Lake Biwa Museum is a museum on Lake Biwa in Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture. The museum was opened in 1996 and the aquarium underwent a renovation in 2016.
Visitors can learn about the history of Lake Biwa and its living things under the theme of ‘people and lakes’. The aquarium is approximately 2,000 meters squared, making it the largest exhibition of freshwater organisms in the country.
Contents
Experience Lake Biwa inside the aquarium
In the exhibition entitled ‘The lake and us: living with its living creatures’ visitors learn about the relationship between the way humans live and Lake Biwa, and also the value of Lake Biwa as an ancient lake. The tunnel aquarium and the giant Lake Biwa catfish exhibition are must-sees. Walking through the tunnel you can see freshwater fish such as carp, trout, eel and catfish in an environment that makes you feel as if you are walking underwater in Lake Biwa.
During the renovation of 2016, the aquarium installed an underwater sound broadcasting system developed by the Department of Science and Engineering at Ritsumeikan University that effectively removes noise such as pump sounds to let visitors ‘hear the fish’. Now it is possible to observe the fish in the same auditory environment as if they were swimming in Lake Biwa, increasing the feeling of being in their world.
Become more familiar with the creatures of Lake Baikal
See Japanese fluvial sculpin and shrimp from Lake Baikal, the world’s oldest lake. This is an important exhibition as it is the only exhibition in Japan dedicated to the endemic species of Lake Baikal. The only Baikal seals in Kansai are exhibited here. Baikal seals are related to the spotted seal and are the only seals to inhabit freshwater. There are thought to be about six to nine million Baikal seals living near Lake Baikal and its surrounding river in Russia. They have dark gray-brown fur covering their whole bodies, with yellowish bellies. They are said to be good divers, capable of remaining underwater for tens of minutes.
Talk with a curator in the question corner of the library
On weekends and holidays there is a curator available to answer any questions and help visitors enjoy learning about the creatures of Lake Biwa. They are continuing renovations here to create more exhibits for adults to enjoy. Future visitors will have even more to enjoy!
Getting here
| Address | 1091 Shitabutsu-cho, Kusatsu City 525-0001, Shiga Prefecture |
| ☎ | 077-568-4811 |
| Access | The aquarium direction page (Japanese) |
Access Map
Admission Tickets, Price
| Fees | General | One-year pass |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 750 yen | 1,500 yen |
| High shool & college student | 400 yen | 800 yen |
| Primary & middle school student | free | — |
Opening Hours & Calendar
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| General | 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Last entry 4:30 p.m. |
| Days closed | Every Monday (If a Monday is a national holiday, then the next day) |
Note: Schedule may vary. Please check the opening hours on the official website.
Official website
FAQs
Nursing Lounge
The aquarium has a nursing room for babies. Hot water is available for infant formula.
Coin lockers
The aquarium has a coin-operated lockers.
Baby stroller rental service
Baby strollers are available free of charge.
Wheelchair rental service
Wheelchairs are available free of charge.
