This small, densely forested island in the northern half of Lake Biwa is considered a power spot and home to Hogon-ji Temple and Tsukubusuma Shrine, both reached by a steep stone staircase from the boat landing.
Chikubushima is a small, densely wooded island in the northern half of Lake Biwa, accessible only by ferry from Nagahama, Imazu, or Chikubushima's own dock, and long regarded as a spiritual power spot. From the boat landing, a steep flight of 165 stone steps climbs past souvenir stalls to Hogon-ji Temple, one of Japan's Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage sites, and continues to the adjoining Tsukubusuma Shrine, connected by a covered corridor built from salvaged sections of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Fushimi Castle. A highlight for many visitors is throwing kawara-nage, small clay discs inscribed with wishes, through a torii gate positioned on a cliff edge overlooking the lake -- a popular ritual believed to bring good fortune if the disc passes through the gate. Because ferry schedules dictate arrival and departure times, visits are tightly timed, and most visitors spend about an hour on the island itself within the roughly 1.5 to 2 hour round trip including the crossing. The steep staircase and island's compact size mean there is little flexibility to linger beyond the scheduled ferry window, so checking the return departure time before starting the climb is essential.
Good to know
- Hours
- Island grounds and temple approximately 9:00–16:00, timed to ferry arrivals
- Best time
- Weekday mornings for smaller ferry crowds
Location
Chikubushima, Nagahama, Shiga 526-0501
35.4219, 136.1461 View on map
Highlights
- Hogon-ji Temple's ornate karamon gate, a National Treasure
- Tsukubusuma Shrine and the corridor built from Fushimi Castle timbers
- Kawara-nage clay-disc throwing ritual at the lakeside torii
- 165-step stone staircase climb from the boat landing
Tips for visiting
- Note the return ferry departure time before starting the climb -- schedules are tight and infrequent
- Wear comfortable shoes for the steep stone staircase, which has no elevator alternative
- Buy a kawara-nage clay disc set near the shrine to try the wish-throwing ritual
- Weekday sailings carry smaller crowds than weekend departures from Nagahama
When to visit
Weekday mornings carry the smallest ferry crowds; the island can be visited year-round, though winter sailings run on a reduced schedule.
Accessibility
The island is not wheelchair accessible due to the steep stone staircase between the boat landing and the temple and shrine, and there is no alternative step-free route.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Chikubushima take?
The island visit itself takes about an hour once ashore, with the full round trip including the ferry crossing running 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is Chikubushima worth it for kids?
Children generally enjoy the boat ride and the kawara-nage disc-throwing ritual, though the steep staircase requires supervision for younger children.
Is photography allowed on the island?
Photography is permitted throughout the outdoor areas of the island, including the temple courtyard and shrine corridor, though some interior halls restrict photography.