Shuzenji Onsen and Central Izu Bamboo Path Half Day Course

Often called the little Kyoto of Izu, Shuzenji Onsen is a calm hot spring town with over twelve hundred years of history. Walking the bamboo path along the Katsura River and visiting Shuzenji Temple linked to the monk Kobo Daishi wraps the whole town in a painting like atmosphere. Its appeal is that you can do it all by train and bus.

Course Route

9:30 Start at Shuzenji Station From the terminus of the Izuhakone Railway, change to a bus heading for the center of the hot spring town.

10:00 Shuzenji Temple An old temple said to have been founded by the monk Kukai in the year 807. It sits at the heart of the town, and hot spring water flows from the purification basin. The autumn leaves in the grounds are well known.

10:40 Bamboo Path A bamboo lined walkway running about three hundred meters along the Katsura River. Sit on the round bench at its center and the sound of wind through the bamboo is soothing. Crossing the red bridge makes for great photos.

11:30 Stroll around Tokko no Yu The spring that gave birth to Shuzenji Onsen, welling up in the middle of the river. Rest at a nearby foot bath or a Japanese style cafe.

12:30 Lunch in the hot spring town Savor central Izu flavors such as wasabi rice bowls and soba noodles.

14:00 Optional trip to Shuzenji Niji no Sato A theme park on a ridge a little away from the town, with an English village, a Canadian village and seasonal flowers.

16:00 Return to Shuzenji Station to finish

Highlights

The bamboo path is magical when lit up after sunset, so staying overnight to enjoy an evening walk is recommended. Historic lanes and long established shops dot the area around the temple, and the slower you walk the more you appreciate it.

Access and Tips

It is about a seven minute bus ride from Shuzenji Station to the town, which itself is small enough to cover on foot. If you head out to Niji no Sato, buses are limited, so check the timetable in advance.

A Quick Tip

The riverside has many stone paved paths, so wear comfortable shoes. A day trip is plenty, but if you want to see the bamboo at night, stay one night.