Tsukubusuma Shrine, National Treasure Shinto shrine on Chikubu Island, Lake Biwa, Japan
Tsukubusuma Shrine stands on the southeast side of Chikubu Island in Lake Biwa, Nagahama. Its honden, a National Treasure, was formed in 1602 when Toyotomi Hideyori donated part of the Higurashi Goten, an imperial messenger hall from Fushimi Castle; the building was joined to a hall rebuilt in 1567. A covered corridor links it directly to Hogon-ji's Kannon Hall.
The earliest written record dates from the year 879, when the sanctuary already stood on the island. Over the centuries, it was rebuilt several times, with the current structure dating from the warlord era.
The name refers to a water goddess, and pilgrims come here seeking blessings for fertility and protection. On festival days, worshippers perform small rituals and leave offerings in front of the main building.
The island is reachable by boat, with departures scheduled in the morning and early afternoon. Access involves steps and paths, so comfortable shoes are recommended and visitors should allow some time for exploration.
The shrine's name appears in the Engishiki register of 927 as Tsukubusuma Shrine in Azai District, Ōmi Province, yet it was so absorbed into Hōgon-ji that its identity was nearly forgotten until the Meiji government ordered the temple closed and the shrine renamed after the register. The honden, moved from Fushimi Castle's Higurashi Palace by Toyotomi Hideyori in 1602, is a National Treasure.
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