Chikubu Island

Chikubushima or Chikubu Island is known as a mysterious island, which is located in the northern part of Japan's biggest lake: Lake Biwa. Among four islands in the lake (Oki Island, Chikubu Island, Takeshima Island, and rocks named Okinoshiraishi), Chikubu Island is believed to be an island enshrining several gods, and has been worshiped since ancient times, especially during the Warring States period (mid-16th century).

Japanese water gods are associated with two images: dragon, like the photo above, and a female god, named "Benzaiten".

Originated in the Chinese legend of the Seven Lucky Gods, Benzaiten is a woman who plays an instrument called Biwa. She is also known as the god of performing arts. Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, was named Lake "Biwa" because the instrument's body resembles the shape of Lake Biwa when viewed from the sky. 

Moreover, Benzaiten is also the god of water because water is indispensable for the beauty and health of women. A lot of shrines dedicated to Benzaiten exist in different regions of Japan, but that of Chikubu Island is the oldest one.

Usually, this goddess is represented by a slender female figure image, but the statue enshrined at Hogon-ji Temple, of this island, is represented with eight hands, like the ancient Indian Shiva. There are also, however, small dolls on which a cute face of the female god is drawn, and it is customary for travelers to buy one to pray for good luck.

Chikubu Island has 2km of outer circumference and 0.14 square kilometers of area. When you look at the island from the ship to get there, it looks like a wooden palace floating on the lake. And when you enter the island, there are 165 steps leading to the top of the island.

There are monks who remain on the island at night to protect the temple, but there are neither inhabitants nor electricity on the island: only gods live there. From historical point of view, the temple and the shrine on this island were originally the castle of Hideyoshi Toyotomi, a military commander during the Warring States period. After his demise, his remained family had replaced some parts of Fushimi Castle (southern Kyoto) and Osaka Castle (Osaka) elsewhere, before they were destroyed by Tokugawa clan (shogun between 17th and 19th century), in order to protect his legacies against rivals. These legacies were then donated to Chikubu Island. That is why nowadays the ancient gates of Hideyoshi's castle, and some wooden pieces of Hideyoshi's favorite boats, still remain in this small holy island. A real miracle of Japanese history.

Far from loud cities, the island still preserves its holiness and ancient mystery as a place of prayer. If you want to experience the mysterious part of Japan, Chikubu Island is a highly recommended spot.

You get off at JR Imazu Station, and within a few minutes' walk you will arrive at Imazu Port, where you can board a boat bound for Chikubu Island. If you would like to explore the island with a guide, please contact us.