Lake Biwa: Mystical Chikubu Island Boat Tour from Many Ports

3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

Lake Biwa: Mystical Chikubu Island Boat Tour from Many Ports, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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

Nature and Wildlife Tours Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Walking Tours Water Tours Nature Walks

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–6
Guide: English
Operated by: DeepExperience

Ages: Adults (0–120 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Boat ride to the island
Included: Guided tour of Chikubu Island
Included: Experience kawarake-nage: throwing clay discs for good luck
Included: Sweet treats served on the island

Not included

Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Personal expenses

Itinerary

Chikubushima

2 h 30 min Admission included

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting 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.

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.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

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

Options

From Hikone Port

From Hikone Port

Starting point:

びわ湖遊覧船のりば, 3755 Matsubarachō, Hikone, Shiga 522-0002, Japan
From Nagahama Port

From Nagahama Port

Starting point:

Chikubushima Cruise, 4-17 Minatochō, Nagahama, Shiga 526-0067, Japan
From Nagahama Station

From Nagahama Station

Starting point:

Nagahama Station, 1 Kitafunacho, Nagahama, Shiga 526-0057, Japan
From Imazu Port

From Imazu Port

Starting point:

Chikubu Island Cruise (Imazu Port), Japan, 520-1621 滋賀県高島市今津町今津３０