Chikubu Island

Chikubu Island

Chikubu Island is located in the northern part of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, and falls under the jurisdiction of Nagahama City in Shiga Prefecture. Covering a total area of 0.14 square kilometers, the island’s highest point reaches an elevation of 197 meters. Covered with coniferous trees, the island boasts picturesque scenery and has been designated as both a National Place of Scenic Beauty and a National Historic Site by the Japanese government. It is also one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa and has appeared in numerous literary and artistic works in Japan.

The island is home to many scenic spots. In the southern part of the island sits Tsukubusuma Shrine and Hōgon-ji Temple. It is said that Tsukubusuma Shrine was first built in 420 AD and, along with Enoshima Shrine in the Kanto region and Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima Prefecture, is counted among Japan’s Three Great Benzaiten Shrines (Benzaiten is one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods and is the Japanese representation of the Hindu goddess Sarasvatī). Hōgon-ji is a Shingon sect temple originally established in 724.

In recent years, a submerged ruin was discovered in the Kabutozaki area north of Chikubu Island. A variety of pottery artifacts were salvaged from a depth of 70 meters, dating back to both the early Jomon period and the Yayoi period, drawing significant attention from various fields.

Chikubu Island

Must-visit reason: One of the most beautiful sights on Lake Biwa

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Japan[Japan]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Shiga Prefecture [Shiga Prefecture]

City where the attraction is located: Nagahama [Nagahama]