Hokoku-ji

Hokoku-ji is enshrined on Chikubu Island, which floats on Lake Biwa, and is known as a sacred site of Benzaiten worship. The island itself is considered sacred ground and has been revered since ancient times as "the island where the kami dwell." It is also the thirtieth temple of the Thirty-three Temples of Western Japan pilgrimage route, and many pilgrims visit the island by boat. Benzaiten is believed in as the kami of music, the arts, and wealth, and is particularly known for her blessings of business prosperity and advancement in artistic skills.