Chikubushima Shrine (Tsukubusuma Shrine)

History and Divine Virtue

Chikubushima Shrine stands on Chikubushima, a small island about two kilometers around in the northern part of Lake Biwa, and enshrines Ichikishimahime no Mikoto, Uga Fukujin, Azaihime no Mikoto, and the dragon deity Ryujin. The island has long been revered as a dwelling of the gods, and the shrine is said to have begun in the reign of Emperor Yuryaku with the enshrinement of Azaihime no Mikoto. Ichikishimahime no Mikoto is identified with Benzaiten, and together with the Benzaiten hall of the neighboring temple Hogon-ji, the island is counted with Enoshima and Itsukushima among the Three Great Benzaiten of Japan. The main sanctuary, said to have been moved from Fushimi Castle, is a lavish Momoyama-period building designated a National Treasure together with its sliding-door and ceiling paintings. From the Ryujin worship platform jutting over the lake, visitors throw small clay dishes (kawarake) inscribed with their wishes toward a torii on the water; it is said that a wish comes true if the dish passes through the gate.

Visiting Notes

• The main sanctuary, said to be a relic of Fushimi Castle, is a National Treasure of Momoyama architecture; its paintings are attributed to the Kano school.
• The kawarake toss at the Ryujin platform uses two dishes: write your name on one and your wish on the other, then throw toward the torii on the lake.
• A covered corridor links the shrine to Hogon-ji (Benzaiten hall and karamon gate), preserving the union of kami and buddhas intact.
• Sightseeing boats run from Nagahama, Imazu, and Hikone ports; time on the island is about 70 to 80 minutes depending on the service.

Deities and Location

Enshrined Deities

Ichikishimahime no Mikoto, Uga Fukujin, Azaihime no Mikoto, Ryūjin (Dragon Deity)

Location

滋賀県長浜市早崎町（竹生島） (undefined)

Access

Walk from JR Nagahama Station to Nagahama Port, then about 30 minutes by sightseeing boat.

Lineage

Benzaiten: Arts & Wealth, Dragon & Water Deities

Visiting hours, goshuin (shrine stamps), and festival dates change; please confirm the latest information through each shrine's official announcements. If you find an error in this entry, we would be grateful if you let us know.