Chikubu Island

Chikubu Island is a small island about 2 km in circumference, located about 6 km offshore in the northern part of Lake Biwa. On the island is Hogon Temple, one of the three Benzaiten temples in Japan, and the Tsukubusuma Shrine.
The island has long been worshipped as a place where gods dwell, and in recent years it has become a popular power spot.

In addition to the temples and shrines, there are many other buildings of historical value, such as the “Karamon” gate of Hogon Temple, which is the only remaining structure of Osaka Castle and was designated as a National Treasure in 2020, the “temple dedicated to Kannon”, an important cultural property, and the three-story pagoda, which was restored in 2000 for the first time in 350 years.

Stop by Tsukubusuma Shrine and try your hand at "Kawarake Throwing". Write your wish on a piece of earthenware (kawarake) and throw it at the Miyazaki Torii gate protruding from the surface of the lake. It is said that if you successfully pass through the torii, your wish will be fulfilled.

To get to the island, you can take a cruise on Lake Biwa Kisen's Chikubu Island Cruise. Depending on your schedule, you can choose from three different routes: the Imazu route, the Nagahama route, and the Biwako Crossing route.