ABOUT
About this spot
Hogon-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon Buzan sect on Chikubushima, an island in the northern part of Lake Biwa. Its principal image is Dai-Benzaiten, a hidden image, and the temple is counted among the three great Benzaiten sites of Japan. It is also Temple 30 of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. The whole island is designated a Place of Scenic Beauty and a Historic Site, and it can only be reached by boat. Tradition says the temple was founded in the Nara period, when the monk Gyoki built a hall on the island. After the Heian period it came under Enryaku-ji, and it long formed one sacred complex with the neighboring Tsukubusuma Shrine. Its buildings were restored in 1602 on the order of Toyotomi Hideyori, and the present main hall was built in 1942. The highlight is the National Treasure Kara-mon, a gorgeous Momoyama-period gate with colorful carvings. Nearby are the Kannon Hall, built on a slope, and the covered corridor said to use timber from Hideyoshi's ship, both Important Cultural Properties. You can also see a stone five-story pagoda and a three-story pagoda rebuilt in 2000. Boats run from Nagahama Port in about 30 minutes, from Imazu Port in about 25 minutes and from Hikone Port in about 45 minutes. Sailing times change by season, so check the return boat before you go.
Last updated October 25, 2026