Shinobazu pond was formed as a lagoon lake of Tokyo Bay about 1800 years ago. In 15th century, the pond was already called Shinobazu Pond.
In 1625, by the order of Edo Government, Kaneiji Temple was built in here. Tenkai, the founder of the temple, set Shinobazu pond as Lake Biwa, and built a small island, called Benten Island as Chikubu Island of Lake Biwa. He built Benten Shrine on that island.