Chikubu Island: Sacred Island of Benzaiten Floating in Lake Biwa

Sacred Site of Benzaiten

Chikubu Island is a small island about 2 km in circumference floating in the northern part of Lake Biwa. The whole island is regarded as sacred and has long been revered as an island where deities dwell. It enshrines Hogon-ji Temple, said to have been founded in 724 by imperial decree of Emperor Shomu, and Tsukubu Suma Shrine. As one of Japan's Three Great Benzaiten, it is known for blessings of fortune, performing arts, and matchmaking. Hogon-ji is also the thirtieth stop on the Saikoku Kannon pilgrimage of thirty-three temples.

Hogon-ji Temple and Karamon Gate

Hogon-ji's Karamon Gate is a National Treasure building said to have been relocated from a structure tied to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Alongside it stand the Kannon Hall and the Funa Roka, a covered corridor designated an Important Cultural Property that links the temple to Tsukubu Suma Shrine. The elevated main hall overlooks spectacular Lake Biwa views, with distant mountains visible on clear days.

Kawarake Throwing

Kawarake throwing can be experienced on the Tsukubu Suma Shrine grounds. Visitors write wishes on unglazed pottery saucers and throw them toward a torii gate, with a saucer passing through the torii said to grant the wish. It is a favorite way to enjoy praying together with the sweeping lake scenery.

Access and Basic Information

• The island can be reached only by boat. Sightseeing ships run from Nagahama Port and Imazu Port with Biwako Kisen, and from Hikone Port with Ohmi Marine. From Nagahama Port the crossing takes roughly 30 minutes.
• To land and worship on the island, an entry fee separate from the boat fare is required. Expect about 600 yen for adults (junior high age and up) and 300 yen for children.
• Just after leaving the boat, a steep flight of stone steps of 165 steps leads up to the Hogon-ji main hall. Watch your footing and climb at a comfortable pace.

Practical Travel Notes

• Time ashore is set by each departure and is generally about 75 to 85 minutes. Touring the island, including worship and a short stroll, is meant to fit within that window, so check the return departure time first so you do not miss the boat.
• The seasons of fresh greenery and autumn leaves, and calm clear days, are especially recommended. Wind over the lake can make it feel colder, so a light layer is reassuring.
• Sailings may be cancelled in rough weather, so confirming the day's operating status on each ferry company's official site before heading out is the surest approach.
• Using Nagahama Port as a base lets you combine the trip with a stroll through the castle town of Nagahama, including the Kurokabe Square area, for a full day out.

A Quick Tip

There is a small shop on the island, but choices are limited, so it is wise to bring drinks before boarding. The flight of 165 stone steps is steep, so wear comfortable shoes and take your time savoring the spectacular scenery of this sacred island floating on the lake.

📚 Sources

This article was edited with reference to guidance from Hogonji temple and Tsukubusuma Shrine on Chikubushima Island and information published by the tour boats operating from the ports of northern Lake Biwa. Explanations from the temple and shrine were consulted for the site status as one of the three great Benzaiten shrines, the national-treasure Karamon gate, and the important cultural property covered corridor. Admission and boarding fees and sailing times and cancellation information may change, so please check the official information of each operator and of the temple and shrine before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Suggested route: Cross to the island by boat, climb the steep stone steps, and visit Hogonji temple, Tsukubusuma Shrine, and the kawarake-throwing point.
• Estimated time: Tour the highlights efficiently within the time ashore set by your sailing.
• What to wear: There are steep stone steps, so comfortable shoes are reassuring.
• Wish-making: Kawarake throwing, in which you write a wish on an unglazed disk and toss it toward the torii, is a cherished custom.
• Budget: Allow for the boat fare, admission, and the kawarake disks.
• Check in advance: The island can only be reached by boat, so check sailing times and any weather cancellations before departure.