This small island, with a circumference of just 2km, is located in the offing of Lake Biwa, approximately 6km from shore. Here you can find both Hogonji Temple and Tsukubusuma-jinja Shrine. The Benzaiten (Sarasvati) at Hogonji Temple is known as one of the three best in Japan, and the temple also receives many visitors as the 30th location on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.
The gabled karamon gate at Hogonji Temple is said to be only remaining piece of Hideyoshi’s Osaka-jo Castle, and it is a registered national treasure alongside the main shrine at Tsukubusuma-jinja Shrine. Revered since ancient times as an island where the god of water dwells, this god has also been worshipped for providing safe passage for travel across water. The island is now widely known as one of the most powerful spots for spiritual energy on Lake Biwa, and is a place to truly experience water and prayer.