Question 1

How do I get there from Kusatsu Station?

Accepted Answer

From stand 2 at the west exit of Kusatsu Station on the JR Biwako Line, take the Ohmi Railway bus for Lake Biwa Museum, about 25 minutes, and alight at the last stop, Lake Biwa Museum; the museum is right there. The special rapid service from Kyoto to Kusatsu takes about 20 minutes.

Question 2

Is there a hands-on area for children?

Accepted Answer

There are hands-on exhibition spaces such as the Discovery Room, where you can look at, touch and try things. Admission is free for elementary school children and under, so families can visit easily.

Question 3

Where do the Lake Biwa pleasure boats leave from?

Accepted Answer

In the milder seasons pleasure boats run from Kusatsu Karasuma Peninsula Port, mainly at weekends and on public holidays, including sailings by the Lake West Yacht Club. Please see the official website for details.

Question 4

What are the museum's opening hours and closed days?

Accepted Answer

Open 9:30-17:00 (last admission 16:00). Closed on Mondays (open when Monday is a public holiday), over the New Year period, and occasionally at other times. Please check the opening calendar on the official website before visiting.

Question 5

How much is admission? Is it free for children?

Accepted Answer

Admission to the permanent exhibition is 800 yen for adults, 450 yen for high school and university students, and free for elementary and junior high school students. Special exhibitions carry a separate charge (adults 300 yen, high school and university students 240 yen, elementary and junior high school students 150 yen).

Question 6

What was added in the 2020 renovation?

Accepted Answer

New displays were added to bring 4 million years of the power of Lake Biwa to life, including an experiential display of a marukobune boat using augmented reality and an impressive elephant skeleton. The elevated Canopy Trail walkway was also built.

Question 7

Can I see Baikal seals?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Baikal seals are on display, and this is the only place in the Kansai region where you can see them. There are other displays rare in Japan too, including the Lake Biwa giant catfish and a mammoth.

Question 8

What is the Canopy Trail?

Accepted Answer

It is an elevated walkway on the museum grounds from which you can observe insects and plants from above the trees. There is also a view towards Lake Biwa, and it is popular with adults and children alike.

Question 9

What creatures are in the aquarium displays?

Accepted Answer

It is one of the largest freshwater aquarium displays in Japan, showing species endemic to Lake Biwa along with Baikal seals and the Lake Biwa giant catfish. You can experience the diversity of life in Lake Biwa, one of the world's few ancient lakes.

Question 10

Is there a restaurant or cafe?

Accepted Answer

There is a restaurant and a museum shop. The menu uses Shiga ingredients including lake fish, local vegetables, Omi rice and Omi beef.

Question 11

Is there parking, and how much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

There is a large car park (paid) on the Kusatsu Karasuma Peninsula where the museum stands, convenient for those travelling by car. Please check the official website for charges and capacity.

Question 12

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

From stand 2 at the west exit of Kusatsu Station on the JR Biwako Line, take the Ohmi Railway bus for Lake Biwa Museum, about 25 minutes, and the museum is right by the last stop. About 20 minutes by car from the west exit of JR Kusatsu Station.

Question 13

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

Mondays (open when Monday is a public holiday), the New Year period, and occasional additional closures.

Question 14

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 15

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

9:30-17:00 (last admission 16:00).

Question 16

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

1091 Oroshimocho, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture

Question 17

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Adults 800 yen, high school and university students 450 yen, elementary and junior high school students free (permanent exhibition).

How can we help you?

Quick categories