Ibaraki Kasumigaura Environmental Science Center

The Ibaraki Kasumigaura Environmental Science Center is a science museum in Tsuchiura focused on freshwater ecosystems and lake life. The exhibits show how the lake and surrounding area work together, with displays about the region's plants, animals, and water systems.

The lake went through major changes over decades, from water levels to quality, which led to the creation of this research center. Today it serves as a place to track these long-term shifts and understand how lakes transform.

The center connects local communities with environmental knowledge through hands-on programs where visitors can learn about the lake's role in daily life. School groups regularly visit to understand how the water and landscape shape the region.

Visitors can explore interactive exhibits and take part in activities that don't require special knowledge beforehand. The spaces are clearly laid out so you can move easily between different topic areas.

The center runs regular water tests and has collected data over many years showing how the lake changes. These long-term records help scientists worldwide understand how water bodies respond to environmental shifts.