Shuzenji Onsen is said to have been discovered approximately 1200 years ago by Kobo Daishi Kukai. Known as "the oldest hot spring in Izu," it has a long history as a representative hot spring town of Izu, a region famous for its hot springs. For my husband's birthday trip, we chose this historic Shuzenji Onsen. Together with our beloved dog, Chocolat, we will spend a relaxing time for both mind and body as we stroll through the charming hot spring town.
The allure of the 2-star Michelin Green Guide Japan
The Shuzenji Onsen hot spring resort area was founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai.Shuzenji TempleIt spread mainly around ",Michelin Green Guide Japan"Shuzenji Temple」、「Bamboo grove path」、「ShizukidenThis place has earned two Michelin stars. This time, we'll introduce them one by one, following a walking course through the hot spring town (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes) that takes you around these places.
The stone steps leading to the main gate at the front of Shuzenji Temple are part of the approach to the main hall and have a dignified, historical feel. However, if you are like us and have a dog cart, stroller, or wheelchair, it is better to take the ramp on the right.
The hot spring "Daishi no Yu" discovered by Kukai
The "Daishi no Yu" water basin at the temple has hot spring water flowing from the mouth of a dragon, so the water is very hot and caution is advised. It is stated that this hot spring water is drinkable.
"Shuzenji Temple Main Hall"
Shuzenji Temple was founded in 807 (Daido 2) by Kobo Daishi Kukai, the founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Initially a Shingon Buddhist temple, it later became a Rinzai Zen temple, and since the Kamakura period, it has welcomed many worshippers as a Soto Zen temple. The main hall was rebuilt in 1883. The temple is believed to grant blessings for health and longevity, protection from evil, and business prosperity. A statue of Kobo Daishi is enshrined here and is only unveiled during the spring memorial service for Kobo Daishi.
On New Year's Eve, this magnificent bell tower is opened to the public, and visitors can ring the bell to mark the beginning of the new year.
The temple grounds exude a solemn atmosphere, allowing you to feel the depth of its history firsthand.
Pets, including dogs, are welcome to stroll around the temple grounds. Please be considerate of other visitors and follow proper etiquette.
Located in the heart of the hot spring town, it's the perfect starting point for your trip.
Because there is a temple called Shuzenji in the town of Shuzenji, it is easy to confuse the two, and many people are probably puzzled by the difference of just one kanji character. It is said that Shuzenji was originally called "Katsurayama-ji" when it was founded, but when it converted to the Zen sect during the Kamakura period, the character was changed to the current "Zen". Currently, "Shuzenji" is used as the town name, and "Shuzenji" is used as the term for the temple, and they are used differently.
Next, we head to Hie Shrine, which has been the guardian shrine of Shuzenji Temple since ancient times, watching over the entire town.
It is located next to Shuzenji Temple and can be reached in just a few minutes on foot. After this, at the Shuzenji Onsen bus stop further ahead, there is a cafe with a Baumkuchen workshop that just opened at the end of last year.MatokaWe'll take a short break there, and I'll tell you more about what happens there later.
Hie Shrine
As the guardian deity of Shuzenji Temple, it has been deeply revered since ancient times.Hie ShrineIt is positioned as if the temple and shrine are one entity protecting the hot spring town. Within the grounds, there are large twin cedar trees and a Japanese yew oak, which is a prefectural designated cultural property, standing quietly.
Next up is,Kokei Bridge (Akogare Bridge)Crossing over toShizukidenLet's head to "[location]".
Enjoy day trips to hot springs, drop-in baths, and footbaths.Hakoyu"Hakoyu" is a legendary hot spring where Minamoto no Yoriie, the second shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, is said to have bathed in the past. To allow visitors to enjoy visiting the various public baths, Hakoyu has a cypress wood indoor bath, and next to it is the Gyokuro (watchtower), which is 12 meters high. Please note that it will be closed for maintenance for approximately two months from August 22nd (Fri) to November 6th (Thu), 2025.
At "River Terrace Suginoyu" within Tokko-no-Yu Park, you can enjoy a refreshing footbath. The footbath is 5.6 meters wide and about 25 cm deep, and has a white artificial marble table. Across the river is another footbath, "Kawara-yu," allowing you to enjoy both hot and cold footbaths. It is highly recommended to cool off while overlooking the gentle murmur of the Katsura River and the charming atmosphere of the hot spring town, including Tokko-no-Yu.
"Tokko-no-Yu Park"
Located in the birthplace of Shuzenji Onsen, this small plaza along the Katsura River serves as a relaxing spot and is perfect for taking a break while strolling through the hot spring town.
The "Hot Water Pouring Child Kobo Daishi" is enshrined in a corner of the park, and it is a small statue of Kobo Daishi, appearing in the form of an adorable child.
This shrine was built in commemoration of Kobo Daishi Kukai opening Shuzenji Onsen, and it is a place of worship where it is believed that pouring hot spring water over the statue and offering prayers will bring blessings of "family safety, health and longevity, and protection from illness."
Continue through the park and follow the signs up the slope, and you'll be just 70 meters from "Shigetsuden".
As you walk up the charming cobblestone slope, you will come across a corner whereWasabi Unagi TsujimuraThere is a restaurant with a savory aroma of eel, and you'll be drawn in. Here, they serve a new brand of eel from Lake Hamana.DeshikoThey serve top-quality eels that have been purged of mud using spring water from wasabi fields. I immediately felt a sense of familiarity knowing that they use eels from the local Lake Hamana.
There are two sets of stone steps leading to the "Shigetsuden" hall. This one is narrow, so continue further in and use the other set of stone steps.
Shigetsuden, a historical site associated with Hojo Masako.
The sutra hall donated to Shuzenji Temple by Hojo Masako to commemorate Minamoto no Yoriie, the second shogun of the Kamakura shogunate.ShizukidenThis wooden Buddhist hall, dating back to the early Kamakura period, is the oldest wooden building in Izu, and its quiet presence is enveloped in a tranquil atmosphere, as if time has stood still.
The wooden seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha enshrined in the hall is an ancient Buddha statue believed to have been created during the Kamakura period and is designated as a cultural property of Shizuoka Prefecture. It is 203 cm tall, with a knee joint of 169 cm, and is made of joined wood primarily from cedar and pine. It is an unusual figure holding a lotus flower in its right hand.
The grave of Minamoto no Yoriie, the ill-fated general who died at Shuzenji Temple.
Minamoto no Yoriie, who died at the young age of 23 at Shuzenji Temple, is depicted as the second Kamakura shogun in the historical drama "The Thirteen Lords of Kamakura," and it seems that the number of people visiting his grave is increasing. The walking course through the hot spring town, which includes two Michelin Green Guide Japan spots, continues in Part Two.
Shuzenji Temple
Address: 964 Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture 410-2416
TEL: 0558-72-0053
https://www.shuzenji-temple.jp/
