The Izu Peninsula’s historic onsen which is over 1200 years old
Shuzen-ji Onsen has an ancient history that goes back more than 1200 years to the Heian Era. The origins of the famous hot spring arose when the famous monk Kobo Daishi, on seeing the heartwarming sight of a son taking care of his father in the cold waters of the river, struck a rock in the river with a tokko (a Buddhist ritual tool) and a sacred spring began to spout water. It is a simple and mild alkaline hot spring which has the feature of leaving skin very smooth. Famous for being effective on nerve and muscle pain, chronic digestive ailments, chills and other ailments, it has also been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Hot Springs. Historic buildings line up in a row along the clear waters of the Katsura River for about 1km so that the area gives off a very elegant atmosphere. It is also said that if a person crosses all 5 bridges and makes a wish on each of them, then love will be bestowed.
Easily enjoy the famous Shuzen-ji Onsen
Tokko-no-Yu is known as the onsen that Kobo Daishi created, and is also famous as the oldest hot spring on the Izu Peninsula. It is frequented by many people due to its waters being a source of a form of medical treatment for recovery from illness. Although at one point, there were 7 open-air baths at Tokko-no-Yu, currently only the foot bath can be used. If you want to enjoy a dip into a hot spring, then head for Hakoyu. Hakoyu has the legend of being the onsen where Yoshiie Minamoto, who was the 2nd shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, bathed. It is a very simple indoor bath, but the refreshing scent of the cypress bath is quite soothing. Since there is also an observation tower that you can enter for free, it is recommended to get that panoramic view of the area around Shuzen-ji Temple once you rise from the bath.
Enjoy the Japanese scenery of the bamboo lane that continues along the Katsura River
The bamboo lane is the one indispensable place within the onsen village of Shuzen-ji Temple. The lane is a nature trail surrounded by bamboo which connects from Kaede Dori running along the side of Tokko-no-Yu to Takishita Bridge at the upstream of Katsura River. It is an elegant landscape that is fitting for Shuzen-ji Temple which has been called the Little Kyoto of Izu. Also famous as a site for maple trees, there is even nighttime illumination during the fall season. With a slightly different feeling when compared to the day, you can cherish the mysterious mood. There are teahouses and shops lined up along the lane so it is also ideal for picking up souvenirs. At the gallery, Shuzenji Kairo, photographs of Shuzen-ji Temple throughout the four seasons are displayed.