Chikubu Island in Lake Biwa

Hogonji Temple on Chikubu Island in Lake Biwa was founded by the monk Gyoki in 724 AD under the imperial order of Emperor Shomu. The temple features the Kannon Hall and Karamon Gate, which were relocated from the Toyokuni Shrine in Higashiyama, Kyoto, by the will of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It also includes the magnificent and elegant Daibenzaitendo, which faithfully reproduces the style of the Fujiwara period. The Karamon Gate is particularly famous as the only remaining structure from Osaka Castle during the Toyotomi period. The scenic beauty of the island floating on Lake Biwa is renowned as "The Deep Green Reflection of Chikubu Island." It takes about 25 to 40 minutes by steamboat from the ports of Nagahama, Hikone, and Imazu.