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Lake Biwa: Mystical Chikubu Island Boat Tour from Many Ports

By DeepExperience
Free cancellation available
Price is £248 per adult* *Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults
See tickets
Features
  • Free cancellation available
  • 3h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
Overview

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 artefacts 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
Activity location
  • Chikubushima
    • Hayazakicho,
    • 526-0124, Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
Meeting/Redemption Point
  • びわ湖遊覧船のりば
    • 3755 Matsubarachō
    • 522-0002, Hikone, Shiga, Japan

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability

From Imazu Port
  • Activity duration is 3 hours3h
    3h
  • English

From Imazu Port
Starting point:
(Imazuko /), Japan, 520-1621 滋賀県高島市今津町今津３０

Language options: English
Price details
£247.52 x 1 Adult£247.52
Total
Price is £247.52
Until Fri, 6 Feb
From Hikone Port
  • Activity duration is 3 hours3h
    3h
  • English

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

Language options: English
Starting time: 09:50
Price details
£280.21 x 1 Adult£280.21
Total
Price is £280.21
Until Fri, 6 Feb
From Nagahama Port
  • Activity duration is 3 hours3h
    3h
  • English

From Nagahama Port
Starting point:
Chikubushima Cruise, 4-17 Minatochō, Nagahama, Shiga 526-0067, Japan

Language options: English
Price details
£280.21 x 1 Adult£280.21
Total
Price is £280.21
Until Fri, 6 Feb
From Nagahama Station
  • Activity duration is 3 hours3h
    3h
  • English

From Nagahama Station
Starting point:
Nagahama Station, 1 Kitafunacho, Nagahama, Shiga 526-0057, Japan

Language options: English
Price details
£298.89 x 1 Adult£298.89
Total
Price is £298.89
Until Fri, 6 Feb

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Boat ride to the island
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Guided tour of Chikubu Island
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Experience kawarake-nage: throwing clay discs for good luck
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Sweet treats served on the island
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Food and drinks
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Personal expenses

Know before you book

  • Public transport options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialised infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • In accordance with UK consumer law, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
  • This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

Activity itinerary

Chikubushima
  • 2h 30m
  • Admission ticket 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. Artefacts found in the lakebed prove its role as a spiritual centre long before organised religions. Surrounded by cliffs, pagodas, and treasure halls, Chikubu Island offers not just sightseeing but immersion in the mystery and devotion of Lake Biwa.

Location

Activity location
  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Chikubushima
    • Hayazakicho,
    • 526-0124, Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
Meeting/Redemption Point
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    びわ湖遊覧船のりば
    • 3755 Matsubarachō
    • 522-0002, Hikone, Shiga, Japan
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Nagahama Station
    • 1
    • 526-0057, Nagahama, Shiga, Japan
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Chikubushima Cruise
    • 17 4
    • 526-0067, Nagahama, Shiga, Japan
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    (Imazuko /)
    • ３０
    • 520-1621, 高島市, 滋賀県, Japan

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