Miho Museum Museum

Address: 3792-1 Ochi, Kōka, Shiga 529-1814, Japan (Miho Museum)

Website: https://www.miho.jp/english/

Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00am-5:00pm, closed Mondays (check website for special closures)

Admission: ¥1,700-¥2,200 (adult admission varies by season/exhibitions)

The Miho Museum is a private museum complex in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, set in a wooded valley and designed by architect I. M. Pei. It opened in the late 20th century and contains collections of Asian and selected Western antiquities displayed within carefully integrated modern architecture.

The museum’s approach includes a long glass-walled tunnel and covered walkways that lead visitors from the entrance to the main exhibition spaces, emphasising the transition from landscape to interior. Galleries display ceramics, Buddhist sculpture and other art objects alongside contextual interpretation.

The museum was founded and funded by a private collector and is notable for the way the building is set into its natural surroundings, with much of the circulation space designed to frame views of the valley. Conservation and controlled visitor flows are part of its operational approach.

Miho Museum lies in the eastern part of Shiga Prefecture near the town of Shigaraki, within a forested valley that separates it from major urban centres; access is by local road and museum shuttle services from nearby stations.

• Designer and opening date: Designed by architect **I. M. Pei** and opened in 1997, the museum is noted as much for its architecture as for its collections.
• Access and setting: Public access is typically via a short shuttle or local road from the nearest stations; the museum is set in a forested valley and includes long covered approaches.

What to See#

• Entrance tunnel: Glass-walled entrance tunnel and approach sequence designed to frame views and link the valley entrance with the main galleries.
• Main galleries: Main galleries and display halls housing the museum’s collections of East Asian ceramics, sculpture and selected Western antiquities set within the valley-side architecture.

From Kyoto Station take the JR Kosei Line to Ishiyama then transfer toward Koka or take the direct bus service that runs from JR Kusatsu Station to the Miho Museum (check seasonal timetables). If driving, follow signs for Miho Museum from the Meishin Expressway; parking is available on site.

• Reserve tickets in advance on the official website during peak season - the museum limits numbers to preserve the low-key atmosphere.
• Allow time for the long glass-and-stone walkways; the architecture is part of the exhibit.
• The on-site café offers views through the glass tunnel - stop for tea even if only briefly.