MIHO MUSEUM in Shigaraki, Kōka City, Shiga Prefecture, is an art museum where visitors can experience mountain scenery, architecture designed by I. M. Pei, ancient art from around the world, and Japanese art as a unified whole.
The time spent walking from the Reception Pavilion near the parking lot and bus stop to the Museum Wing is also designed as part of the viewing experience.
However, the museum is not open every day throughout the year; it has spring, summer, and autumn opening periods, as well as closures for exhibition changes.
Before setting out, check the opening calendar and exhibition information to confirm that the museum is open on your planned date, which works are on display, and whether you can catch the return bus.
What Is MIHO MUSEUM? | An Art Museum in the Mountains of Shigaraki
MIHO MUSEUM is located in the nature-rich mountains of Shigaraki and was inspired by the idea of a utopian paradise.
Rather than separating the architecture from the art, the museum lets visitors enjoy the scenery and changing light along the way as part of the experience.
A Collection of Ancient Art from Around the World and Japanese Art
MIHO MUSEUM houses a wide range of Japanese art and ancient art from around the world.
Its Japanese art collection includes tea utensils, Shinto and Buddhist art, paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, and lacquerware.
The works on display change depending on the season, so if you want to see a particular piece, check the current exhibition and display list.
The Name MIHO Comes from the Founder
The name MIHO was taken from the name of the museum’s founder, Mihoko Koyama.
Because the English name alone does not make the museum’s location or collection clear, check “MIHO MUSEUM” on the map together with its address in Tashiro-Momodani, Shigaraki, Kōka City.
The Approach to a Utopian Paradise | Walk through the Tunnel and across the Suspension Bridge
The route from the Reception Pavilion to the Museum Wing was inspired by the utopian world described in Tao Yuanming’s “The Peach Blossom Spring.”
Visitors approach the building by following an avenue of weeping cherry trees, a curved tunnel, and a suspension bridge across the valley.
Walk from the Tree-Lined Path into the Tunnel
The Museum Wing does not reveal its full form immediately from the starting point; the scenery unfolds as you continue along the path.
Spring cherry blossoms and autumn colors vary with the weather, so do not assume fixed peak-viewing dates and check the seasonal information.
Observe the relationship between the path and scenery from a place where you will not obstruct other pedestrians.
See the Light in the Tunnel and the Suspension Bridge
After passing through the curved tunnel, the museum entrance with its irimoya-style roof appears beyond the bridge spanning the valley.
The brightness and appearance of the materials change as you move, and the architectural experience begins before you enter the galleries.
When taking photographs inside the tunnel or on the bridge, choose where you stop carefully and watch the paths used by pedestrians and electric vehicles.
Choose between Walking and the Free Electric Vehicle
It takes 7 to 8 minutes to walk from the Reception Pavilion to the Museum Wing.
A free 10-seat electric vehicle that requires no reservation is also available; the ride takes 3 to 5 minutes, and service is provided as needed at intervals of 10 to 15 minutes.
If walking is difficult or the weather is poor, ask on-site staff about the operating status before using it.
Architecture by I. M. Pei | A Design That Brings in Nature and Light
I. M. Pei, who designed MIHO MUSEUM, is an architect known for works including the glass pyramid at the Louvre Museum.
In Shigaraki, he chose to harmonize the building with the mountain environment rather than make a large structure stand out.
About 80% of the Building Is Underground
To protect the environment, approximately 80% of the entire building is underground.
The full structure is difficult to see from outside, and the building is arranged to blend into the mountain terrain.
As you move among the entrance, galleries, and outdoor views, imagining the relationship between the visible and hidden portions can deepen your understanding of the architecture.
Glass Roof and Limestone
Inside, natural light enters through the glass roof and combines with walls of beige limestone.
The space frame supporting the roof is a structure made from geometric combinations of triangles.
In addition to the artworks, the ceiling structure, wall materials, and mountain ranges visible through the windows are architectural highlights.
Move between the North Wing and South Wing
The Museum Wing has a North Wing and a South Wing, and their use changes according to the current special exhibitions and collection displays.
You can begin viewing from either the north or south galleries, and route signs are provided where needed.
Check the floor map and exhibition information upon entering, then choose your order based on crowd levels and the length of your stay.
How to View the Exhibitions and Plan Your Visit | Combine Art, Architecture, and Food
At MIHO MUSEUM, you can appreciate its character more fully by planning for the approach, architecture, and rest time instead of rushing through only the exhibitions.
Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours, including the time needed to move around after arrival.
Check the Current Exhibitions First
Exhibition content changes during the spring, summer, and autumn seasons, and individual works are not necessarily displayed at all times.
If there is a work you want to see, check the current or upcoming exhibitions, display lists, and planned exhibition changes.
Because there may be no separate admission fee for only the permanent display, also check the exhibition page for what can be viewed with the day’s ticket.
