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Chikubu Island

The island itself is only 2 kilometers around and has high granite cliffs covered in bamboo, cedar and pine. It features one of the "Eight Great Views" of Lake Biwa. To reach the island a boat can be taken from Hamaotsu, Hikone, Nagahama, and some other ports along the shore. From Hikone, the boat ride takes about 30 minutes and costs around 3,000 yen. The approach to the island is impressive as you lean back to see the temple complex perched on the cliffs above. The boat docks at the eastern side of the island at the base of the cliffs, not far from the impressive stairs leading up to the temple and shrine.

Hogonji Temple

A visit to the temple complex is well worth the climb up the 165 steps of the "Pilgrims' Stairs". At the top of the stairs is the courtyard of the Benzaitendo, the main hall of temple. The Temple was originally built in 724 but was rebuilt in 1942. The "Rengee", Benzaiten statue, is enshrined here. It is the oldest of the three most famous statues of this goddess in Japan. The atmosphere is pious, especially so if you happen to visit while Japanese pilgrims pray by chanting old Chinese scripture. Every year, in one of the island's most important traditional rituals, a new statue of the Rengee is dedicated to the temple.

Another important statue in the temple complex is that of the "Acala", the god of fire. It is the oldest wooden statue here and was carved from a single piece of wood in the 12th century. You will notice that he wears an angry expression. This is to scare corrupt people into changing their ways.

Across from the temple entrance is a miniature five story pagoda. It is carved from the stone of the famous Mount Hiei at the far western end of Lake Biwa and is one of only seven such stone monuments in Japan. The monument depicts a Buddha image on each side of the first story and the roof design is typical of the Kamakura period style. Beside the stone pagoda monument is more stairs which lead up to the Three Story Pagoda.

Pilgrims' Stairs	Stone Pagoda	Prayer bell	Prayer Wheel Light	Courtyard Statue	Top of the Stairs

Three Storied Pagoda and Treasure House

The pagoda is painted a brilliant orange and is quite beautiful against the green of the surrounding trees. The original pagoda burned down in the early Edo period and was recently rebuilt following the original plan. The pagoda stands on the edge of a cliff next to the Treasure House. Among the treasures stored here are many interesting tapestries, Noh masks, swords, Buddhas amd other articles important to the temple's history. There is a 400 yen entry fee.

Three storied Pagoda	Tapestry	Pipes	Noh Masks	Gembu	Swords	Statue

Tsukubusuma Shrine, Karamon and the Funa Corridor

From the summit, a second stairway leads visitors down to the Karamon Gate which is also the entrance to Tsukubusuma Shrine. This gate dates from the Momoyama period (1573-1603) and was originally the gate for the Toyokuni Mausoleum in Kyoto. It was dismantled in Kyoto Higashiyama and rebuilt here. Located next to the Karamon is the Funa corridor, a covered walkway bridging a steep hill whose exit leads to Tsukubusuma Shrine. The corridor was built of wood from a ship, the "Nihonmaru" (hence the name Funa or ship), which belonged to Hideyoshi, the chief advisor to the Emperor at the time.

The shrine building, Higuregoden, was built in the Momoyama period (1576-1600). It was built by Hideyoshi to impress the Emperor on one of his visits. The building is famous for its decorative interior and exterior style. The ceiling of the shrine was painted by two of the most well known artisits of that time, Eitoku and Mitsunobu Kano. Their artwork shows scenes of birds and flowers of all four seasons. The shrine is perched on the edge of one of the island's many cliffs from which a beautiful view of the lake can be appreciated.

Inside the Fune Corridor	Higuregoden	Outside of the Fune Corridor

How to get there:

From Nagoya, there are several different trains you can take to Hikone. They all travel on the JR Tokaido line towards Kyoto and Lake Biwa. For all trains, you will need to change at Maibara.

How to get there

Tours - The Japan Discovery Tours visits Chikubu Island.
Click here for more information regarding when Discovery visits this destination.

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Opening hours, prices, booking procedures, schedules etc are subject to changes beyond our control. This site is just a guide, and we advise that you always check and confirm in advance. Suggestions, additions and correction of errors are always welcome. Please contact us.