Ōtsu City Science Museum

The Ōtsu City Science Museum is a multi-floor institution with interactive exhibits covering physics, chemistry, astronomy, and natural sciences throughout its galleries. A planetarium integrated into the building offers regular shows that explore celestial objects and cosmic phenomena.

The facility was established in 1970 and became a major center for science education in the Shiga region. Since opening, it has shaped how young people in the area learn about the natural world.

The museum partners with schools and local organizations to bring scientific learning into the daily lives of young people in the region. These programs show how science connects with community needs and local interests in Ōtsu.

The facility sits about 15 minutes on foot from JR Otsu-Kyo Station and is easily reached by walking. Morning visits tend to be less crowded, and parking is available on-site for those driving.

The planetarium section blends current astronomical knowledge with traditional Japanese ways of understanding the sky. Visitors experience a perspective that brings both approaches together in a single space.

Location: Otsu

Official opening: October 1970

Website: http://otsu.ed.jp/kagaku/01_guidance/index_english.html

GPS coordinates: 34.99406,135.89369

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:42