Take a Break at the Restaurant and Café
The Reception Pavilion has a restaurant open from 11:30 to 14:30, while the Museum Wing has a café open from 10:30 to 16:30.
Because the restaurant is away from the galleries, notify reception before leaving if you plan to re-enter the Museum Wing after lunch.
There may be a wait during busy periods. Reservations are not accepted, and restaurant guests are served using numbered tickets issued at the storefront on the day.
Allocate Time According to Your Priorities
If your time is limited, prioritize the approach, architecture, and galleries you want to see, then add the shop or a meal.
If you want to view the works slowly, plan for a stay of several hours and consider your return transportation.
Viewing goals and points to check can be organized as follows.
| Goal | Priority Area | Check in Advance |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Tunnel and museum interior | Weather |
| Ancient art | South Wing | Display list |
| Special exhibition | Exhibition wing | Exhibition period |
| Dining | Reception Pavilion | Operating information |
Opening Days and Admission Fees | Note the Seasonal Schedule and Exhibition Changes
Although opening hours are consistent, the opening periods and closure dates must be checked for each exhibition.
Review the opening calendar before deciding your travel date so that your visit does not coincide with a closure for an exhibition change.
Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last admission at 4 p.m.
During each spring, summer, and autumn opening period, the museum is generally closed on Mondays; when Monday is a public holiday, it closes on the following weekday.
There are also closures outside the opening periods and for exhibition changes, so do not determine whether the museum is open based only on the day of the week.
Admission Fees and Individual Reservations
Admission is 1,300 yen per adult and 1,000 yen per high school or university student; junior high school students and younger enter free.
Group discounts are available for groups of 20 or more. Visitors who present a disability certificate enter free, and 1 accompanying caregiver receives a discounted rate.
Individuals do not need reservations, and online tickets are also available for purchase.
Groups must make a reservation using an application form.
Same-Day Re-entry
Same-day re-entry is permitted, but you must notify reception when leaving the Museum Wing.
If you want to return to the exhibitions after using the restaurant or taking a break outside, check the procedure in advance.
Access and Museum Etiquette | Check the Bus from Ishiyama Station
Because the museum is in the mountains, the timetable for the scheduled bus service that operates during the opening periods affects how you plan your stay when using public transportation.
Follow the rules for photography and items brought inside, and use the multilingual services and accessible facilities as needed.
Teisan Bus from JR Ishiyama Station
From bus stop 3 at JR Ishiyama Station, take Teisan Bus Route 150 bound for MIHO MUSEUM; the journey to the final stop takes about 50 minutes.
The one-way fare is 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children, and transportation IC cards cannot be used.
This route operates only during the spring, summer, and autumn opening periods, so recheck the outbound and return timetables on the day of your visit.
Use the Free Parking Lot when Driving
By car, the museum is about 15 minutes from the Shigaraki Interchange and about 20 minutes from the Kusatsu-Tanakami Interchange on the Shin-Meishin Expressway.
The free parking lot has spaces for 300 standard vehicles and 20 large buses; follow staff directions during busy periods and for group visits.
Photography Is Generally Prohibited in the Galleries
Photography is not permitted inside the galleries unless special guidance states otherwise.
Photography is allowed outside the galleries, but tripods, selfie sticks, drones, and commercial photography are prohibited.
If individual signs are displayed, give priority to the instructions at that location.
Foreign-Language Information and Accessibility
English is included on directional signs and exhibition descriptions inside the museum, and brochures are available in multiple languages.
Audio guides are available in Japanese and English, with some content also supporting Mandarin, Cantonese, German, and French.
Wheelchairs and strollers can be borrowed free of charge, and elevators are available where vertical movement is required.
Guide dogs, mobility assistance dogs, and hearing assistance dogs are permitted, but general pets are not allowed on the grounds.
| Area | What Is Allowed | Main Restriction |
|---|---|---|
| Galleries | Viewing | Photography generally prohibited |
| Outside galleries | Personal photography | No tripods or similar equipment |
| Moving through the museum | Wheelchair use | Check on site |
| Assistance dogs | Accompaniment allowed | General pets prohibited |
Summary | Experience Architecture and Art Together at MIHO MUSEUM
MIHO MUSEUM offers a single flowing experience that combines the approach through a tunnel and across a suspension bridge, I. M. Pei’s architecture with approximately 80% of the structure underground, ancient art from around the world, and Japanese art.
Because the museum has seasonal opening periods and closures for exhibition changes, check the opening calendar, current exhibitions, and work lists, then calculate your available visiting time from the round-trip bus schedule at Ishiyama Station.
By following rules such as the prohibition on photography inside the galleries and prioritizing your interests among the architecture, artworks, nature, and dining, you can appreciate the concept behind this museum set in the mountains of Shigaraki.
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