The Mysteries of Chikubushima

A Guide to this Mystical Hidden Gem

Today we are going to take a look at a destination that has been on my bucket list for a LONG time. Known as Chikubushima, this secluded little island lies in the middle of Lake Biwa, Japan’s biggest lake. Chikubushima is considered one of the country’s nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty as well as a Historic Site. The island is also a pain in the ass to get to!

As you might expect, Chikubushima has long upheld its ancient historical legacy as a spiritual setting. For example, the island’s Tsukubusuma Shrine is said to have been established as far back as 420. As if this was not enough, Chikubushima’s Hogon-ji temple was also constructed not long thereafter in 724. Furthermore, this temple was supposedly completed at the behest of the emperor who was acting out the direct will of the sun goddess, Amaterasu Omikami.

Both Chikubushima’s Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple honor the goddess Benzaiten. This deity of luck, eloquence, and music is one of only a few to appear in both religions. Along with Enoshima and Miyajima, the island ranks among Japan’s three great sites dedicated to Benzaiten. Much like the myth narrating Enoshima’s origins, Benzaiten is said to have also lived on Chikubushima long ago.