Hogonji Temple

Hogonji Temple is a significant Buddhist Temple located at the top of Chikubushima Island in Lake Biwa. It is the 30th temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.

Back in the 8th century, Emperor Shomu has a dream in which the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami appeared. In this dream, she revealed that Chikubushima Island was a sacred site for Benzaiten (a Japanese goddess). If the emperor built a temple there, it would bring peace, bountiful harvests, and happiness. Acting on this divine relevation, Emperor Shomu sent the monk Gyoki as an Imperial envoy to establish the temple.

In addition to its beginnings, the temple is famous for the Karamon Gate — a National Treasure. The gate has several colorful carvings of peonies, phoenixes, and rabbits, making it a true visual wonder. The Kannon Hall, which houses the Thousand-Armed Thousand-Eyed Kannon Bodhisattva, is an Important Cultural Property.

As you approach the Main Hall (Benten Hall), you’ll see a three-story pagoda and various statues. Inside, you’ll find a standing statue of Benzaiten, as well as a special small red daruma known as the “Benten’s Happiness Wishes Daruma”. You can write your wishes on a piece of paper and place it inside the hall, where it will stay for one year. Alternatively, if you’d like to take a daruma home, it’s recommended to get the keychain version.

Note: To enter the island, adults will need to pay ¥600 and children ¥300. If you want to go inside the Treasure Hall, it is an additional ¥300 for adults and ¥250 for children. Make sure to also visit Tsukubusuma Shrine, which was originally connected to the temple.

How to get there

If you want to see Hogonji Temple in all its glory, you will need to take a boat to Chikubushima Island. Sightseeing boats depart from Nagahama, Hikone, and Omi-Imazu. Timetables differ depending on where you are departing from. Here is the one from Hikone Port.