Chikubu-shima
A sacred island in Lake Biwa, Chikubu-shima is home to ancient temples and shrines, offering a spiritual retreat and stunning natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Chikubu-shima
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred island in Lake Biwa, Chikubu-shima is home to ancient temples and shrines, offering a spiritual retreat and stunning natural beauty.
"The mysterious and quiet island takes 45 minutes to reach by boat, and you can visit the island for 70 minutes, which is enough time."
🚢 Ferry & Island Fees
Ferry tickets can be pricey (around 3200 Yen from Hikone). An additional 600 Yen entry fee for the island is required.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
Be prepared for many stairs to explore the temples and shrines.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hogon-ji Temple
Chikubu-shima
A sacred temple with a long history, offering beautiful architecture and a serene atmosphere.
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Tsukubusuma Shrine
Chikubu-shima
This shrine is a significant cultural treasure, known for its traditional beauty and spiritual aura.
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Kawaranage (Tile Throwing)
Near the Torii Gate
Participate in this unique ritual by throwing tiles to make wishes come true.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Island Access & Timing
Spiritual & Physical Preparation
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
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🚢 Ferry & Island Fees
Ferry tickets can be pricey (around 3200 Yen from Hikone). An additional 600 Yen entry fee for the island is required.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
Be prepared for many stairs to explore the temples and shrines.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Water can be expensive on the island (around 250 Yen per bottle). Bring your own if possible.
📜 Wish Tiles
Write your wish on a tile and throw it towards the Torii gate for good luck.
Tips
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🚢 Ferry & Island Fees
Ferry tickets can be pricey (around 3200 Yen from Hikone). An additional 600 Yen entry fee for the island is required.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
Be prepared for many stairs to explore the temples and shrines.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Water can be expensive on the island (around 250 Yen per bottle). Bring your own if possible.
📜 Wish Tiles
Write your wish on a tile and throw it towards the Torii gate for good luck.
📸 Photography Opportunities
The island offers stunning views of Lake Biwa and beautiful traditional architecture.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Chikubu-shima for its beautiful scenery, well-preserved temples, and deeply spiritual atmosphere. The ferry ride across Lake Biwa is also a highlight. However, some find the cost of the ferry and island entry to be high for the relatively short exploration time, and the numerous stairs can be a challenge for some.
"A great boat ride across to the island. Small and can spend an hour or more exploring. Lovely well preserved temple and relics. Quite a few steps up the small hill so be prepared. Some snack style food options at the jetty area"
Matt C
"A very nice location for praying,
The view is super beautiful, I took a ferry from 彦根港 Hikone Port which cause 3200 Yen now, some broucher still write 3000 Yen.
Then there was another 600 Yen ticket necessary to enter the temple.
For foreigners, it is advised to get a one day pass with Hikone Castle which needs 800 Yen. Package Chikubutsu Island with Castle 3500 Yen
2024/05/18"
Keat
"Stunning island with a lot of stairs to climb, there were 3 stores open when we came that served snacks and refreshments. I wish they sold fridge magnets! I was surprised for the entrance fee since the boat ticket was a little more than what you’d expect."
Mngo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chikubu-shima is accessible by ferry from several ports around Lake Biwa, including Hikone, Nagahama, and Imazu. The ferry ride typically takes about 30-45 minutes.
Major departure points include Hikone Port and Nagahama Port. Check the Biwako Cruise website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes.
While Chikubu-shima is not directly accessible from Kyoto without travel to Lake Biwa, it's a popular day trip destination for those staying in the Kansai region. You'll need to travel to one of the ferry ports first.
Some ferry routes allow for multi-port visits, such as a trip from Nagahama Port to Chikubu-shima and then to Imazu Port. Confirm availability with the ferry operator.
The ferry journey to Chikubu-shima typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the departure port.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The ferry ticket from Hikone Port is approximately 3200 Yen (round trip). There is an additional island entry fee of 600 Yen.
For foreigners, a one-day pass that includes Hikone Castle and Chikubu Island is available for around 3500 Yen.
