Shuzenji, which boasts a hot spring that has been in operation for more than 1,200 years, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Naka Izu. Known as the "Little Kyoto of the East," the town is full of attractions such as footbaths and bamboo groves, centering on Shuzenji, from which the area takes its name.
The Shuzenji area is located in the northern part of the Izu Peninsula in the eastern part of Shizuoka Prefecture and is known as the oldest hot spring resort on the Izu Peninsula. The Katsura River flows through the center of the city of Shuzenji, and the hot springs that spring up in the clear water are the origin of Shuzenji's hot springs.
The oldest known hot spring is said to be "Tokko-no-yu," which originated when Kobo Daishi visited the area in 807 and found a boy washing his ailing father's body in the Kakegawa River. Kobo Daishi was so moved by the sight of the boy that he caused a spiritual spring to spring forth.
Shuzenji is popular among tourists not only for its hot springs, but also for its accommodations such as elegant ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) where visitors can experience the culture of old Japan, as well as for its many sightseeing attractions such as cherry blossom viewing and gourmet food.
The main attractions in Shuzenji include the Shuzenji Plum Grove and the Old Amagi Tunnel.
Shuzenji Bairin is a plum grove where visitors can appreciate old plum trees over 100 years old. 1,000 red and white plum trees of 20 varieties are planted in a vast area of 30,000 square meters (about 9,000 tsubo). Every year from early February to mid-March, the ume festival is held, attracting many tourists to the ume blossoms that fill the small hillsides.
The old Amagi Tunnel is famous for novels such as Kawabata Yasunari's Izu no Odoriko and Matsumoto Seicho's Amagi Crossing.
It is classified as a stone road tunnel because the arches and sides of the tunnel were constructed entirely of quarried stone, making it the longest tunnel in existence in Japan.
The Naka Izu area is located in the central part of the Izu Peninsula and is known for its production of horseradish, thanks to the clean water that flows from Mt.
The history of wasabi production dates back to around 1745, when a man named Itagaki Kanshiro planted wasabi seedlings that he received from Arihitogi Village in Abe County, Shizuoka Prefecture. Today, wasabi production is the largest in Japan, and wasabi fields can be seen everywhere in this major wasabi production area.
One of the main attractions in Naka Izu is the Tokuni Cable Car Line (Tokuni Touge Cable Car). Officially known as the Tokuni Cable Car, the Tokunitoge Cable Car connects Hakone and Izu.
Fuji and Suruga Bay from its windows, as well as hiking at the top of Tokunitoge, making it a popular cable car that attracts many tourists on weekends.
Take the ropeway to the top area of Mt. Katsuragi, the highest peak at 452 meters above sea level. Fuji, registered as a World Heritage site, and Suruga Bay from the aerial park at the summit. The ropeway is 1,791 meters one way, with a maximum height difference of 411 meters, and the aerial walk lasts about 7 minutes. In the summit area, there is a vast park where visitors can relax and enjoy th...»
The birthplace of Shuzenji Hot Springs, known for its attractive hot spring resort, Shuzenji Temple is located in the center of the hot spring resort area and is said to have been founded by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) in 807. It is also known as the setting for literary works, including Soseki Natsume's novel "Shuzenji no Daiseki" and Kido Okamoto's play "Shuzenji Monogatari" (The Tale of Shuzenji). In...»
Shuzenji Onsen is the oldest hot spring resort on the Izu Peninsula, located along a valley, and has been loved by many people since ancient times. It has been selected as one of the 100 best hot springs in Japan. Surrounded by mountains, this scenic area is lined with hot spring hotels and restaurants along the Shuzenji River (commonly known as Katsura River), which flows through the center of t...»
Tokko-no-yu is a symbol of Shuzenji Onsen and is located on the bank of Katsuragawa River in the center of the historic hot spring resort area. The bathtubs are made of natural stone and are full of charm. The history of Shuzenji Onsen and Tokko-no-yu is said to have begun with Shuzenji Temple, which was founded by Kukai (Kobo Daishi) in 807 during the Heian period (794-1185). A boy was washing ...»
This is an elegant walking path along the Katsura River in the center of the Shuzenji hot spring resort area. Walking along the path leading from Tokko no Yu, the symbol of Shuzenji Onsen, you will find a nostalgic tea house, an atmospheric red bridge over the Katsura River, and a fire watchtower. The path through the bamboo grove is only about 100 meters from there, but it is a world of tranqui...»
This is the only outside hot spring that can be easily enjoyed in Shuzenji. It is an extremely simple hot spring facility with only a small indoor bath, and the bathtub made of hinoki cypress is filled with free-flowing hot spring water. On sunny days, showers of light sparkle down from the skylight, allowing visitors to enjoy the tasteful atmosphere of the hot spring. The fee is in the style of...»
Located at the upper reaches of the Kano River in the Amagi Mountains, one of Izu's most famous waterfalls, Jyoren-no-taki Falls cascades 25 meters high and 7 meters wide from a basalt cliff surrounded by deep trees. The cool air and spray of the waterfall make visitors feel chilly even in summer. Downstream of the waterfall's basin is the Amagi International Permanent Trout Fishing Ground, and a...»
The Egawa Residence, built in the early Edo period, is the oldest surviving residence of the Egawa family, who served as deputies to the Edo Shogunate for many generations. It is located in the "Ruins of Nirayama Yakusho (government office)," a nationally designated historic site. The Egawa family was a prominent family that controlled Nirayama Prefecture. The site consists of a flat area on the...»
This firebrick reverberatory furnace was built at the suggestion of Egawa Tan'an, the governor of Nirayama, at the end of the Edo period to melt metal and cast cannons. This reverberatory furnace is a symbol of Izu-no-kuni City and is the only existing reverberatory furnace that has been in operation, and it still retains most of its original form from the time of construction. Construction was ...»
The Doi Kinzan was the second largest gold producer in Japan after Sado Kinzan during the Edo and Meiji Periods, and was closed in 1965 due to depletion of ore reserves. Also called the Doi Mine, it is estimated to have produced 40 tons of gold and 400 tons of silver, second only to the Sado Gold Mine. Part of the 100-km-long tunnel has been preserved and maintained, and in the sightseeing tunne...»
Inoshishi nabe is otherwise known as ‘botan nabe’ (peony hot pot), a reference to the wild boar meat which shrivels up as it boils, resembling a peony flower, and also because it is often served arranged like a peony flower. It is one of the traditional foods of Izu, made by simmering boar meat with shitake, daikon, green onion, burdock and other ingredients in a soup flavored with sweetish miso. ...»