【Biwako Kisen】Create memories of Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, on a sightseeing boat!

Get to know Lake Biwa

Lake Biwa, located in Shiga Prefecture, is the largest freshwater lake in Japan and has a history of about four million years, making it the oldest lake in the country. There are only about 20 ancient lakes in the world, and Lake Biwa is one of Japan’s valuable assets.

The lake holds approximately 27.5 billion tons of water. While this may be difficult to comprehend due to its sheer size, it is said to be equivalent to the amount of water used in 11 years by the 14.5 million people living on the Yodo River basin, which relies on Lake Biwa’s water.

Cruise options: The Chikubushima Cruise and the Michigan Cruise

The Chikubushima Cruise can be boarded from both Imazu Port and Nagahama Port, making it a convenient option for sightseeing in the area. After about a 30-minute boat ride, you will arrive at Chikubushima Island. There are many attractions, such as national treasures and important cultural properties, but it is also famous as a power spot, so be sure to soak up some of its positive energy.

The Michigan Cruise is boarded from Otsu Port. Aboard this eye-catching paddle steamer with red paddles, you will explore the southern part of Lake Biwa. From the sky deck, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the magnificent lake, as well as many memorable photo spots. In addition, a guide on the boat, the Michigan Perser, will liven up the cruise with sightseeing information and live music. There is a restaurant on board where you can enjoy everything from light snacks to full meals.

Cruise option: The Gurutto Biwako Island Tour

The Gurutto Biwako Island Tour is a satisfying cruise that allows you to board a high-speed boat from Otsu Port and visit in a single day all the four islands: Okishima, Okino-shiraishi, Takeshima, and Chikubushima. A guide will be on board to provide easy-to-understand explanations about the history, culture, and scenery of each island. For lunch, enjoy a special bento box featuring ingredients from Shiga Prefecture! As a boarding privilege, you will also receive an original bag as a souvenir, which is a nice bonus. (Advance reservations are required and are only available for limited days.)

Try the happiness-bringing daruma unique to Chikubushima and make unique wishes

On Chikubushima Island, there are several religious sites, such as the Hogon-ji Temple, which enshrines one of the three Japanese Benzaiten, as well as the Daibenzaiten, and the Tsukubusuma Shrine, which is associated with Ryujin (dragon god) beliefs. You can reach the main hall of Hogon-ji Temple, the 30th pilgrimage site of the Saikoku Kannon Pilgrimage, by climbing 165 steps. On sunny days, the beautiful sun filtering through the trees on the “prayer staircase” creates a calming atmosphere. It requires a bit of physical strength, but take your time and enjoy the view while climbing.

At the main hall, you can write your wishes on a piece of paper and put it in a “happiness-wishing daruma” that is shaped like Benzaiten or purchase good luck charms, such as an amulet strap or a Chikubushima Benzaiten’s Fortune Koban, for increasing your wealth. There are two types of Goshuin, so don’t forget your Goshuincho if you are collecting them.

At Tsukubusuma Shrine, there is a Ryujin worship area where Ryujin resides, which extends into Lake Biwa. Here, the custom is to make wishes by throwing “kawarake” clay discs to ward off evil. Purchase a set of two kawarake discs, write your name on the first and your wish on the second, and throw them towards the torii gate. It is said that if the kawarake pass through the torii gate, your wish will come true.

In addition, there are many historically valuable structures, such as the national treasure Karamon, which features beautiful carvings and vivid patterns of phoenixes, rabbits, pines, and peony flowers in the luxurious Momoyama style, the Funarouka, designated as an Important Cultural Property, and the Three-Storied Pagoda, which was destroyed by lightning in the early Edo period and restored in 2000 after about 350 years.