Chikubushima Island Cruise | Lake Biwa, Shiga
Visit "Chikubushima Island '' which is known as a spiritual place located in Lake Biwa. Many tourists from Japan and abroad are attracted to this place every year. Take a boat from Nagahama or Imazu. Get a glimpse of the cultural highlights such as the Kara-mon of Hogonji Temple and the Tsukubusuma Shrine. Stroll around the island and discover the spiritual island that has long been worshipped.
- You can enjoy cruising which takes about 30 minutes to Chikubushima Island while enjoying the magnificent view of Lake Biwa.
- Chikubushima Island, which has long been worshipped as an island where the gods reside, has many spiritual places!
- This cruise is full of highlights, such as the Kara-mon (Chinese Gate) of Hogonji Temple which is designated as the national treasure, the main shrine of Tsukubusuma Shrine, and the Boat Passageway (Funa-roka) of Hogonji Temple, which is an important cultural asset.
Options
Imazu route | Imazu port ⇔ Chikubushima port round-trip ticket
Additional Info
One preschool child per adult is free of boarding fee. (In the case of two children, one elementary school student fee is required)
What's included in Chikubushima Island Cruise | Lake Biwa, Shiga
(Subject to Option Inclusions)
— What You Can Expect —
Located in the northern part of Lake Biwa, Chikubushima Island has been worshipped by a lot of locals and people abroad.
Enjoy a 30-minute relaxing cruise to Chikubushima Island while marvelling at the magnificent view of Lake Biwa. Soak in its natural beauty where you can see monolith rock and sheer cliffs that made up the island. The island is covered with lush vegetation, which changes with the seasons.
You can take the boat ride either from Nagahama (the east side of Lake Biwa) or Imazu (the west side of Lake Biwa).
Indulge with all the cultural highlights, such as the Kara-mon (Chinese Gate) of Hogonji Temple which is designated as the national treasure, the main shrine of Tsukubusuma Shrine, and the Boat Passageway (Funa-roka) of Hogonji Temple, which is an important cultural asset.
Embrace the spiritual atmosphere as Chikubushima Island has long been regarded as an island of the gods’ residence. Be amazed by the Daruma dolls of Benten, each with a different face wishing for happiness, and the Kawara (tile)-throwing at the Ryujinhaisho, where it is said that your wish will come true if your Kawara passes through the torii gate.
— Cruise Introduction —
- Departure / Arrival Port: Nagahama Port and Imazu Port
- Meeting time: 20 minutes before departure
- Boarding time: 10 minutes before departure
- Duration:
- Nagahama route: Approx. 2 hours and 40 minutes (outbound: approx. 35 minutes, stay on Chikubushima Island: approx. 90 minutes, return: approx. 35 minutes)
- Imazu route: Approx. 2 hours and 10 minutes (outbound: 25 minutes, stay on Chikubushima Island: approx. 80 minutes, return: approx. 30 minutes)
- *The time spent on Chikubushima Island varies depending on the cruise. Please check the timetable on the official website for details.
Inclusions
- Boarding fee
- Island Admission Fee
- Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
- Island Admission Fee: JPY600 for adults, JPY300 for children) is required when landing on Chikubushima Island. Please pay by cash at the ticket office located 50 meters from Chikubushima Port.
- Please note that all seats on the boat are unreserved. Pre-assignments of seats are not available.
Meet
Meeting / End Points
- Chikubushima Island (竹生島)
Policies
Purchase Summary
- The cruise may be canceled due to weather conditions on the day, inability to secure safety, or other circumstances. Please check the official website in advance
- Please note that if you are late for the designated time, you may not be able to transfer to other boats
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as there are many stairs on Chikubushima Island
- Luggage can be stored at the counter for a fee of JP¥400
