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.
Package Options
Water Activities
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
- Cruise Introduction -
- Departure and arrival points: Nagahama Port and Imazu Port
- Meeting time: 20 minutes before departure
- Boarding time: 10 minutes before departure
- Travel time:
Nagahama route: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes (approximately 35 minutes outbound, approximately 90 minutes stay on Chikubushima, approximately 35 minutes return)
Imazu route: Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes (25 minutes outbound, approximately 80 minutes stay in Takebu, approximately 30 minutes return)
*The duration of stay on Chikubushima varies depending on the flight. For details, Please check the timetable on the official website .
- Spot introduction -
- Chikubushima Island, located in the northern part of Lake Biwa, has been said to be the home of gods since ancient times and has attracted the faith of many people.
The entire island is made up of a single rock, and the sheer cliffs seen from the boat are a sight to behold. The lush trees that cover the island show off different faces throughout the seasons.
You can feel the history of the island from sites such as Hogon-ji Temple, one of Japan's three major Benzaiten temples, Karamon Gate, which is said to have been built during the Azuchi-Momoyama period and moved from Osaka Castle, and Tsukubusuma Shrine, whose main hall is a national treasure, and the entire island is enveloped in a mystical atmosphere.
It is also popular as a power spot, with attractions such as the Daruma dolls of Benten, each with a different face, and the tile throwing at the Ryujin Worship Site, where it is said that if you throw a tile and it goes through the torii gate, your wish will come true.
Visit Chikubushima Island that has long been worshipped since ancient times
Appreciate the natural beauty of the island where the covering trees show various expressions in each season
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the stone steps on the island are steep! Once you climb the stone steps, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of Lake Biwa!
Purchase Notice
- 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
Includes/Excludes
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 20 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.
Redemption Location
Nagahama Port (長浜港)
Address Info: 526-0067 滋賀県長浜市港町4-17Monday 08:30 - 14:20
Tuesday 08:30 - 14:20
Wednesday 08:30 - 14:20
Thursday 08:30 - 14:20
Friday 08:30 - 14:20
Saturday 08:30 - 14:20
Sunday 08:30 - 14:20
Imazu Port (今津港)
Address Info: 滋賀県高島市今津町今津30Monday 09:30 - 13:10
Tuesday 09:30 - 13:10
Wednesday 09:30 - 13:10
Thursday 09:30 - 13:10
Friday 09:30 - 13:10
Saturday 09:30 - 13:10
Sunday 09:30 - 13:10
How to Redeem Your Voucher
How to Use Your Voucher
- The e-voucher will be sent to your email inbox. Please exchange it for physical tickets at the designated location
Voucher Redemption Period
- The voucher must be redeemed on the selected date and within operating hours; Invalid after expiration
Experience Location
Location Name: Chikubushima Island (竹生島)
Address: 長浜市早崎町1664-1Cancellation Policy
- For cancellations made at least 1 day(s) prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
To reach Chikubushima Island for the cruise, you first need to arrive at either Nagahama Port or Imazu Port. Nagahama Port is accessible via Nagahama Station on the JR Biwako Line. From Nagahama Station, it's a short walk to the port. Imazu Port can be reached from Omi-Imazu Station on the JR Kosei Line, which is also a short walk away. Both stations offer convenient access to their respective departure points for the island cruise.
The Chikubushima Island cruise journey itself typically takes about 30 minutes one way, offering magnificent views of Lake Biwa. Upon arrival, visitors are usually given approximately 60 to 80 minutes to explore the island's spiritual sites and cultural attractions before the return cruise. The total duration of the experience, including cruising and island exploration, is generally around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the specific schedule and ferry route chosen.
Chikubushima Island is rich in cultural highlights. Key attractions include Hogonji Temple, known for its nationally designated treasure, the Kara-mon (Chinese Gate), and the important cultural asset, the Boat Passageway (Funa-roka). Visitors can also explore Tsukubusuma Shrine, which is the island's main shrine. These sites offer a glimpse into the island's long history as a worshipped spiritual place.
The best time to take the Chikubushima Island cruise often depends on personal preference for scenery and weather. Spring (April-May) offers pleasant temperatures and lush greenery, while autumn (October-November) presents stunning foliage around Lake Biwa. Summer (July-August) provides warm weather ideal for cruising, though it can be busy. Winter (December-February) offers a serene, unique atmosphere, though some services might be reduced. Each season provides a distinct perspective of the island's beauty.
During the Chikubushima Island cruise on Lake Biwa, visitors can expect to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Japan's largest lake. The journey provides a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape, including distant mountains and the expansive waters. As the boat approaches Chikubushima Island, you'll witness its tranquil, spiritual presence from the water, setting the scene for your exploration of its ancient temples and shrines.
For the Chikubushima Island cruise, visitors typically depart from two main ports on Lake Biwa. These are Nagahama Port, located on the eastern side of the lake, and Imazu Port, situated on the western side. Both ports offer regular ferry services to Chikubushima Island. Travelers can choose the port most convenient for their travel plans and starting location in the Shiga prefecture area.
Chikubushima Island is revered as a highly spiritual site, often referred to as an island where gods reside, and it has been a place of worship for centuries. Its profound spiritual significance stems from the presence of ancient temples and shrines, including Hogonji Temple and Tsukubusuma Shrine, which attract visitors seeking tranquility and blessings. The island's serene natural beauty further enhances its sacred atmosphere, making it a unique pilgrimage destination.
You can conveniently book tickets for the Chikubushima Island cruise through reputable online travel platforms. Using KKday, for instance, allows you to easily compare options and secure your cruise tickets in advance, providing a hassle-free booking experience and ensuring your spot on the desired departure. This method offers the convenience of planning your visit ahead of time and receiving immediate confirmation.
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