ShigaTravel

Tukuhufusuma Shrine

Flow of the course

Previous stop: Climb the 165 stone steps of prayer to reach the Kannon Hall. The National Treasure Karamon Gate is also a highlight

About 45 min here

About 105 min to the next stop

Next stop: Stroll through the lakeside park with Nagahama Castle in view. Gaze across Lake Biwa and Mount Ibuki from the observation deck

About this spot

A shrine located on the lakeside of Takashima Island, with its main hall said to have been moved from a palace of Fushimi Castle and designated as a National Treasure. It enshrines Ichikishima-hime (Benzaiten) and the Dragon God, and has long been venerated as the sacred island of the lake. The signature attraction is 'kawara-wara' tile-tossing at the Dragon God Worship Platform jutting into the lake. You receive a pair of small earthenware tiles, write your name on one and your wish on the other, then toss them toward the Miyazaki torii gate below the cliff. Legend says that if your tile passes through the torii gate, your wish will be granted—couples will have great fun taking turns. The panoramic view of Lake Biwa from the worship platform is spectacular, and the contrast between the sparkling water and the vermillion torii gate is a sight found nowhere else.

Tips

Tiles are available just before the worship platform, priced around ¥300 for a pair. Write your name on the first tile and your wish on the second before tossing. The gate is farther away than expected, so toss gently underhand rather than with force. Plan to return to the boat dock with 15 minutes to spare before departure.

Best time to visit

Approximately 45 minutes. Proceed from Hogonji Temple via the corridor and conclude with kawara-wara tile-tossing before your return ferry—this is the standard route

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