Lake Biwa: Mystical Chikubu Island Boat Tour from Many Ports

About this experience

Discover the sacred beauty of Chikubu Island on this guided boat journey across Lake Biwa. Renowned for its spiritual significance, Chikubu is home to the revered Benzaiten shrine, where you’ll experience centuries of devotion and tradition. With an expert local guide, explore the stunning Hogon-ji Temple, admire the ornate Kara-mon Gate, and participate in the ancient kawarake-nage ritual for good fortune. Delve into the island's rich history and see artifacts that highlight its artistic and spiritual legacy. Convenient departure options from Nagahama, Hikone, and Imazu make it easy to embark on this unique cultural adventure. - Guided boat tour to Chikubu Island from Lake Biwa - Explore historic sites like Hogon-ji Temple and Tsukubusuma Shrine - Participate in traditional rituals such as kawarake-nage - Choose from multiple departure points for convenience

What to expect

1. Stop 1 · 2h 30min

   Rising from the waters of Lake Biwa, Chikubu Island has been revered as a sacred site for over a thousand years. Legends say it was the first place in Japan where Benzaiten, goddess of beauty, music, and fortune, was enshrined, and her spirit still fills the island’s temples and shrines. Hogon-ji Temple, Tsukubusuma Shrine, and the Dragon God Shrine reflect the blending of Buddhism and Shinto that shaped Japanese faith. Visitors can pass through the ornate Kara-mon Gate, cross the “Boat Corridor,” and join the kawarake-nage ritual, tossing clay discs for protection and luck. Artifacts found in the lakebed prove its role as a spiritual center long before organized religions. Surrounded by cliffs, pagodas, and treasure halls, Chikubu Island offers not just sightseeing but immersion in the mystery and devotion of Lake Biwa.

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Meeting & pickup

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

End point

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.