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Chikubushima Island Shiga – Sacred Power Spot Floating on Lake Biwa

Chikubushima Island Shiga – Sacred Power Spot Floating on Lake Biwa
Chikubushima is a small island on Lake Biwa in Shiga, famed as a spiritual “power spot” that houses Hogon-ji Temple, dedicated to Benzaiten, and the National Treasure Karamon gate. This guide explains how to reach the island by ferry from Nagahama and Imazu, main worship routes and viewpoints, seasonal scenery and practical tips for day trips and shrine and temple lovers.

Highlights

Chikubu Island at a Glance

Chikubu Island is a well-known spiritual spot in Lake Biwa, where you can explore Hogon-ji Temple honoring one of Japan’s three great Benzaiten and visit National Treasure structures like the Karamon Gate.

Shrine and Temple Hopping

Major worship spots are concentrated here, including Hogon-ji’s main hall and garden, the Karamon Gate dedicated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tsukubusuma Shrine.

Ryujin Worship Hall and Kawarake Throwing

At the Ryujin Worship Hall that juts out over the lake, you can make a wish while looking out over the water, and the “kawarake throwing” (tossing unglazed clay plates) is popular.

Getting There (Ferry)

Reach Chikubu Island by boat, with an estimated 35 minutes from Nagahama Port or about 25 minutes from Imazu Port.

Fares

Round-trip fares are 3,200 yen for adults and 1,600 yen for elementary school children on the Imazu route, and 3,600 yen for adults and 1,800 yen for elementary school children on the Nagahama route (varies by port and route). Separate admission fees apply if you go ashore to visit the temples and shrines.

Enjoy It in Every Season

Spring offers fresh greenery and cherry blossoms, summer feels cooler out on the lake, autumn brings fall colors, and winter has a quiet, snowy atmosphere.

Walking Tips

The island has many stairs, so easy-to-walk-in shoes are best. Dining options are limited, so eating beforehand can make things smoother, and buying ferry tickets early is often recommended during busy periods.

For the latest information, please refer to official announcements or check on site.

What Is Chikubushima? A Sacred Island Floating on Lake Biwa

Chikubushima (竹生島), floating on Lake Biwa (Biwako, 琵琶湖) in Shiga Prefecture, is an island that has drawn devotion since ancient times.

The island is home to Hōgon-ji Temple (宝厳寺) and Tsukubusuma Shrine (都久夫須麻神社), where you can feel the legacy of Shinto-Buddhist syncretism.

In this article, we’ll introduce Chikubushima’s highlights and sightseeing points in detail.


How to Get to Chikubushima: Access & Basic Information

Access to Chikubushima

You can reach Chikubushima by boat from ports along Lake Biwa.

  • Nagahama Port (長浜港) (Biwako Kisen, 琵琶湖汽船)
  • Imazu Port (今津港) (Biwako Kisen, 琵琶湖汽船)
  • Hikone Port (彦根港) (Ōmi Marine, オーミマリン)

Travel time

Travel time varies by port and route.

As a guideline, the Chikubushima Cruise by Biwako Kisen takes about 25 minutes from Imazu Port and about 35 minutes from Nagahama Port.

Cruise fares

Fares vary by port, season, and route.

As a guideline, Biwako Kisen’s Chikubushima Cruise round-trip fare is about 3,200–3,600 yen for adults and 1,600–1,800 yen for elementary school students.

Ōmi Marine’s route from Hikone Port is about 3,500 yen for adults and 1,750 yen for elementary school students.

Island admission fee

Chikubushima’s island admission fee is 600 yen for adults (junior high school and older) and 300 yen for children (elementary school students).

Notes

Schedules and departure times may change depending on weather and season.

Your time on the island depends on the boat service, and the return boat is assigned in advance.


Top Things to See on Chikubushima

Hōgon-ji (30th temple of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage)

Hōgon-ji is a temple said to have been founded by the monk Gyōki (行基) in Jingū 1 (724).

As the central presence on the island, it welcomes many worshippers.

Karamon Gate (National Treasure)

The Karamon Gate (唐門) is a National Treasure structure believed to have been relocated from the Toyokuni Mausoleum (豊国廟).

Its intricate carvings and decoration that convey Momoyama culture are major highlights.

