The Kusatsu River was historically known as a 'ceiling river' (tenjo-gawa) because its riverbed was higher than the surrounding residential streets due to sediment accumulation.
The park project began following a massive river diversion initiative in 2002 to move the river channel outside the city center.
The onsite cafe, 'Kusatsu-gawara', is integrated into the park's architecture and offers views of the former river embankment.
The park layout preserves the physical 'height' difference of the former riverbed to provide unique topography in a flat landscape.
Designers incorporated a mix of open grass lawns and paved pedestrian paths to facilitate both active play and quiet transit.
Kusatsugawa Atochi Park de Ai Hiroba is built on the reclaimed bed of the former Kusatsu River, which flowed above ground level through the city center until 2002. This linear park transforms the raised riverbed into a multi-purpose public space featuring modern architectural interventions and garden paths. The park is divided into distinct zones, with Section 5 serving as a community hub containing a cafe, a multi-purpose plaza, and a playground. It utilizes the natural elevation of the former embankment to provide elevated vantage points over the surrounding city landscape. The site serves as a flood-mitigation success story, repurposing a hazardous 'ceiling river' into a pedestrian-friendly green corridor. Vegetation is integrated into the structural design to bridge the gap between the urban street level and the elevated park surface.
From the elevated wooden decks overlooking the long, linear expanse of the park gardens.
Bring a picnic blanket to use on the extensive green lawns during temperate weather.
Visit the cafe terrace for an elevated view of the park's design layout.
Follow the long, narrow path to see how the park links different parts of the city through the former river channel.
Attempting to find the river; it is a dried-up bed that no longer functions as a watercourse.
None.
Keep noise levels low near residential areas bordering the park; do not leave trash in the green spaces.
