Chubu Wide-area Tourism Portal Site -- Travel to Ten Thrilling Scenic Sites This showcases sightseeing destinations in Japan's Chubu region (the prefectures of Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi, Mie, and Shiga).

Shiga Prefecture

This is a small island of about 2km in circumference located about 6km offshore in Biwa town. The name of the island originates from "Kami-wo-itsuku-shima" (an island which enshrines god). Since the medieval period, the island received many visitors as it was one of the 33 Kannon Spiritual Grounds. This worship has not been interrupted - even today many tourists visit here. It is also counted as one of the 8 scenic sites of Lake Biwa.