Cafeteria and Gift Shop
Lotus with everything!
After an hour or more exploring Kusatsu Aquatic Botanical Garden Mizunomori, many visitors will be ready for a rest. The cafeteria has an outdoor terrace and magnificent views of Hanakage Pond and Lake Biwa. The best-selling item on the menu is green soft-serve ice cream made with powdered lotus leaves. For those seeking more substantial fare, there are green-tinged udon noodles made with the same lotus leaf powder, and a curry dish topped with lotus root chips. The tableware also features aquatic plants, with some dishes presented on green plates modeled after the lily pads of the giant South American water lily (Victoria cruziana) in the pond outside.
For visitors interested in lotus-themed souvenirs, the gift shop at the entrance of the cafeteria sells lotus noodles (hasu-men) and lotus tea. There is also a selection of jewelry featuring resin-encased lotus petals, the work of an artisan based in Kusatsu.