Chikubu Island
竹生島35°25′ N 136°09′ EIsland¥600, about CAD 5.40 or USD 3.80 (October 2026 rates)1.5 hours
Chikubu Island suits anyone with half a day in Nagahama or Imazu and an interest in temples, though the boats thin out to two a day in winter and the landing fee comes on top of the fare.
Photo Alpsdake · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 and others, credited in the gallery
People have worshipped on Chikubu Island since ancient times, and the temple Hogon-ji and Tsukubusuma Shrine share the small island. Hogon-ji's Kara-mon gate and the shrine's main hall are national treasures, and the covered Funa-roka corridor between them is an important cultural property. Visiting the temple and shrine costs a landing fee of ¥600 for adults and ¥300 for children.
Biwako Kisen sails from Nagahama port in 35 minutes and from Imazu on the west shore in 25 to 30. The Nagahama return fare is ¥3,800 for adults and the Imazu return is ¥3,400. The crossing ticket from one port to the other via the island costs ¥3,600, which is the one to buy if you're riding around the lake. You get about 90 minutes ashore on the Nagahama return. Ohmi Marine also sails from Hikone port.
Winter cuts the timetable hard. From 7 to 25 December 2026 and from 4 January to 5 March 2027, the Nagahama boat runs two return sailings a day, leaving at 10:15 and 13:05. The Imazu boat runs only on weekends and holidays then, also twice a day. Ohmi Marine runs two sailings a day on weekdays from December into January.
Worth knowing
- Buy the Imazu to Nagahama crossing if you're riding the lake, and check the timetable for how long you get ashore.
- Neither boat company's page says anything about bikes on board, so plan to leave yours at the port.
- On the day of the Biwako fireworks in Otsu, both Biwako Kisen routes cancel their afternoon sailings.
Quick answers about Chikubu Islandよくある質問
How do I get to Chikubu Island?
By boat. Biwako Kisen sails from Nagahama port in 35 minutes and from Imazu in about 25 to 30, and Ohmi Marine sails from Hikone.
Do Chikubu Island boats run in winter?
Yes, on a reduced timetable. In winter 2026/27 the Nagahama boat makes two return trips a day, and the Imazu boat runs only on weekends and holidays.
How much does Chikubu Island cost?
Prices at Chikubu Island start at ¥600 per adult (2026), about CAD 5.40 or USD 3.80 (October 2026 rates).
What are the opening hours of Chikubu Island?
Chikubu Island keeps these hours: Mon–Sun by boat timetable.
How long do you need at Chikubu Island?
Plan about 1.5 hours at Chikubu Island.
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