The Setting for the Noh Play "Chikubushima" Where Gods Reside
Chikubu Island is a small island in Lake Biwa, with a circumference of about 2 kilometers. The entire island is shrouded in a mystical atmosphere and is gaining attention as a power spot. The Noh play "Chikubushima" is set on this island. It tells the story of gods, such as "Benzaiten" and "Dragon God", enshrined in the island's temples, who promise to save the people from confusion and protect the country.
Disembark at "Chikubushima Port" from "Nagahama Port" by sightseeing boat (30 minutes).
Disembark at "Chikubushima Port" from "Hikone Port" by sightseeing boat (40 minutes).
Disembark at "Chikubushima Port" from "Imazu Port" by sightseeing boat (25 minutes).
The main god of Hogonji Temple is Benzaiten, one of the "Three Japanese Benzaiten." Among them, she is referred to as "The great-Benzaiten" due to her ancient origins and is enshrined in the main hall. Benzaiten also features in the latter part of the Noh play "Chikubushima." There's a custom where wishes are written on paper and placed inside daruma dolls called "Benten-sama no Shiawase Negai Daruma." Many such cute red daruma dolls are dedicated in this manner.
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The Hogonji Temple's treasure hall houses numerous temple treasures passed down on Chikubu Island, making it a must-visit for Noh enthusiasts.
Examples of Noh-Related Treasures
The Iseki Mask : A Noh mask donated by Ii Naosuke as an offering of gratitude for his recovery from illness through prayers to Benzaiten.
The Menkoufuhai no tama : One of the three treasures chanted in the Noh "Ama," a crystal ball.
The Yoroidōshi (a short dagger aiming for the gaps in the armor) : A short sword crafted by Sanjo Kokaji Munechika, who appears in the Noh play "Kokaji."
The Sendo no Biwa Plectrum : A plectrum believed to have been used when the protagonist in the Noh play "Tsunemasa" prayed for victory on Chikubu and played the renowned biwa instrument "Sendō no Biwa."
The Futamata no Take : The treasure of Hogonji Temple that is featured in the Noh "Chikubushima." It is said that when a practitioner prayed, their bamboo staff would split into two, producing branches and leaves. Currently, it is not open to the public.
National Treasure The Karamon Gate : This is a part of the Great Osaka Castle's Gokuraku Bridge, built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It features exquisite carvings and vibrant patterns in a lavish style. Hideyoshi, a warrior who loved Noh, even performed Noh himself and supported Noh actors.
The Kannon Hall : It enshrines Senju Kannon Bodhisattva.
The Boat Corridor : A corridor extending from the Kannon Hall to the Tsukubusuma Shrine, built using the framework of Hideyoshi's ship "Nihonmaru."
The Tsukubusuma Shrine, also known as Chikubushima Shrine, is a historic shrine with a deep-rooted heritage. In ancient times, Chikubushima was referred to by the name "Tsukubusuma." The enshrined gods include Ichikishimahime (Benzaiten), Uga Fukujin, Chikubushima Dragon, and Asaihime, the local god who governs Lake Biwa's waters. The main hall was relocated from the evening palace of Fushimi Momoyama Castle and is a national treasure.
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Ryujin Haisho, built on the island's slope just opposite the national treasure main hall.
It's believed to be the spot where Taira no Tsunemasa played the biwa (Japanese lute) to pray for victory, and it offers the island's best panoramic views. Near the dragon shrine, you'll find the Kokuryudo, said to be where the dragon god from the second half of the Noh play "Chikubushima " descended to the mortal world. The towering tree next to it is said to be the sacred tree where the black dragon rises from the lake.
Tsukubusuma Shrine: Kawarake Nage
One famous tradition is the "Kawarake Nage," where people write their wishes on pottery, then toss them from the Dragon Worship Site towards the torii gate extending into the lake. It's believed that if the pottery passes through the gate, the wish will come true.
Hoogonji Temple: "Benten-sama no Shiawase Negai Daruma"
It's said that by placing a wish written on paper inside a small daruma called "Benten-sama no Shiawase Negai Daruma" and dedicating it, the wish will come true. Those who dedicate one receive a daruma strap amulet in return.
Along the approach from Chikubushima Port to Hōgonji Temple, you'll find traditional souvenir shops and trendy cafes.
Souvenirs from Chikibu Islnad
You can enjoy specialties from Lake Biwa like simmered fish and shellfish, as well as "Negaidaruma" milk manju, known for its gentle flavor. In cafes, the popular choice is "Ohmi Gyuu-man," packed with the savory goodness of Shiga's branded beef, Omi Beef.
One place you shouldn't miss in Nagahama is the Nagahama Castle History Museum. From the 5th-floor observation deck, you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Biwa and feel like a warlord from the Sengoku period thanks to narrations and sound effects.
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