Lake Biwa Museum

滋賀県立琵琶湖博物館

The Lake Biwa Museum is a prefectural museum on the shore of Lake Biwa in Kusatsu. It is the largest museum in Japan with a lake as its theme, with many kinds of exhibits. Its aquarium focuses on freshwater fish, which is rare. Visitors can see all the species found only in Lake Biwa, as well as freshwater fish from Japan and abroad.

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Visitor information

Opening hours: 9:30–17:00 (last entry 16:00).
Closed: Mondays (open if Monday is a holiday), plus other temporary closures.
Admission: Permanent exhibition: adults 840 yen; university students 470 yen; high school students and younger free.
Getting there: From JR Kusatsu Station west exit, bus stop 2, take the Ohmi Railway bus bound for the Lake Biwa Museum (about 25 minutes) and get off at the museum.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

Parking costs 550 yen per car, but museum visitors receive a free parking ticket at the information desk.

Tips for Muslim visitors

There are almost no places inside the museum to eat food you bring yourself, such as a packed lunch.
Photography with flash or lighting is not allowed, and selfie sticks and tripods cannot be used.
Tickets are valid for the whole day, so you can leave and come back in again.
Museums are quiet, indoor places that are good for a break, but few have a prayer room. Staff may let you use a quiet corner if you ask politely.
Photography rules change by exhibition. Check the signs before taking pictures.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Shiga and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.