Shiga · Permanent cultural facility
Lake Biwa Museum
Explore Lake Biwa through both its wildlife and the lives built around it, from fishing gear and cargo boats to freshwater habitats. The museum adds depth to a walk along the lakeshore.
What to see
- Historical displays about marukobune cargo boats, fishing gear and lakeside life.
- Aquarium exhibits linking Lake Biwa’s fish and endemic species with fishing culture.
- Outdoor exhibits and a treetop walk exploring the lake-and-forest environment.
JR Biwako Line Kusatsu Station → your visit
- From west-exit bus stop 2, take an Ohmi Railway bus bound for Biwako Hakubutsukan, about 25 minutes, and get off at the museum terminus.
- Check the return bus in advance. A taxi from Kusatsu takes about 20 minutes.
A dated museum display
A taimen (Hucho taimen) at Lake Biwa Museum. Reference photograph taken on 21 August 2024; not a guarantee of the current exhibits.
Closures & important conditions
Normally closed Mondays, but open on public holidays. Do not assume every holiday shifts closure to Tuesday: use the dated calendar. Closed December 27, 2026–January 3, 2027; January 18–22; and March 14. The official calendar opens January 4, 11 and 12, plus March 22, 23 and 29.
- The March 14, 2027 closure is associated with the Biwako Marathon. Check weather and safety restrictions for outdoor areas.
Plan your visit
Checked: 2026-11-06 · a facility guide, not a dated festival listing
Hours & admission arrangements
09:30–17:00; last admission 16:00.
Permanent displays: adults ¥840; university students ¥470; high school students and younger, and under-18s, free. Same-day admission is available; adults and university students also have an online option. Some special exhibitions cost extra.
- Address: 1091 Oroshimo, Kusatsu, Shiga.
- Outdoor exhibits and the treetop walk do not require an exhibition ticket.
- Pocket Curator offers written explanations in seven languages; foreign-language audio playback is not available.
- Elevators, ramps, multipurpose toilets, limited free wheelchair/stroller loans and assistance-dog access are provided.
What still needs checking
- Same-day exhibit restrictions and event capacity, and online-ticket change/cancellation terms.
Official sources & photographs
- Official source 1 ↗
- Official source 2 ↗
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Access to individual areas, exhibits and activities can vary by day.
Announced exhibitions
Periods can include closed days. Open each exhibition for its own conditions.
- Curator’s Focus 36: Imagining the Edo-Period Lakeshore through the Minato Hanjō Picture Scroll · 2026-09-15 – 2026-11-15