Shuzenji Onsen, set in a wooded valley in the centre of the Izu Peninsula, is widely considered Izu’s most atmospheric hot spring town, its history beginning with the temple said to have been founded by the monk Kukai some 1,200 years ago. The town wraps around the Katsura River, where vermilion bridges, a riverside footbath at the Tokko-no-yu spring, and a lantern-lit bamboo grove path create a compact, strollable scene of classic Japan, backed by ryokan whose baths draw on the valley’s long-flowing waters.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Izu City (Shuzenji), Shizuoka |
| Hours | Town always accessible; temple and baths daytime–evening |
| Admission | Free to stroll; baths and ryokan vary |
| Time needed | Half day to overnight |
| Best time | Autumn for maple foliage; year-round otherwise |
What to See
- The 1,200-year-old Shuzenji temple at the town’s heart.
- Vermilion bridges and the Tokko-no-yu riverside spring.
- A lantern-lit bamboo grove path along the Katsura River.
- Classic ryokan drawing on the valley’s historic waters.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Okuno-in Cedar Forest for a quiet forest walk.
- Pair with Izu Wasabi Farms in the nearby valleys.
- Read our Shizuoka overview .
Getting There
- By train + bus: Izuhakone Railway to Shuzenji Station, then a short bus to the onsen town.
- By car: a convenient base for exploring central and western Izu.
Tips
The town centre is compact and made for strolling, so park or arrive once and explore on foot — the bamboo path, bridges and temple are all within minutes of each other. Autumn is the showpiece season when the maples along the river turn crimson, and an overnight ryokan stay lets you enjoy the lantern-lit lanes after the day visitors leave.
