheelchairs and strollers.
What payment methods are accepted at A-Square?
The mall accepts a wide range of payment options including credit cards, debit cards, and various digital payments like PayPay, au PAY, Rakuten Pay, and transit IC cards. NFC mobile payments and V-Money are also accepted throughout the facility.
What are the parking options at A-Square?
The facility offers paid parking with approximately 3,000 spaces. The first 2 hours are free for all visitors, with additional free time available with purchases. The multi-story and rooftop parking areas close at 21:00.
What types of stores can I find at A-Square?
The mall features a diverse mix of stores including fashion retailers like Uniqlo and GU, supermarkets, electronics stores, home improvement centers, specialty shops, and various dining options. There's also an arcade and children's facilities.
How far is A-Square from Kusatsu Station?
A-Square is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from JR Kusatsu Station, making it easily accessible by public transportation. The mall's entrance is visible from the station's west exit.
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