Discover the sacred Chikubu Island on a guided tour. Visit Hogon-ji Temple, Tsukubusuma Shrine, and the Dragon God Shrine.
Itinerary
From Nagahama Port
If you choose the Nagahama Port option, the meeting point is at the Chikubu Island Cruise Nagahama Port. The guide will be waiting for you with a yellow sign. For details, please refer to the map.
From Nagahama Station
If you choose the Nagahama Station option, the meeting point is in front of the ticket gate at Nagahama Station. The guide will be waiting for you with a yellow sign. For details, please refer to the map.
From Hikone Port
If you choose the Hikone Port option, the meeting point is at the Biwako Cruise boarding area. The guide will be waiting for you with a yellow sign. For details, please refer to the map.
From Imazu Port
If you choose the Imazu Port option, the meeting point is at the Chikubu Island Cruise Imazu Port. The guide will be waiting for you with a yellow sign. For details, please refer to the map.
1
Chikubu Island
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (2 hours)
4 drop-off locations
Nagahama Port, Nagahama Station, Hikone Port, Imazu Port
Plan
Immediate Booking 
Request Booking
From Nagahama Port
3 hours
＜Inclusions＞
Guided tour of Chikubu Island
Boat ride to the island
Experience kawarake-nage: throwing clay discs for good luck
Sweet treats served on the island
＜Plan Code＞
G-SHG-011-1-PR
From Nagahama Station
3.5 hours
＜Inclusions＞
Guided tour of Chikubu Island
Boat ride to the island
Experience kawarake-nage: throwing clay discs for good luck
Sweet treats served on the island
＜Plan Code＞
G-SHG-011-2-PR
From Hikone Port
3 hours
＜Inclusions＞
Guided tour of Chikubu Island
Boat ride to the island
Experience kawarake-nage: throwing clay discs for good luck
Sweet treats served on the island
＜Plan Code＞
G-SHG-011-3-PR
From Imazu Port
2.5 hours
＜Inclusions＞
Guided tour of Chikubu Island
Boat ride to the island
Experience kawarake-nage: throwing clay discs for good luck
Sweet treats served on the island
＜Plan Code＞
G-SHG-011-4-PR
Highlights
Feel the spiritual energy of Chikubu Island, a sacred site for over 1,000 years
Learn about the island’s history and its role in the Saigoku pilgrimage
Visit Hogon-ji Temple, Tsukubusuma Shrine, and the Dragon God Shrine
Take part in the ancient custom of kawarake-nage for protection and luck
Choose from 4 convenient departure points to fit your travel plans
What's Included
Guided tour of Chikubu Island
Boat ride to the island
Experience kawarake-nage: throwing clay discs for good luck
Sweet treats served on the island
Experience details
Step aboard a boat and journey across the waters of Lake Biwa to Chikubu Island, one of Japan’s most sacred places. Listen to stories about its history, its role in the great Saigoku pilgrimage, and the unique blend of Buddhist and Shinto faiths that continues to shape worship here.
Upon landing, walk through the grounds of Hogon-ji Temple, admire the intricately decorated Kara-mon Gate, cross the wooden corridors to Tsukubusuma Shrine, and stand at the Dragon God Shrine where visitors take part in the ancient custom of kawarake-nage, tossing clay discs into the air for protection and good fortune.
In the main hall, learn of Benzaiten’s powerful role in Japanese belief and why her cult here spread across the nation. Visit the treasure hall, where artifacts and images reveal the island’s spiritual importance and artistic legacy, and stroll past the three-storied pagoda and quiet pathways that echo with centuries of pilgrims’ footsteps.
Meeting Place
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＜From Nagahama Port＞
If you choose the Nagahama Port option, the meeting point is at the Chikubu Island Cruise Nagahama Port. The guide will be waiting for you with a yellow sign. For details, please refer to the map.
-
＜From Nagahama Station＞
If you choose the Nagahama Station option, the meeting point is in front of the ticket gate at Nagahama Station. The guide will be waiting for you with a yellow sign. For details, please refer to the map.
-
＜From Hikone Port＞
If you choose the Hikone Port option, the meeting point is at the Biwako Cruise boarding area. The guide will be waiting for you with a yellow sign. For details, please refer to the map.
-
＜From Imazu Port＞
If you choose the Imazu Port option, the meeting point is at the Chikubu Island Cruise Imazu Port. The guide will be waiting for you with a yellow sign. For details, please refer to the map.
Important information
Know before you go
・Choose from four convenient departure points: Nagahama Port, Nagahama Station, Hikone Port, or Imazu Port.
・The tour involves walking through temple grounds and pathways.
2.5 - 3.5 hours
Available languages: English
Start: Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.
1-6
Private
