Shuzenji (Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Shuzenji, located in Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a tourist destination centered around a historic hot spring town and temples. Originating from Shuzenji Temple, which is said to have been associated with Kobo Daishi (Kukai) in the Heian period, the area developed into a hot spring resort and tourist destination through the Kamakura and Edo periods. Its charm lies in the strong Japanese atmosphere it retains, with its old townscape, bamboo forests, quaint walking paths along streams, and the spring-fed "Dokko no Yu." Dotted with inns, day-trip hot springs, footbaths, and souvenir shops, the relatively easy access from the city means it attracts many tourists throughout the year.

Highlights

• Shuzenji Temple: An ancient temple. The garden and main hall are tranquil, and there are facilities where you can pray and try your hand at copying sutras.
• Tokko no Yu: The source of the hot spring is located along the Katsura River (?) that flows near Shuzenji Temple. It is a legendary hot spring basin, and there is also a foot bath nearby (please note that bathing is prohibited in some areas, so please follow the signs).
• Bamboo Forest Path: A quiet walking path through a bamboo forest in the middle of town. It is a popular photo spot and you can enjoy the changing scenery of the four seasons.
• Stroll around the hot spring town: Cobblestone alleys, riverside inns and souvenir shops, Japanese sweet shops and cafes. The scenery is especially atmospheric at dusk when the lights are lit.
• Shuzenji Rainbow Village(Nearby): A theme park with an English garden, a Japanese garden, and more. Seasonal flowers and a mini train that runs through the garden are popular.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Nearest station: Izuhakone Railway (Izuhakone Bus) / Izuhakone Railway Shuzenji Station (Shuzenji Station). Access via the Izuhakone Railway Sunzu Line (Izuhakone Railway → officially the Izuhakone Railway Sunzu Line).
• From TokyoTake the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Mishima Station (about 45 minutes to an hour), then transfer to the Izu-Hakone Railway Sunzu Line at Mishima Station (about 30 to 40 minutes) to Shuzenji. Alternatively, take the JR Limited Express "Odoriko" via Izukyu, then connect to the Izu-Hakone Line. Direct highway buses (depending on the season and schedule) or private cars are also convenient options.
• From the station to tourist spots: It takes about 15 to 25 minutes to walk from Shuzenji Station to the city center (Shuzenji Temple, Bamboo Forest Path, Tokko-no-Yu, etc.), but you can shorten the journey by taking a taxi or local bus.
• Car use: Approximately 1 hour (depending on traffic conditions) via national and prefectural roads from the Tomei Expressway Numazu IC or the Shin-Tomei Expressway Nagaizumi-Numazu IC. The roads in town are narrow, so please be aware of parking locations and availability information.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Day trip: 2-4 hours (including Shuzenji Temple, the bamboo forest path, Tokko-no-Yu, and a leisurely stroll around the surrounding area)
• Day trip to enjoy hot springs: Half day to full day (includes day trip to the inn, foot bath, and meals)
• Accommodation: 1 night (ideal for an evening stroll, a nighttime hot spring, and sightseeing in the surrounding area the next day). If you want to enjoy it thoroughly, we recommend 1 night and 2 days.

Nearby spots

• Shuzenji Rainbow Village: 10-15 minutes by car or bus. You can enjoy seasonal flowers and a mini steam locomotive running through the garden.
• Joren Falls: Approximately 30 minutes by car. This is one of Izu's most famous waterfalls and is recommended for nature walks.
• Mount Amagi and Amagi Pass: A popular area for hiking and driving. The fresh greenery in spring and the autumn foliage are beautiful.
• Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace (World Heritage Site): Approximately 30-40 minutes by car. This is an industrial heritage site from the Meiji period and has facilities for viewing.
• Izunokuni Panorama Park / Mishima Skywalk, etc.: Located within a 30-60 minute drive, this spot is easy to combine with your sightseeing plans.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• congestion: Weekends, public holidays, Golden Week, summer vacation, and autumn foliage season can be busy, and parking lots and restaurants can get crowded. We recommend arriving early and making reservations for popular dates.
• Hot Spring Manners: At public baths and inns, please observe basic etiquette, such as pouring water over yourself and washing your body in the washing area before bathing, and not putting your towel in the bath. Some facilities will refuse bathing if you have tattoos, so it's best to check in advance.
• Nature and feet: The bamboo forest paths and riverside walking paths can become slippery in rainy weather. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
• Business hours and transportation: Small shops and tourist facilities may close early. Public transport may be less frequent at certain times, so please check the return timetable.
• Local living environment: Even though it is a tourist destination, it is still a residential area for local residents. Please be mindful of local rules, such as not shouting at night and always taking your trash with you.
• Seasonal preparations: It gets cold in the winter and there is a possibility of snow at higher altitudes. In the summer, the sun can be strong, so don't forget to bring a hat and stay hydrated.

Shuzenji is a tranquil hot spring resort where history and nature coexist in harmony. You can experience the charm even in a short time, but if possible, you can enjoy it even more by staying overnight and relaxing as if you were in a hot spring cure. Before visiting, be sure to check the latest facility information (opening hours, bathing availability, temporary closures, etc.).