Lake Biwa Museum
滋賀県立琵琶湖博物館35°04′ N 135°56′ EMuseum¥840, about CAD 7.60 or USD 5.30 (October 2026 rates)
The prefecture's lake museum suits families and anyone who wants to know what lives in Lake Biwa, though some aquarium tanks are shut for repairs and there's almost nowhere inside to eat a packed lunch.
The museum looks at how lakes and people shape each other, with Lake Biwa and its long history at the centre. The aquarium holds the lake's own fish, and children get their own Discovery Room. Adults pay ¥840 for the permanent exhibits, university students ¥470, and everyone under 18 gets in free. The ticket is good all day, so you can leave for lunch and come back.
Some tanks are closed while the museum replaces their acrylic panels, including the catfish tanks and the Lake Malawi tank, and you may hear building work in the aquarium hall. Apart from the Malawi fish, you can find the same species in other tanks. The Discovery Room runs timed sessions from 10:00 with tickets handed out at its door, closing from noon to 13:00. School groups get the room first on some weekday slots.
From JR Kusatsu Station, take the Ohmi Railway bus from stop 2 at the west exit for about 25 minutes. Kusatsu is about 20 minutes from Kyoto on the special rapid. On weekends and holidays a small boat runs from Ogoto Onsen port in about 20 minutes for ¥1,000 one way.
Worth knowing
- The museum closes on Mondays, opening when Monday is a holiday.
- It closes on 14 March 2027 for the Biwako Marathon, which finishes on the Karasuma Peninsula.
- Car parking costs ¥550, and museum visitors get a free-parking voucher at the information desk.
Quick answers about Lake Biwa Museumよくある質問
How much is the Lake Biwa Museum?
The permanent exhibits cost ¥840 for adults and ¥470 for university students. Visitors under 18 get in free, and special exhibitions cost extra.
Is the Lake Biwa Museum open on Mondays?
No, except when Monday is a public holiday. It opens 9:30 to 17:00 with last entry at 16:00.
When is the best time to visit Lake Biwa Museum?
Lake Biwa Museum: A weekday morning, before the Discovery Room tickets run out.
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