Information for Museum Visitors

General Information

What type of museum is the Miho Museum?
The Miho Museum is an art museum with a diverse collection of Japanese and ancient world art, located amid the abundant natural beauty of the mountains of Shigaraki, Shiga prefecture. Its design was inspired by the ethereal utopia described in the ancient Chinese fable The Peach Blossom Spring.

More…

Where does the name Miho come from?
Miho is a shortened form of the first name of the museum’s founder, Mihoko Koyama.
Who designed the museum’s buildings?
The museum was designed by the world-renowned Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei, famous for the glass pyramid at the Louvre Museum in Paris, the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, and the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong.

More…

Getting to the Museum

How do I get to the museum?
• By public transport: From JR Ishiyama station, take the Teisan Bus bound for Miho Museum (ミホミュージアム) for about 50 minutes, and get off at the last stop.

More…


• By car: The museum is located about 15 minutes from the Shigaraki (信楽) interchange on the Shin-Meishin Expressway, about 20 minutes from the Kusatsu-Tanakami (草津田上) interchange on the Shin-Meishin Expressway, about 30 minutes from the Ritto (栗東) interchange on the Meishin Expressway, about 30 minutes from the Seta-Higashi (瀬田東) interchange on the Keiji Bypass, or about 35 minutes from the Mibuno (壬生野) interchange on the Meihan Expressway.

More…

How often do the buses to the museum run?
The bus bound for the Miho Museum (ミホミュージアム) leaves from JR Ishiyama station at 9:10 am, 9:50 am*, 10:10 am, 11:10 am, 12:10 pm, 1:10 pm, and 2:10 pm*. The ride takes about 50 minutes. (*Times with asterisks are for weekends and holidays only.)

More…

How much is a taxi to the museum from the nearest train stations, and how long does it take?
The nearest JR train stations are Ishiyama, Seta and Minami-Kusatsu. A taxi from any of these stations will take approximately 30-40 minutes and cost about 6,000 to 7,000 yen (depending on the taxi company).

From Shigaraki station on the Shigaraki Kohgen Railway, a taxi will cost about 3,000 to 4,000 yen for a trip of about 20 minutes.
Is parking available? Is there a charge for parking?
The museum has enough parking for 20 tour buses and 300 cars. Parking is free.
Can tour buses go directly to the museum?
Yes, but groups planning to visit the museum must apply in advance.

More…

How do I get to the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park from the museum?
The Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park is about a 15 minute drive from the museum. Leave the museum by heading south on Prefectural Road 12, turn left onto National Route 307, and then turn left at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park (陶芸の森) intersection.
How do I get to the tourist attractions of Shigaraki?
There are three municipal buses that go toward Shigaraki, which is 15 to 20 minutes away by car.

More…

Museum Hours and Holidays

What are the museum’s opening hours?
The museum is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the last admission at 4:00 pm.
When is the museum closed?
The museum is closed every Monday (or the next business day if Monday is a national holiday) during periods of regular operation in the spring, summer and fall. The museum is closed outside of its periods of regular operation in the spring, summer and fall. The museum may also be closed for exhibit changes, so check the museum schedule before planning your visit.

Admission, Tickets and Reservations

How much is the admission fee? Are discounts or coupons available?
Admission fee for adults is 1,300 yen; 1,000 yen for high school/university students, and free for elementary/junior high school students. These prices are discounted 200 yen for members of groups of 20 or more, visitors with disability certificates are eligible for free admission, while one helper will be charged the group fee.
How much is the admission fee for staff such as group leaders, tour conductors, tour guides or drivers?
Admission is free for group staff. For student groups, up to two group leaders are admitted free with each group.
Can tickets be purchased anywhere besides the museum?
You can purchase tickets here.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept Visa, American Express and MasterCard for ticket purchases. The museum’s restaurant, tea room and shops also accept Visa, American Express, MasterCard, JCB, Diners Club, DC, Nicos, MUFJ, UFJ  and UnionPay cards.
Do groups or individual visitors need to make reservations in advance?
Groups (of 20 or more) need to reserve in advance. Fill out a group application form and submit it by fax or email.

More…


Individual visitors do not need reservations.
After leaving the museum, can I re-enter on the same day without buying another ticket?
Yes, if you plan on returning to the museum, ask the staff at the reception area for a re-entry pass when leaving.
Is the museum suitable for school field trips?
Yes, and we have educational support staff on hand to answer your inquiries. You can contact them by phone or email.

