ABOUT
About this spot
With the theme of "Lakes and People," this is one of Japan's largest museums, where you can enjoy 4 million years of Lake Biwa's history with all five senses. The highlight is the aquarium exhibit room, one of the largest freshwater fish exhibits in Japan. In the tunnel tank, where fish swim overhead, you can closely observe the Biwa trout, native to Lake Biwa, and large freshwater rays, giving you an immersive feeling as if walking along the lake bottom. The adorable Baikal seals, rare worldwide, are also popular. Exhibits cover a wide range of fields including history, archaeology, folklore, and natural science, with models recreating life in the past and specimens you can actually touch, designed with many touches that engage both adults and children. A major renovation was completed in 2020, evolving into a more refined exhibition space. Inside is a restaurant with a view of Lake Biwa, with food you can only enjoy here, such as tendon made with black bass and pasta with Biwa trout. It is a leading Shiga sightseeing spot suitable for an active weekend with family, or for satisfying your intellectual curiosity on your own.
Last updated March 28, 2026