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, a ride of about seven minutes.

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. Worship in the grounds is free, while the treasure hall has a separate admission of a few hundred yen. Known for autumn leaves, it makes about a 30 minute visit.

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. At an easy pace it takes 30 minutes to an hour.

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. Viewing is free.

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

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. Admission is about 1220 yen for adults, and it is generally closed on Tuesdays. It is about a 20 minute bus ride from Shuzenji Station.

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. The vermilion bridges over the Katsura River add to the mood.

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.

Practical Travel Notes

• Time needed: Strolling the town around Shuzenji Temple, the bamboo path and Tokko no Yu takes about half a day (3 to 4 hours). Add Niji no Sato and a full day is comfortable.
• Budget sense: The town highlights are free, including the temple grounds and the bamboo path, with paid options like the treasure hall and Niji no Sato added on. The appeal is doing it affordably by train and bus.
• Best season and time: Autumn with its colored leaves is especially popular. The bamboo lit up after sunset is best enjoyed with an overnight stay. In summer the shade of green is refreshing.
• Avoiding crowds: On weekends and during autumn foliage the bamboo path gets busy at midday, so early morning is ideal. Buses to Niji no Sato are limited, so confirm the return service first.
• Nearby spots: Day use onsen and foot baths in town, a walk along the Katsura River, and a look at the wasabi fields of central Izu all pair well.

A Quick Tip

The riverside has many stone paved paths, so wear comfortable shoes. If heading to Niji no Sato, check the bus times first. A day trip is plenty, but if you want to see the bamboo at night, stay one night.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Viewing hours (Shuzen-ji Temple Treasure Hall and Zuihozo): 8:30 to 16:30 (until 16:00 from October to March)
• Admission (Shuzen-ji Temple Treasure Hall): 300 yen for adults, 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students, 250 yen for groups of 20 or more. Visiting the temple grounds is free of charge
• Closed (Shuzen-ji Temple Treasure Hall): The second Wednesday of the month
• Opening hours (Shuzenji Niji-no-Sato): 10:00 to 17:00 from March to September and 10:00 to 16:00 from October to February (last entry 1 hour before closing)
• Parking (Shuzenji Niji-no-Sato): 300 yen for an ordinary car, 100 yen for a motorcycle, 610 yen for a microbus and 810 yen for a large bus
• Note on visiting (Tokko-no-Yu): As it is not a public bathhouse, it cannot be used for bathing or as a foot bath. It is for viewing only
• Inquiries: 0558-72-2501 (Izu City Tourism Association, Shuzenji Branch) / 0558-72-7111 (Shuzenji Niji-no-Sato)
• Official information: Shuzenji Onsen Tourism Association official website, Bi-Izu official Izu tourism website, Shuzenji Niji-no-Sato official website

Note: The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Hours and prices may change, so please check official sources before you set out.