Located on the Karasuma Peninsula in Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture, overlooking Lake Biwa, this hands-on museum explores the lake’s origins and the relationships between people and other living things. Covering approximately 55,000 square meters, it is one of Japan’s largest museums dedicated to a lake and is also known for its freshwater aquarium exhibits, a rarity in Japan. Since opening in October 1996, the museum has welcomed more than 11 million visitors in pursuit of its mission to work with local communities to build a better relationship between people and the lake.
In 2016, one of Japan’s largest freshwater exhibits was renovated and Baikal seals, which can be seen nowhere else in western Japan, were introduced. In 2018, the Discovery Room was renovated with interactive features that allow visitors of all ages to explore Lake Biwa and its wildlife using all five senses. A new elevated walkway leading toward Lake Biwa was also added.
In October 2020, the museum held its grand reopening following an approximately six-year renovation. New attractions include Exhibition Room A, home to the world’s first half-body, half-skeleton specimen of a Stegodon zdanskyi, and Exhibition Room B, where augmented reality (AR) technology allows visitors to view a Maruko boat floating on Lake Biwa through a tablet. The museum’s new concept is “The Power of Lake Biwa.” Experience the long, deep connections among Lake Biwa, living things, and people, and rediscover the power of Japan’s largest lake.
Highlights
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A hands-on museum where visitors can learn about Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake.
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One of Japan’s largest museums dedicated to a lake.
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Features freshwater aquarium exhibits, which are rare in Japan.
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Held its grand reopening in October 2020 following an approximately six-year renovation.