Funarōka Corridor (Important Cultural Property)

The Funarōka Corridor (舟廊下) linking Hōgon-ji and Tsukubusuma Shrine is designated an Important Cultural Property.

It is said to have been donated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉), and it’s an easy-to-walk covered corridor even in rainy weather.

Tsukubusuma Shrine

Tsukubusuma Shrine is a shrine enshrined on Chikubushima.

Within the grounds is a National Treasure shrine building, forming the heart of the island’s worship.

Ryūjin Worship Place and kawarake-throwing

At the Ryūjin Worship Place (龍神拝所), which juts out toward the lake, you can pray while looking out over Lake Biwa.

“Kawarake-throwing” (kawarake-nage, かわらけ投げ), where you toss small clay discs (kawarake) toward a torii gate, is also popular.


Nearby Sightseeing Spots Around Chikubushima

Nagahama City: Kurokabe Square

Around Nagahama Port, you’ll find sightseeing spots centered on Kurokabe Square (黒壁スクエア).

You can enjoy walking around town, shopping, and café hopping.

Exploring around Lake Biwa

It’s also recommended to combine Chikubushima with a drive or stroll around the Lake Biwa area before or after your visit.

Useful Tips for Visiting Chikubushima

What to bring & things to note

  • Comfortable shoes: The island has many stone steps and is mainly explored on foot.
  • Drinks: Depending on the season, having water on hand can be reassuring.

There are 165 stone steps on the island, so be sure to visit in walkable shoes.

How long to stay on the island

Your stay time depends on the boat service.

As a guideline, plan for about 60 to 90 minutes.

Summary

Chikubushima is a spot where you can enjoy shrine and temple visits along with a scenic boat trip on the lake.

Check cruise schedules and your allotted island time, then plan a comfortable itinerary.


Frequently Asked Questions

A. Chikubushima is a sacred island on Lake Biwa, where visiting centers on worship at Hogon-ji Temple and Tsukubusuma Shrine (Chikubushima Shrine). Because there are many stairs, going up to the main worship area first and then circling back down can be easier on your legs. Even though it’s small, it’s full of sights—photos feel especially “Chikubushima-like” when you frame buildings together with the lake.
A. Sightseeing boats mainly depart from ports such as Nagahama and Imazu, and a one-way trip to Chikubushima is typically about 30 minutes. The number of services can vary by season and day, so it helps to decide your return boat first before exploring the island. Boats can feel rough on windy days, and for those prone to motion sickness, a middle seat can be more comfortable than sitting by a window.
A. A typical guide for the Biwako Kisen Chikubushima cruise (round trip) is 3,600 yen for adults and 1,800 yen for elementary school children on the Nagahama route, and 3,200 yen for adults and 1,600 yen for elementary school children on the Imazu route. Prices differ by port, so choosing a departure port closer to where you’re staying can also save travel time. In busy seasons, completing boarding procedures earlier is a safer plan.
A. Chikubushima requires an island admission fee (worship fee) separate from the boat fare, typically 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for elementary school children. Having some coins and a 1,000-yen bill ready helps, as you may need small cash on site. If you collect goshuin, checking where the office is first can help you keep your route smooth.
A. Allow about 70–80 minutes for worship and walking around, and consider extra time if you prefer a slower pace because there are many stairs. For photography, going “shoot at the top → shoot on the way down” helps you avoid moving against the main flow and can reduce waiting. Avoid cutting it too close to your return boat—leaving a 10–15 minute buffer is recommended.
A. Clear weather shows off the lake’s blue nicely, but when departures bunch up, the island can feel crowded. To avoid peak crowds, choose an early morning boat or a later afternoon service, and after landing, head to the main worship spots right away to avoid lines. On windy days, it can feel colder than expected, so a light layer helps.
A. Because there are many stairs, sneakers are a safer choice, and rainy days can be slippery. On the boat, wind can feel chilly, so even in summer a light jacket can help. Coins make offerings smoother, and a phone strap is useful to prevent drops.
A. If you depart from Nagahama Port, it pairs well with Nagahama’s Kurokabe Square and castle-town strolling; from Imazu Port, it fits well with a drive around the Kosei area. Because your schedule revolves around boat times, choosing one café near the port for waiting time can help keep your itinerary stable. Lakeside views can be lovely toward evening, so making time for photos after you return is also a good idea.

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