Shuzenji Onsen: Izu Oldest Hot Spring with Kobo Daishi Legends and Bamboo Grove Charm

Shuzenji Onsen, in the center of the Izu Peninsula, is Izu oldest famous hot spring, said to have been opened in the Heian period by Kobo Daishi (Kukai). Hot spring inns line the Katsura River, and a vermilion bridge and a bamboo grove path create a serene atmosphere, making it a hot spring town representative of Izu. Loved by many writers such as Natsume Soseki and Okamoto Kido, its calm setting, also called the Little Kyoto of Izu, soothes visitors.

Tokko no Yu, the Legend of the Hot Spring Origin

The symbol of Shuzenji Onsen is Tokko no Yu, welling up on a sandbar of the Katsura River. Legend says Kobo Daishi, moved by a boy dutifully washing his ailing father in the river, struck a rock with the Buddhist implement in his hand, and a sacred spring gushed forth. Regarded as the birthplace of the hot spring town, its figure viewed to the murmur of the river is a symbolic presence conveying the history and faith of Shuzenji today.

The Bamboo Path and Shuzenji Temple

The Bamboo Path (Chikurin no Komichi) along the Katsura River is a stone-paved promenade surrounded by lush green bamboo, with a round bamboo bench at its center and bamboo soaring overhead when you look up. Illuminated at night, it takes on a magical atmosphere. Nearby stands the old temple Shuzenji, the origin of the hot spring name, said to have been opened by Kobo Daishi in 807. Known also as a place associated with Minamoto no Yoriie, the second shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, it lets you enjoy a history stroll and hot spring atmosphere at once.

Practical Travel Notes

• The hot spring town is compact along the Katsura River, and Tokko no Yu, the Bamboo Path, and Shuzenji temple can be toured on foot.
• The Bamboo Path is a stone-paved promenade of about 300 meters. The evening illumination hours are especially popular.
• There are facilities offering day-use bathing and a public bathhouse called Hakoyu. Check hours and fees on official sources.
• The fresh-green and autumn-foliage seasons make the scenery along the Katsura River especially beautiful and ideal for strolling. In busy periods, booking your inn early is reassuring.

Access and Basics

• Location: Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
• Train and bus: from the Tokyo direction, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Mishima, transfer to the Izuhakone Railway Sunzu Line, and ride to the terminus Shuzenji Station. From the station, a bus bound for Shuzenji Onsen takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
• Car: parking is available around Shuzenji Onsen. It is conveniently located as a base for Central Izu sightseeing.
• Hours and fees: vary by facility and shop. Check official websites before visiting.

One Piece of Advice

At Shuzenji Onsen, strolling leisurely along the Katsura River is recommended. Tokko no Yu, the Bamboo Path, and Shuzenji temple are close together, so half a day is enough to walk them at ease. The evening illumination has a magical atmosphere different from daytime, an appeal best enjoyed with an overnight stay. As a base for Central Izu sightseeing, visiting alongside nearby scenic spots lets you enjoy the nature and history of Izu more deeply.

📚 Sources

This article is based on information published by Izu City and the local tourism association, guidance for the hot spring town such as Tokko no Yu and the Bamboo Forest Path, and introductions to the old temple Shuzenji and the public bath Hakoyu. Business hours and fees for day-use bathing facilities and public baths may change, so please check each facility's official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About half a day to walk Tokko no Yu, the Bamboo Forest Path, and Shuzenji
• Access: From Mishima Station via the Izuhakone Railway to Shuzenji Station, then about 8 to 10 minutes by bus to the town
• How to get around: The town is compact along the Katsura River and can be walked on foot
• What to bring: Bring a towel if you plan to enjoy day-use bathing
• Seasonal notes: The riverside is especially beautiful in the fresh-green and autumn-leaf seasons
• Best at night: The illuminated Bamboo Forest Path is best enjoyed by staying overnight