The island entry fee grants access to the island's grounds, including the temples and shrines.
It's advisable to check the ferry company's website for advance booking options, especially during peak travel seasons.
While specific discounts for children on the island entry fee are not always detailed, ferry operators may offer child fares. It's best to inquire directly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the historic Hogon-ji Temple and Tsukubusuma Shrine, participate in the Kawaranage tile-throwing ritual, and enjoy the scenic views of Lake Biwa.
Yes, the island is considered very spiritual and is a popular destination for worship and seeking blessings.
You can explore the main attractions of Chikubu-shima in about 70 minutes to an hour, but allow more time if you wish to linger or enjoy the views.
Yes, be prepared for numerous stairs as you ascend to the temples and shrines on the island's small hill.
Kawaranage involves writing your wish on a tile and throwing it towards the Torii gate, with the belief that your wish will come true if the tile lands in the water.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are a few small shops at the jetty area that offer snacks and refreshments.
Prices for food and drinks, such as bottled water, can be relatively high on the island.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally possible to have a picnic in designated areas, but check local regulations upon arrival. Bringing your own food is a good option to save money.
Snack options typically include drinks and light refreshments.
There are no full-service restaurants on Chikubu-shima; dining options are limited to snack vendors.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the serene beauty of Hogon-ji Temple, the traditional architecture of Tsukubusuma Shrine, and the panoramic views of Lake Biwa from various vantage points.
Photography is generally allowed in most outdoor areas, but always be respectful and check for any specific restrictions within sacred buildings.
Early morning or late afternoon light can offer beautiful, soft lighting for your photographs, especially for capturing the serene atmosphere.
Drone usage is likely restricted due to the sacred nature of the island and proximity to temples and shrines. It's best to avoid flying drones.
A versatile lens for landscapes and architectural shots would be ideal. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive views of Lake Biwa.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, families should be aware of the numerous stairs, which might be challenging for very young children or strollers. It's advisable to bring snacks and drinks, as options on the island are limited and can be expensive. The serene atmosphere makes it a good place for a peaceful outing, but keeping younger children supervised is important due to the sacred nature of the sites.
🙏 Spiritual Seekers & Pilgrims
+1The island is part of the Saigoku Sanjusansho pilgrimage route, attracting many devout individuals. Participating in rituals like Kawaranage (tile throwing) is a popular way to connect with the island's spiritual energy and seek blessings. The historical temples and shrines offer a glimpse into Japan's rich religious heritage.
+1🚶♀️ Day-Trippers from Kyoto/Osaka
Allocate sufficient time for travel to and from the port, the ferry journey, and exploring the island. While the island itself can be covered in about an hour, factor in time for the ferry and any potential waiting periods. Consider combining your visit with other nearby attractions like Hikone Castle for a fuller day of exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of Chikubu-shima
+1The island's mythology is deeply intertwined with the legends of the Dragon God (Ryujin) and the goddess Benzaiten. The Tsukubusuma Shrine is dedicated to the Dragon God, and the Hogon-ji Temple houses a statue of Benzaiten. The connection to these deities contributes to the island's mystical and serene atmosphere, making it a significant pilgrimage site.
+1Many visitors report feeling a profound sense of peace and spiritual energy while on Chikubu-shima. The act of throwing 'kawara' (tiles) towards the Torii gate is a popular ritual for making wishes, symbolizing the hope that they will be carried to the heavens. This practice, combined with the island's natural beauty, creates a unique and memorable experience for those who visit.
Navigating Chikubu-shima: Ferries and Island Access
Upon arrival at Chikubu-shima, there is an island entry fee, which is separate from the ferry ticket. This fee grants access to the island's historical sites, including the temples and shrines. While the island is small and can be explored relatively quickly, the terrain involves numerous stairs, so comfortable footwear is essential for navigating the inclines to reach the higher points.
For those looking to combine their visit, package deals that include access to other local attractions like Hikone Castle are available, particularly for foreign visitors. This can offer a more cost-effective way to experience multiple historical sites. Remember that food and drink options on the island are limited and can be pricier, so consider bringing your own supplies.
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