With the goal of promoting science education among the youth. Otsu City Science Museum began operation out of the Nionohama located Biwako Fair of 1968’s former Biwako Pavilion in 1970. In 1992, with the construction of the Life-long Learning Center, the science museum also established and relocated its exhibition hall, planetarium, astronomy dome, laboratory, and workshop. As the sole science museum in all of Shiga Prefecture, our museum is enjoyed not only by citizens of Otsu, but by those from all over the prefecture.

Our planetarium was renovated in March of 2012 and switched from using an optical based system to a digital system. The audio equipment and seats have also been upgraded, allowing you to fully enjoy the planetarium’s stunning full-dome projection display.

The exhibition hall’s second floor is themed around “life and nature,” and features a variety of activities ranging from viewing the earth from space, and learning about Shiga and Lake Biwa’s environments and their development. The exhibition hall’s third floor revolves around “experiencing and exploring the inner workings of science,” in which visitors can learn about the fundamentals and mechanisms of science via various exhibits.

On March 23rd, 2013, we renovated and installed several displays capable of providing some of the latest scientific experiences for our visitors. We have introduced various new exhibits as well since then, such as the “tornado and typhoon generator” exhibit in March of 2019, and the “robot programming experience device” in March of 2021.

While our science museum may be small in size, it is rich with content and filled with dreams.
The Otsu City Science Museum will continue to provide opportunities to become familiar with science, not only for children, who bear the responsibility for our future, but for adults as well, and will continue our mission to further promote interest in, and the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of science.

〒520-0814
6-50 Honmarucho, Otsu, Shiga (Inside the Life-long Learning Center "SHOGAI GAKUSHU CENTER")
Click to view in Googlemap

20-minute walk from Zeze Station

Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line

7-minute walk east from Zeze Honmachi Station

Kogan Route Bus

2-minute walk from Zeze Park Front (Zeze Kouen-mae) bus stop

※Parking : 97 free parking spaces available in the Lifelong Learning Center’s parking lot

※In the case the parking lot is full, please utilize the nearby paid public parking lot, or a coin-operated parking lot.

9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Final entry is 4:15 p.m.)

Click to view the Planetarium show schedule

Projection screenings last 45 minutes
Saturdays: 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Sundays and Public Holidays: 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
Spring, Summer, and Winter School Holiday Weekdays: 11:00 a.m.
(only in Summer and Winter), 2:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
Designated Wednesdays (excluding on public or school holidays): 3:30 p.m.

 1st floor of the Lifelong Learning Center 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (TEL: 077-527-0150)
※For more information, please contact the restaurant directly

Closed on

Mondays (If a public holiday falls on a Monday, the museum will be closed instead on the following weekday)
The third Sunday of each month
Year-end and New Year holidays (12/29～1/3)
Maintenance or inspection days​

Adults, elementary school students, middle school students, high school students: 100 yen

Younger children and toddlers: Free (Must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)

※Residents of Otsu who meet the following criteria may enter and bring one caregiver for free:
・Individuals who possess a certification for persons with disabilities
・Individuals who are officially recognized as requiring caregiving

・Individuals who are officially recognized as requiring aid

(We will ask to see the official certification)

Adult: 400yen

Elementary school students, middle school students, high school students: 200 yen

Younger children and toddlers: Free (Must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)

※Younger children over the age of 3 must receive a “Planetarium Free Seat Ticket.” Please inquire with staff members on the 2nd floor by the ticket machines for more information. Children ages 2 and under may enter and sit on their parent or guardian’s lap.

※Residents of Otsu who meet the following criteria may enter and bring one caregiver for free:
・Individuals who possess a certification for persons with disabilities
・Individuals who are officially recognized as requiring caregiving
・Individuals who are officially recognized as requiring aid
Please inquire with staff members on the 2nd floor by the ticket machines for more information.