Rainy-Day Shiga: 10 Indoor (or Mostly-Indoor) Spots ☔
Theme-safe, centered guide with access from Kyoto Station for every spot and embedded Google Maps. Lake-blue accent, slightly kawaii, family-friendly.
Rain doesn’t have to cancel your plans—Shiga has aquariums, museums, hot springs, and hands-on studios that shine on wet days. Each pick below includes highlights, rainy-day tips, access from Kyoto, and an embedded map.
🗺️ Inline Maps
👶 Kids & Stroller Notes
♿ Weather-Proof Options
Contents
Lake Biwa Museum (Kusatsu) Sagawa Art Museum (Moriyama) Shiga Prefectural Art Museum (Ōtsu) Miho Museum (Kōka) Nagahama Railway Square (Nagahama) Kurokabe Glass Studio & Square (Nagahama) Mizunomori Water Botanical Garden (Kusatsu) Ogoto Onsen Day-Use Baths (Ōtsu) Aeon Mall Kusatsu (Kusatsu) Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park – Museum (Kōka)
1) Lake Biwa Museum — Kusatsu
Aquarium + natural history of Japan’s largest lake; many tactile exhibits.
Highlights. Giant catfish tank, touchable displays, kids’ discovery room; boardwalks if the rain eases.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Kusatsu (~20 min) → bus (~25) to “Biwako Hakubutsukan.”
Rainy tip. Lockers & nursing rooms available; combine with next-door Mizunomori (indoor pavilion).
1091 Oroshimocho, Kusatsu (Karasuma Peninsula)
2) Sagawa Art Museum — Moriyama
Low-light galleries and tranquil water courts—perfect for slow, quiet walks.
Highlights. Sculpture & tea-architecture pavilions; covered transitions between halls.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Moriyama (~25) → bus (~15).
Rainy tip. Go early to avoid crowds; bring thin layers (A/C can be cool).
2891 Kitagawa-chō, Moriyama
3) Shiga Prefectural Art Museum — Ōtsu
Bright, modern galleries in a forested park; café and museum shop inside.
Highlights. Rotating exhibitions, children’s guide leaflets, barrier-free routes.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Otsu (~10) → bus/taxi (~15) toward Culture Zone.
Rainy tip. Most circulation is indoors; umbrellas only for short outdoor segments from bus stop.
1740-1 Seta Nōse-chō, Ōtsu
4) Miho Museum — Kōka
World-class collection in dramatic architecture; most circulation is covered.
Highlights. Tunnel & bridge approach, seasonal exhibits, serene café with views.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Ishiyama (~15) → bus (~50) to Miho Museum (check seasonal timetables).
Rainy tip. The approach is partially outdoors—carry a compact umbrella; inside is spacious and dry.
300 Shigarakichō Tashiro, Kōka
5) Nagahama Railway Square — Nagahama
Compact railway museum & historic station—great for train-loving families.
Highlights. Vintage rolling stock, dioramas, Japan’s oldest station building.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Special Rapid → Nagahama (~75–80) → walk 5–8.
Rainy tip. Most exhibits are indoors; bring a foldable umbrella for the short walk from the station.
1-41 Kitafunachō, Nagahama
6) Kurokabe Glass Studio & Square — Nagahama
Workshops, galleries, and covered arcades; easy to duck between indoor spots.
Highlights. Glass-blowing demos, hands-on crafts (advance booking recommended), cafés.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Nagahama (~75–80) → walk 7–10 to Kurokabe Square.
Rainy tip. Many shops have awnings/covered eaves; plan a workshop to stay dry longer.
Kurokabe Square area, Nagahama
7) Mizunomori Water Botanical Garden — Kusatsu
Aquatic-plant garden with a sizeable indoor Lotus Pavilion for rainy days.
Highlights. Greenhouse-style exhibits, kids’ quiz sheets; next door to Lake Biwa Museum.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Kusatsu (~20) → bus (~25) to “Mizunomori.”
Rainy tip. Pavilion is indoors; paths between buildings may be wet—non-slip shoes help.
1091 Shimomono-chō, Kusatsu
8) Ogoto Onsen Day-Use Baths — Ōtsu
Warm up in lakeside hot springs; several ryokan offer daytime bathing.
Highlights. Indoor/outdoor tubs (weather dependent), family-friendly time slots, lake views from some baths.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Ogoto-Onsen (~20) → short taxi/shuttle to chosen bathhouse.
Rainy tip. Check day-use hours; bring small towels. Some facilities have covered outdoor baths usable in light rain.
Ogoto Onsen district, Ōtsu
9) Aeon Mall Kusatsu — Kusatsu
Easy all-weather base: shopping, food court, cinema, and kids’ play areas.
Highlights. Indoor playgrounds, arcade, supermarket snacks for budget lunches.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Minami-Kusatsu (~18) → bus (~10) or taxi (~10).
Rainy tip. Plan a movie + early dinner to dodge peak train crowds and showers.
300 Shinhama-chō, Kusatsu
10) Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park – Ceramic Art Museum — Kōka
Excellent indoor ceramic art museum in Shigaraki—Japan’s pottery town.
Highlights. Contemporary & traditional ceramics, workshop information, museum shop.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Kusatsu (~20) → Shigaraki Kōgen Railway to Shigaraki (~60) → bus/taxi (~10).
Rainy tip. Museum galleries are fully indoors; outdoor sculpture zones are optional when the rain stops.
2188-7 Chōkushi, Shigaraki-chō, Kōka
FAQ: Rainy Days in Shiga
What’s the best rainy-day combo? Lake Biwa Museum + Mizunomori (they’re neighbors) or Kurokabe workshop + Railway Square. Both pairs are mostly indoors.
Are these stroller-friendly? Museums and malls are fine. Miho Museum has some slopes; staff can assist. Onsen facilities may have a few steps—ask at reception.
Do I need reservations? Workshops (glass/crafts) and special exhibitions may require booking. Onsen day-use hours vary—check same-day before you go.
What should I pack on a wet day? Compact umbrella, non-slip shoes, a light layer for A/C, and a small towel for umbrellas. For kids, an extra pair of socks.
Any food tips? Most venues have cafés or nearby eateries. Aeon Mall food court is a safe, quick option; try local sweets at Kurokabe or museum cafés.
