Lake Biwa: Mystical Chikubu Island Boat Tour from Many Ports

Name: Lake Biwa: Mystical Chikubu Island Boat Tour from Many Ports
Brand: Viator
Price: 145.32 USD
Availability: InStock

3 hoursEnglishBook 1 day aheadShiga Prefecture, Japan

From

$145

Book on Viator

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

Included

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

Not included

Food and drinks
Personal expenses

Choose your option

4 options

Check availability on Viator

What you'll do

Chikubushima
Hayazakicho, Nagahama, Japan
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.
2h 30mAdmission included

Meeting and pickup

1 location

Pickup detailsRead more

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.

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

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

Similar Experiences

Viator
Shiga: Omi-Hachiman Heritage Tour with Optional Omi Beef
3 hr 30 min
Shiga Prefecture, Japan
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
- New
From
$163
Viator
Shiga: Explore Hikone Castle and Savor Premium Omi Beef
3 hours
Shiga Prefecture, Japan
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
- Special offer
From
$154
Viator
Shiga: Explore the Secret World of Koka Ninja
2 hr 30 min
Shiga Prefecture, Japan
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
- New
From
$115
Viator
Shiga: Guided Tour of Oda Nobunaga’s Azuchi Castle Legacy”
4 hours
Shiga Prefecture, Japan
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
- New
From
$110
Viator
Shiga: Future World Heritage Site Hikone Castle Guided Tour
2 hours
Shiga Prefecture, Japan
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
- Special offer
From
$63
Viator
Shiga Omihachiman Bar-Hopping Tour with Local Flavors
2 hours
Shiga Prefecture, Japan
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
- New
From
$134
Viator
Private Temple Tour and Historical Town Walk near Kyoto
3 hr 10 min
Shiga Prefecture, Japan
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
- New
From
$112
Viator
Temple & Local Life Walking Tour with a Monk near Kyoto
5.0(4)
7 hours
Shiga Prefecture, Japan
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
From
$176
Viator
Shiga: Hikone Bar-Hopping Tour with Local Food and Drinks
2 hours
Shiga Prefecture, Japan
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
- Special offer
From
$94
Viator
Nagahama Castle Town Half Day Walking Tour
3 hours
Shiga Prefecture, Japan
- Free cancellation
- New
From
$56
Viator
Shiga: Discover the Living Tradition of Shigaraki Pottery
2 hours
Shiga Prefecture, Japan
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
- New
From
$75
Viator
Shiga: Kusatsu & Minami-Kusatsu Bar Hopping with Local Guide
2 hours
Shiga Prefecture, Japan
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
- Special offer
From
$87