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The Lake Biwa Museum (Biwako Hakubutsukan) is located in Shiga, Japan. It was founded in 1996. The Lake Biwa Museum was established in order to introduce the nature and culture of this valuable lake to everyone, under the theme of “Lakes and people".

The Lake Biwa Museum’s aquarium is one of the largest freshwater aquarium facilities in Japan, and features fishes and other aquatic organisms from Lake Biwa, its watershed and several other lakes of the world.

Lake Biwa is the largest freshwater resource in Japan, with a surface area of 670.25 km2 and a maximum depth of 104.1 m. More than 450 rivers and streams flow directly into the lake, but there is only one natural outlet, the Seta River. Lake Biwa is also famous as one of the most ancient lakes. Its history has many facets, and one that has left long trace is the interaction between humans and the lake.


 * Opening times:

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday.

9:30 am to 5:00 pm　( Last entry 4:30 pm)

A bus from JR Kusatsu station. It takes 25 minutes from JR Kusatsu station.
 * Public transit access

The Museum is usually closed on Mondays, unless that day is a national holiday, and certain other times of the year (e.g. New Year holiday). Please consult the table to plan your visit.
 * Museum Holidays

Adults - 750 yen (600 yen each for groups of 20 or more)
 * Admission Fees

University/High School Students - 400 yen (320 yen each for groups of 20 or more)

Elementary/ Junior High School Students - Free

Residents of Shiga Prefecture 65 years old or older - Free

Persons with disabilities - Free


 * EXHIBITION

EXHIBITION GALLERY A:   The Geological History of Lake Biwa

EXHIBITION GALLERY B:   Human History and Folklore Around Lake Biwa

EXHIBITION GALLERY C:   The Lake Environment and Our Lifestyle

AQUARIUM : The Aquarium & Micro Aquarium

EXHIBITION GALLERY D:   The Discovery Room(for children)

EXHIBITION GALLERY O:    Outdoor Exhibits

EXHIBITION GALLERY S:   Special Exhibitions


 * Other Facilities and Amenities

Local Exhibitions

The Library

Museum Shop

Restaurant and Cafeteria


 * References

Brief Guide to the Exhibits

A Guide to the Lake Biwa Museum, March 2003, Andrew Rossiter