Lake Biwa Day Trip by Taxi Mt Ibuki and Chikubushima Cruise

From JR Nagahama Station, you will travel by shared taxi for approximately an hour to Mt. Ibuki. At the summit area, you will have time to enjoy views from an elevated viewpoint overlooking the surrounding landscape and Lake Biwa. The open setting allows you to take in wide scenery from above, offering a refreshing start to the day.

This location serves as a gateway to the northeastern Shiga area, offering views of Mt. Ibuki and a wide selection of locally grown vegetables and seasonal products. You will have time to explore the facilities freely. You may also choose to have lunch at your own expense, with simple dining options available on site. This stop provides a casual introduction to local flavors and everyday food culture.

oard a boat for the next part of your journey. This lakeside departure point marks the transition from land travel to a scenic cruise adding a different perspective to the experience. Enjoy a 35-minute journey across Lake Biwa toward Chikubushima, a small island of about 2 kilometers in circumference.

Cruise across Lake Biwa toward Chikubushima Island, a small island located in the northern part of the lake. The cruise itself offers relaxing views across Japan’s largest lake before arriving at the island, which has long been regarded as a sacred place. Surrounded by water and steep slopes, Chikubushima Island has been worshipped for centuries and is home to historic shrine and temple structures. After arrival, you will have free time to explore the island at your own pace. Visit Hogonji Temple, established following an imperial vision connected to a sacred deity, and Tsukubusuma Shrine, a historic shrine where the island itself is considered divine. The site includes notable structures such as the main hall (National Treasure) and ritual areas, including a well-known clay plate throwing activity toward Lake Biwa. The compact size of the island allows you to experience its atmosphere closely, creating a sense of being somewhere truly unique and separate from the mainland.

JR Nagahama Station is located about a 15-minute walk from the port, allowing you to continue your journey independently.