Viewing the Exhibits

How long does it take to view the exhibits?
Visitors should plan on taking at least 90 to 120 minutes to view the exhibits (including walking time between facilities). Prepare to spend several hours at the museum if you want to view the exhibits at a leisurely pace with time for lunch, refreshments or browsing in the museum shops.
(Individual Visitor) How long does it take from the car park to the museum galleries?
It takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes on foot. From the temporary parking lot, it will take slightly longer time.
(Group Visitors) How long does it take from the car park to the museum galleries?
If you come by sightseeing bus, you can get off at the entrance in front of the reception pavilion and walk for about 7 to 8 minutes to the museum building; alternatively, you can take the electric shuttle at the entrance.
Is there a fixed route for viewing the exhibits?
There is no fixed route, but there are displays indicating the way where needed in the exhibit spaces.
Is there a recommended itinerary for a visit to the museum?
Yes, we have created a recommended itinerary for first-time visitors. You can view it here.

Museum Facilities and Services

Food and Drinks

Does the museum have any eating establishments? What are their opening hours?
There is a restaurant in the Reception Pavilion (11:30 am to 2:30 pm), and a tea room (10:30 am to 4:30 pm) in the Museum Building. Both these establishments feature wholesome menu selections produced without use of agrochemicals or fertilizers.
What sort of food and drinks are available? How much do they cost?
Information about the restaurant’s menu items is available here. Information about the tea room’s menu items is available here. Lunch items cost about 1,200 to 1,800 yen, snacks and sweets cost about 600 to 1,000 yen, and drinks cost about 600 to 800 yen.
Do the restaurant and tea room accept credit cards?
Yes, the restaurant and tea room accept Visa, American Express, MasterCard, JCB, Diners Club, DC, Nicos, MUFJ, UFJ and UnionPay  cards.
Are there sometimes significant waits for seating at the restaurant and tea room?
Yes, there can be a wait for seating during the busy times at weekends and holidays. The greeter will take your name and let you know when seating becomes available for you. Before planning your visit, see the museum schedule to check the days on which the museum is expected to be busy.

Do the restaurant and tea room accept reservations for tables or menu items?
Reservations are not accepted for individual visitors.
Are takeout food or drinks available from the restaurant or tea room?
No, takeout orders are not available except for bread and some drinks available at the restaurant.
Are outside food or drinks permitted in the restaurant or tea room?
No, outside food or drinks are not permitted in the restaurant or tea room. Outside food or drinks can be consumed in the Reception Pavilion eating area and on the outdoor benches.
Does the museum have somewhere to eat a packed lunch brought from home?
Yes, packed lunches can be eaten in the Reception Pavilion eating area and on the outdoor benches.
Does the museum have vending machines or drinking water dispensers?
There are no vending machines, but there are free self-service drinking water dispensers in the Reception Pavilion waiting area and on the first basement level of the Museum Building.
Are there any restaurants or cafes near the museum?
Yes, there are several in the town of Shigaraki, which is about 15 minutes away by car.

Shigaraki Tourist Association website

Museum Shops

What sort of items are available in the museum shops?
The three shops in the Reception Pavilion and the North and South Wings of the Museum Building stock choice items such as original products, exhibition catalogs and related books, authorial works, and various merchandise.

More…

Do the museum shops sell exhibition catalogs or merchandise by mail-order?
Yes, items can be purchased by cash using registered mail. The shop will send the item after receiving payment. The buyer pays the shipping charge upon delivery. Click here to see the main products available and the order form information.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, for in-shop purchases, the museum shops accept Visa, American Express, MasterCard, JCB, Diners Club, DC, Nicos, MUFJ,UFJ  and, UnionPay  cards.
What are the hours of the museum shops?
The shops in the North and South Wings of the Museum Building are open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The shop in the Reception Pavilion is open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Barrier-Free Access

Do you have a discounted admission fee for disabled visitors? What is the admission fee for carers of disabled visitors?
Visitors with disability certificates are eligible for free admission, while one helper will be charged the group fee.

More…

Do you have wheelchairs for rental? Is there a charge?
Wheelchairs are available for loan free of charge from the information counters in the Reception Pavilion and Museum Building. Inform the staff that you require a wheelchair.
Do you have infant strollers available for rental? Is there a charge?
Strollers are available for loan free of charge from the information counters in the Reception Pavilion and Museum Building. Inform the staff that you require a stroller.
Do you have any pamphlets or programs for the visually impaired?
No, currently we do not. You can contact our educational support staff by phone or email for other inquiries about programs.
Does the museum have elevators?
Yes, there are elevators wherever visitors need to move between floors.

More…

Does the museum have multifunctional restrooms?
Yes, there are multifunctional restrooms on the first floor of the Museum Building North Wing, and in the Reception Pavilion.

More…

Does the museum have restrooms with ostomy facilities?
Yes, there is a restroom with ostomy facilities on the first floor of the Museum Building North Wing.

More…

Are service dogs permitted in the museum?
Yes, visitors are permitted to enter with guide dogs, hearing dogs or other service dogs.
Does the museum have breastfeeding rooms?
Yes, there are breastfeeding rooms in the Reception Pavilion (near the restroom) and on the first floor of the Museum Building North Wing (at the far right in front of the stairs).

