Lake Biwa is one of the world's oldest lakes, estimated to be approximately 4 million years old.
The aquarium houses the Biwamasu (Biwa trout), a salmonid species that exists exclusively in Lake Biwa.
The museum features a 'Tunnel Water Tank' specifically designed to simulate the ecosystem of the lake's bottom zone.
The facility maintains a 'Discovery Room' where visitors can touch real biological specimens and engage in hands-on science activities.
It displays a reconstructed ancient environment including prehistoric elephants like the Stegodon, whose fossils have been found in the lake strata.
The museum includes a dedicated laboratory space where researchers continue to monitor the water quality and ecological shifts of the lake.
The architectural design of the facility is intended to blend into the surrounding landscape of the Karasuma Peninsula.
The Lake Biwa Museum is a premier institution dedicated to the natural history and biodiversity of Japan's largest freshwater lake. It uniquely combines an extensive natural history museum with an integrated aquarium that highlights the endemic species of Lake Biwa. The museum is located on the eastern shore of the Karasuma Peninsula in Kusatsu, Shiga. Its exhibits track the evolution of the lake over four million years, including the diverse flora and fauna that have inhabited the basin. A key feature is the 'Tunnel Tank' that allows visitors to view the aquatic environment from an underwater perspective. The facility also focuses on the historical relationship between humans and the lake, documenting traditional fishing practices and sustainable water management. Interactive displays, such as the Discovery Room, provide hands-on engagement for visitors to explore biological samples. The museum premises include outdoor exhibits that recreate the historical landscape of the local region.
The glass tunnel in the aquarium section offers a panoramic view of the lake's fish against the backdrop of the tank's unique lighting.
Prioritize visiting the aquarium section first to see the larger endemic fish when they are most active.
Spend extra time in the outdoor 'Tree of Life' area to view the representative forest landscapes of the Shiga region.
Check the daily events calendar at the entrance for potential feeding sessions or guided research demonstrations.
Do not rush through the outdoor historical exhibit zones, as they provide critical context for the indoor archaeological collections.
Closed on Mondays; if Monday is a public holiday, the museum remains open and will close the following Tuesday instead.
Maintain a quiet volume in the aquarium areas to avoid distressing the aquatic animals, and avoid using flash photography near the glass tanks.
