Nagahama Town and Sacred Chikubushima Island

Nagahama city is located in the northeast of Lake Biwa. It developed as a castle town of Nagahama Castle in the 16th century. Since then, Nagahama has flourished as a post town of Hokkoku Kaido Road which was an important traffic route connecting Fukui and Tokyo.  And also prospered as a port town of Lake Biwa. In this tour, you will visit a sacred island floating in the lake called Chikubushima Island. This island is said to be a spiritual power spot. Because it was considered to be a place where deities have lived since ancient time. The benefits you can receive from the deity are bringing you good lucks, traffic safety and success in the entertainment field and also driving bad lucks away. In the town, you will wander around the city center, Kurokabe Square. In this spot, you will see many traditional buildings which were converted to restaurants or shops. You also visit  a former merchant house with a nice Japanese garden.

Tour code: Shiga-002

Duration: 6 hours approx. 9:00-15:00

Meeting Point: Nagahama Station 

Transportation: Meet at Nagahama Station - （on foot) -(by boat) - Chikubushima Island - (by boat) (on foot) -  Kurokabe Square- Ando Merchant House - Nagahama Station

What's included: Guide fee

What's not included: Entrance fee, Transportation fee, Meal

Meet at Nagahama Station and take a walk to Nagahama Port. You will take a boat to Chikubushima Island. There are a shine and a temple on the island called Tsukubusuma Shrine and Hogonji Temple.  Please note that you will climb up 165 stone steps to get to the temple. The temple has a lot of important cultural assets in its ground. Especially the Karamon Gate which was built in the 16th century in Kyoto and transferred here is very precious and designated as a national treasure. Its cypress barked reef, sculptures and paintings on lacquered pillars are splendid. Next to the temple is Tsukubusuma Shrine where the dragon god protects the island Biwa. From the main building, you can enjoy the great view of Lake Biwa. You will be able to try "kawarakenage" which is a ritual activity to throw earthen dishes toward a torii gate praying your wishes. If the dishes pass through the torii gate successfully, your wish will come true. Why don't you try? After you leave the island, you will head to a downtown area called Kurokabe Square where you can eat while walking. This district consists of 24 shops and galleries of glass ware works, model of figures and antiques. Your last stop is Ando Merchant House which was built in the early 20th century. You can imagine a life of a wealthy merchant from its beautiful architecture  and enjoy an aesthetic Japanese garden. The tour will end at Nagahama Station.