"Kyoto is just too crowded with tourists…"
If you've ever had that thought, Shuzenji (修善寺) is your answer.
About 2 hours from Tokyo, this small onsen village is tucked into a mountain valley on the Izu Peninsula. It has the feel of a miniature Kyoto Arashiyama — but with a fraction of the crowds.
Why Shuzenji
A red bridge draped over a ravine. Wooden ryokan lining both sides. A moss-carpeted temple garden. The sound of bamboo swaying in the breeze.
All of this is within a 10-minute walk. There aren't any blockbuster attractions here. But when it comes to a place to do absolutely nothing and just let time pass, you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere better.
Shuzenji Temple (修禅寺)
The temple that gave the village its name. It's said to have been founded in 807 by Kūkai (空海, also known as Kōbō Daishi).
It's a small temple, but the moment you step inside the grounds, the shade cast by centuries-old trees and the deep stillness have a way of settling your mind almost instantly.
- Admission: Free (treasure hall 300 yen / ~$2)
- 3-minute walk from the Shuzenji Onsen bus stop
Bamboo Grove Path (竹林の小径)
The highlight of Shuzenji. A roughly 300-meter walkway flanked by dense bamboo on both sides.
Compared to Kyoto Arashiyama's bamboo grove, the scale is much smaller — but since there's almost no one here, you can fully immerse yourself in the sound of bamboo swaying in the wind. That's the real magic.
About halfway through, there's a circular bench. Sit down, look up, and you'll see a perfect circle of sky framed by the bamboo above you.
Best Time: Early morning (8-9 AM) or near sunset. The light is much more beautiful when it's soft and diffused, rather than at high noon.
Strolling Along the Tokokoi River
A small ravine runs through the heart of the Shuzenji village. Five red bridges span the stream.
Each bridge has a name related to love and romance (the Bridge of Marriage, the Bridge of Intimacy, etc.), making them popular with couples. But even if you're visiting solo, the combination of the rushing stream and the red bridges is plenty charming.
In autumn (mid-November to early December), the fall foliage reflects in the ravine, creating a triple layer of beauty: red bridges + red maples + crystal-clear water.
Enjoying the Hot Springs
Shuzenji offers two main types of onsen experiences:
1. Ryokan Onsen
Most ryokan in Shuzenji have open-air baths overlooking the ravine. Even if you're not staying overnight, some offer daytime bathing (higaeri).
Recommended: Arai Ryokan (あらい旅館) — day bathing 1,500 yen (~$10)
2. Tokko-no-Yu (独鈷の湯)
A small foot bath sitting right in the middle of the ravine. Legend has it that Kūkai struck the ground with his staff and a hot spring gushed forth from this very spot. Today it operates as a free foot bath.
Where to Eat
Amagi Wasabi Soba (天城わさびそば) Freshly grated Izu wasabi on handmade soba — you grate the wasabi yourself right at the table. The noodles, made with pure Izu spring water rather than tap water, have a noticeably different aroma. From 1,200 yen (~$8)
Getting There
| From | Transportation | Duration | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Shinkansen → Mishima → Izuhakone Railway | ~2 hours | from 5,000 yen (~$35) |
| Mishima | Izuhakone Railway | 35 min | 520 yen (~$3.60) |
| Shizuoka | JR → Mishima → Izuhakone | ~1 hr 30 min | from 2,500 yen (~$17) |