More…

Does the museum have somewhere I can change my infant’s diaper?
Yes, there are diaper changing pads in the women’s restrooms and in the breastfeeding room on the first floor of the Museum Building North Wing.

More…

Does the museum have a first-aid office?
Yes, there is a first-aid office in the Museum Building. Inform the staff if you need to use the first-aid office.
Does the museum have automated external defibrillators (AEDs)?
Yes, there are AEDs at the information counters on the first floor of the Museum Building and in the Reception Pavilion.
Does the museum have childcare facilities?
No, but children who are old enough can take part in several programs for children only.

Other

Are facility maps available?
Yes, facility maps are available at the information counters. Click here to view the floor map before your visit. Click here for a map showing barrier-free access information.
Does the museum have smoking areas?
Yes, there are smoking areas next to the Plaza outside the Museum Building, and at the rear of the Reception Pavilion. Note that smoking is prohibited inside the museum and outside of the designated smoking areas.

View floor map

Does the museum have storage lockers? Is there a charge for using the lockers?
There are storage lockers at the rear of the Reception Pavilion information counter and in the vestibule at the front entrance of the Museum Building (first floor). Use of the storage lockers is free.

View floor map

Does the museum have storage lockers big enough for a suitcase?
Yes, there are large lockers (free) at the rear of the Reception Pavilion information counter. If all the lockers are in use or the item is too large to fit, it can be left with the staff at the information counter.
Does the museum have lounge areas? Are food and drinks permitted in the lounge areas?
The Reception Pavilion waiting area and outdoor benches can be used as lounge areas. Food and drinks are permitted.
Does the museum have Wi-Fi?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available in some areas of the museum. Ask the staff for information.
Do you have pamphlets or other information in English?
Yes, English pamphlets are available at the information counters, along with pamphlets in Chinese, Korean, French, German, Spanish and Italian. There are also English translations provided on all the signs and exhibit labels in the museum, and for nearly all the text in the museum’s exhibition catalogs and other printed materials.
Can the museum staff speak English?
Yes, we have museum staff who can assist you in English, Mandarin, Cantonese and other languages. Please ask our staff for further information.
Do you have audio guides? What languages are available?
Audio guides in Japanese and English are available. Some audio guide information is also available in Mandarin, Cantonese, German and French.

More…

Does the museum offer guided tours?
Yes, the museum offers several different programs.

More…

Does the museum offer programs for children or schools?
Yes, the museum offers various programs for children and schools.

More…


Contact our educational support staff by phone or email for information about programs for schools.

Exhibitions and Exhibits

What sort of exhibits are in the current special exhibition? What is the name of the current special exhibition?
Click here for information on the current special exhibition.
What are the centerpieces of the current special exhibition?
Click here for information on the current special exhibition.
Do you have a list of the exhibits in the current special exhibition?
Click here for information on the current special exhibition.
What are the upcoming special exhibitions?
Click here for information on upcoming special exhibitions.
What sort of exhibits are in the permanent collection?
Click here for information on the Miho Museum’s permanent collection.
I want to know when a particular Japanese artwork will be exhibited. How can I find that information?
Click here for information on the current special exhibition. Click here for information on upcoming special exhibitions. You can contact the museum for inquiries about exhibits of particular artworks.
Does the museum hold speaker events?
Yes, click here for information on museum events.

Other

Does the museum have a membership program?
Yes, click here for information on the Friends of the Miho Museum.
Can the exhibits be photographed?
Photography is allowed outside of the galleries provided visitors comply with the following requirements:
・Tripods, selfie-sticks, camera drones or any shootings for commercial purposes are prohibited.
・Any behavior that is disruptive to the visitors or museum operations will be asked to leave the premises.
Is sketching permitted in the exhibit spaces?
Tracing and similar means of reproduction are prohibited, but pencil sketches are permitted. (Use of fountain pens, colored pencils, ballpoint pens or mechanical pencils is prohibited.) Sketching may be prohibited in some cases if it inconveniences other visitors.
Are there any tourist attractions near the museum?
Yes, information is available at the Shigaraki Tourist Association website here.
Are there any restaurants or cafes near the museum?
Yes, information is available at the Shigaraki Tourist Association website here.
Are there any hotels or other lodging facilities near the museum?
Yes, information is available at the Shigaraki Tourist Association website here.
When is the best time to see cherry blossoms and fall foliage?
See the seasonal flower/cherry blossom information here.
Are pets permitted in the museum?
No, pets are not permitted. Note that the museum is also unable to accommodate pets temporarily.
Do you have image data for particular exhibits available to borrow?
For information about using image data in publications, see the information provided for members of the media or contact the museum’s public relations staff here. For information on the use of image data for academic purposes, the relevant staff in our arts department can be contacted here.
Where can I find information about linking to the Miho Museum website from my website?
See the terms of use.