# Miho Museum

> A mountain museum near Shigaraki designed by I. M. Pei, reached through a tunnel and suspension bridge, holding Japanese and ancient-world art. It opens seasonally, so check dates before visiting.

- Prefecture: Shiga
- Type: Museum
- Address: Koka, Shiga, Japan
- Opening hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00
- Admission: 1300 yen
- Official site: https://www.miho.jp/

The Miho Museum sits deep in the hills near Shigaraki, and about eighty percent of its structure lies underground to preserve the forested skyline. Designed by the architect I. M. Pei around the idea of a hidden 'Shangri-La', it is entered at a reception building by the car park, where you buy your ticket, before a walk or a short electric-cart ride carries you through a curving, mirror-finished tunnel and across a suspension bridge to the museum building beyond. Buy your ticket at this first reception building before you head up, or book online in advance: the on-site ticket counter is here rather than at the galleries, and the museum building's own reception only checks tickets and helps visitors. Both buildings have free lockers. Inside are two wings: one for Japanese art including tea utensils and Buddhist works, the other for antiquities from Egypt, the Near East, Greece and Asia. The museum keeps a seasonal calendar and is closed in winter and during exhibition changeovers, so it is essential to check opening dates in advance.

## FAQ

### Is the Miho Museum open all year?

No. It follows a seasonal, exhibition-based calendar, opening mainly in spring, summer and autumn and closing in winter and between shows. Always check the official schedule before you travel.

### How do I get to the Miho Museum?

Take a Teisan bus bound for Miho Museum from JR Ishiyama Station (about 50 minutes), or drive; there is a free car park. Buy your ticket at the reception building by the car park, or online in advance, then walk or take the electric cart through the tunnel and over the bridge to the galleries. The on-site ticket counter is only at the entrance; the museum building's reception checks tickets, and both buildings have free lockers.

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Source: Miho Museum — Japan Voyage