Aquarium ・ Shiga · JAZA member

Lake Biwa Museum滋賀県立琵琶湖博物館

A comprehensive museum run by Shiga Prefecture on the theme of Lake Biwa, one of the world's foremost ancient lakes. Using real specimens and dioramas, it presents the lake's 4-million-year history, its 20,000-year relationship with people, and its connections to life today. Its freshwater life exhibit is among the largest in Japan, and it serves a wide range of visitors, from the children's Discovery Room to "Discovery for Adults."

Hours
Regular 09:30–17:00（exceptions apply）
Access
Get off at Kusatsu Station on the JR Biwako Line (about 20 minutes from Kyoto by special rapid train).
Parking
420 spaces Source

Updated: ／ Source: www.biwahaku.jp www.biwahaku.jp www.biwahaku.jp www.biwahaku.jp

Exterior of Lake Biwa Museum
Photo: Kekero / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Source / cropped

Basic Information

TypeAquarium
LocationShiga
JAZA MembershipJAZA member
OpenedUnconfirmed
Official / Social

Highlights

  1. Gallery A: "4 Million Years of the Lake and Us"

    Presents the origins of Lake Biwa and the changes in its living things through real specimens and dioramas. Source

  2. Aquarium gallery

    Experience the relationship between people and the aquatic life of Lake Biwa in one of the largest freshwater life exhibits in Japan. Source

  3. Curious creatures of ancient lakes

    Includes exhibits found nowhere else in Japan, such as creatures from Lake Baikal. Source

  4. Fossil exhibit

    Introduces fossils from the geological past, such as elephants that once lived around Lake Biwa. Source

  5. Discovery Room

    A hands-on space that children and adults can enjoy together. Source

Access

Get off at Kusatsu Station on the JR Biwako Line (about 20 minutes from Kyoto by special rapid train). From bus stop 2 at the West Exit, take an Ohmi Railway bus bound for Biwako Hakubutsukan (about 25 minutes) and get off at Biwako Hakubutsukan; the museum is right there. By taxi, about 20 minutes each from the West Exit of JR Kusatsu Station, the West Exit of JR Moriyama Station, or Katata Station on the JR Kosei Line. Source

Parking

420 spaces Source

Hours and Admission

Hours9:30–17:00 (last entry 16:00). Closed every Monday (open if Monday is a holiday). Temporary closures occur (temporarily closed the morning of August 21, 2026; closed March 14, 2027, for the Biwako Marathon). Source
AdmissionPermanent exhibits (valid for one day): Adults and university students ¥840; high school students and under 18 ¥470; junior high, elementary, and preschool children free. Special exhibits: adults and university students ¥340; high school students and under 18 ¥270; junior high and elementary school students ¥170. Shiga residents aged 65 and over: permanent exhibits free. Holders of a physical disability certificate or similar, plus a caregiver: free for both permanent and special exhibits. Source

Hours and admission may change.Check the Official Site for the latest information.

Animals You Can Meet

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FAQ

When is the museum closed?
The regular closing day is every Monday (open if Monday is a holiday); there may also be temporary closures. Source
Can I buy tickets online?
Online tickets are available for the permanent exhibits. Source
Is there a discount for seniors living in Shiga Prefecture?
Shiga residents aged 65 and over can view the permanent exhibits free of charge. Source
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Can I borrow a wheelchair or stroller?
Wheelchairs and strollers are available free of charge at the main reception desk (limited numbers). Source
Is there a nursing room?
There is a nursing room on the 1st floor, equipped with a bed, chairs, and a hot water supply. Source
Can I bring my pet?
Pets other than assistance dogs are not allowed, and there is no pet-sitting service. Source
Can I re-enter the museum?
Admission tickets are valid for the whole day, so you can re-enter after going outside. Source

Compare nearby facilities

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Operating facilities near Lake Biwa Museum
Facility Adult admission Hours Visit time Parking Named residents
Kyoto City Zoo ¥750 — — — 4
Kyoto Aquarium ¥2,600 — 90–120 min — —
Arashiyamamonki Park Iwatayama ¥800 09:00–16:00 — — —
NIFREL ¥2,400 — — — —
átoa ¥2,600 10:00–19:00 — — —

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Learn More About This Facility’s Animals 350 species

Data attribution

www.jaza.jp www.jaza.jp www.biwahaku.jp www.biwahaku.jp www.biwahaku.jp www.biwahaku.jp www.biwahaku.jp www.biwahaku.jp

Last verified: ／ Source: www.jaza.jp www.jaza.jp