Miho Museum
An extraordinary museum by I.M. Pei embedded inside a mountain in the Shigaraki hills — reached by a long underground tunnel and suspension bridge. The collection of ancient Egyptian, Persian, Greek, and Japanese treasures rivals major city museums. The tunnel entry experience, emerging to a glass building framing mountain sky, is unforgettable.
2–3 hours
¥1,300
10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:00); closed Mon; advance reservation required in some seasons
Year-round (closed mid-December to mid-March)
Bus from Ishiyama Station (JR, about 50 min to museum); or Shigaraki Station on Shigaraki Kogen Railway (from Kibukawa, JR Kusatsu Line), then bus about 20 min (during opening seasons only). Check calendar for bus operation
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Designed by I.M. Pei and embedded inside a mountain — the entry tunnel and bridge are as important as the art
- 2
Ancient Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Greek, and Silk Road artifacts alongside Japanese antiquities
- 3
Surrounded by Shigaraki hills — the autumn foliage outside the glass walls becomes part of the exhibit
Local Tips
Designed by I.M. Pei in a forest valley, accessible via a long tunnel and bridge — the approach is the introduction. The collection (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Asian antiquities) is outstanding. Surrounded by Shigaraki ceramic region — combine with Shigaraki traditional kilns for a full Shiga cultural day.
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