Lake Biwa

Chikubu Island is a small island floating in the northern part of Lake Biwa, revered as a dwelling place of deities since ancient times. Its name originates from the phrase "(神を) 斎く (いつく) 島," which is said to have been altered from "いつくしま (Isukushima)" to "つくぶすま (Tsukubusuma)." Additionally, the island is adorned with historically significant structures such as the Hōgon-ji Temple, one of Japan's three major Benzaiten temples, the Tang gate, and the Tsukubusuma Shrine.