【Yanmar Museum】A New-Style Museum That Nurtures a Spirit of Challenge Through Play

Learn Through Play! A Hands-On Museum That Builds the Future

Your journey begins in the “Exciting! Challenge Theater,” where projection mapping introduces the life and challenges of Yanmar founder Magokichi Yamaoka.
After the theater, dive into a wide variety of physical and interactive experiences that blend fun with learning.

In “Sustainable Energy Climbing,” you’ll light up a town by climbing bouldering walls and top ropes.
In the “Dig In! Power Shovel Challenge,” you can operate a real excavator and feel the thrill of heavy machinery.

You can also try piloting a pleasure boat in the “Wake Surfing Boat Race,” completing tricks on the water, or participate in “My Fish My Ocean,” where you raise and catch fish in a simulated fishery.

Other experiences include “Rhythm Engine,” which teaches engine mechanics through music and rhythm, “Football Challenge,” where you practice passing and shooting soccer balls, and “Dig It! Field,” where you use your body to till the soil and learn the convenience of tractors.
All of these experiences help you understand Yanmar’s technologies and legacy of innovation in a fun and memorable way.

Experience Nature, Agriculture, and Technology Together as a Family

The Yanmar Museum also features a variety of workshops that allow visitors to explore Yanmar’s technology and history while having fun.
These workshops cover a wide range of themes, including craftsmanship, nature, and food education, and are held regularly for both children and adults.

One past workshop, “Let’s Make a Pop-Pop Boat!,” involved building a small steam-powered boat from simple materials, offering a fun way to learn about mechanics.
Another workshop, “Wooden Engine Assembly Experience,” focused on assembling a wooden model of the HB diesel engine, the world’s first small horizontal water-cooled diesel engine developed by Yanmar, allowing participants to learn about its structure and functionality.

In programs focused on nature and the environment, the museum hosts biotope observation tours, offering participants a chance to deepen their environmental awareness through firsthand experiences with nature.
In the field of food education, cooking classes using locally produced rice and ingredients are offered, promoting the importance of food and the value of local production for local consumption.

Details of upcoming workshops are shared on the museum’s official website—be sure to check it out if you’re interested.

Taste the Flavors of Shiga at a Luxurious Rice-Focused Restaurant

Located within the Yanmar Museum, Premium Marché BIWAKO is a restaurant that puts rice at the center of every meal, serving seasonal dishes made with fresh and delicious ingredients.

The restaurant’s signature offering is rice balls made from “Kinuhime”, a JAS-certified organic rice variety grown in Shiga Prefecture. The rice is milled in-house and cooked in a traditional iron kettle, bringing out its natural sweetness and flavor.

The menu features both classic and seasonal rice ball fillings, as well as local side dishes that highlight the region’s bounty.
There are also family-friendly options like the “Yanmar Tractor Plate” and “Kids’ Curry,” making it a favorite among visitors with children.

The high ceilings and open interior make for a relaxing dining experience.
Since the restaurant is located in a free-access area of the museum, guests are welcome to dine there even without a museum ticket.
Enjoy a heartwarming meal in this welcoming space, surrounded by the flavors and charm of Shiga’s rich natural environment.

A Treasure Trove of Exclusive Yanmar Items!

Don’t forget to stop by the Yanmar Museum Shop, where you’ll find a wide range of exclusive items that showcase the brand’s personality and charm.

From original T-shirts featuring the beloved Yanmar mascots Yanboh and Marboh, to tractor- and excavator-themed apparel, mugs, and miniatures, there’s something for every fan of engineering and machinery.

For those looking for souvenirs or gifts, there’s also a great selection of original sweets, including the highly recommended “Yanmar Encyclopedia Printed Langue de Chat.” This fun and tasty treat comes in a book-shaped package with illustrations of Yanmar’s machines and history printed on each cookie.

These one-of-a-kind items let you take home a piece of Yanmar’s innovative world—and a sweet memory of your visit.