Written by Jane Pipkin
Researched by Aarohi Narain
Time slows, steam rises, and Little Kyoto vibes abound in the historic hot-spring town of Shuzenji. Founded over 1200 years ago, this compact Izu Peninsula getaway is all winding stone paths, set against the gentle burble of the Katsura River. Stroll through a bamboo grove straight out of a ukiyo-e print, and marvel at the eponymous temple adorned with intricate wooden carving.
Our itinerary is based on our visit to Shuzenji in late January. While there were fewer crowds, the scenery wasn’t as striking as it is in spring or fall. But you can use our tips year round. We’ve created a flexible itinerary with several options, so you can customize your day trip to Shuzenji from Tokyo. Ready to explore?
7 a.m. — Start your journey to Shuzenji
Shinjuku Station to Shuzenji Station (2 hours and 50 minutes)¥3,180 one way
There are several routes you can take to get from Tokyo to Shuzenji Station, each with different costs and travel times. No matter what route you take, it’s going to be an early start. To strike a balance between saving time and staying within budget, we chose the second-most expensive route, priced at ¥3,180. Starting from Shinjuku Station, this route takes 2 hours and 50 minutes.
This route requires four transfers, with the first part taking the Romance Car from Shinjuku to Odawara. Although you can tap in using your Suica for the regular fare, you will need a separate Limited Express ticket, which you can purchase either online or at the station ticket booth. The Limited Express ticket costs around ¥950.
Once at Odawara Station, you will need to take the local Tōkaidō Line to Atami Station. At Atami, transfer to another local Tōkaidō Line, this time heading towards Numazu. You will then need to go to Mishima Station.
Using the Izuhakone Line
This is where things can get a bit confusing. There are two different sets of gates at Mishima Station: one for those with tickets, and another for Suica and other IC card users. The reason for this is that the final leg of the route, the Izuhakone Tetsudo-Sunzu Line, doesn’t accept IC card payments. What card users need to do is tap out of the dedicated IC gate, exit the station, and walk to the other entrance to Mishima Station. Confusing, right?
Once inside Mishima Station, you will then need to purchase the final ticket to Shuzenji Station. Note that this can only be paid with cash and costs ¥550 (one way). Despite all the hassle, you’ll be treated to lovely scenic views on this last stretch.
Pro tip: Save the stress and just buy a Izuhakone Line 1-Day Pass in advance.
Taking the Shinkansen from Shinagawa
If you have the JR Pass, you may want to consider taking the Shinkansen from Shinagawa Station straight to Mishima Station. This will cut your overall journey time down to 1 hour 45 minutes. Keep in mind though: it doesn’t cover the Izuhakone Tetsudo-Sunzu Line, so you will need to buy separate tickets for that portion of the journey.
Note: If you don’t have a JR Pass, the Shinkansen will cost ¥4,400 one way.
9:50 a.m. Arrive at Shuzenji Station and head into the town
Shuzenji Station to Shuzenji Onsen (10 minutes)¥200 one way
Shuzenji is a small station. There is a tourist information center, a hybrid souvenir-canteen shop, and a 7-Eleven. If you need to get cash out, this is your chance to do so as there are no other ATMs in the center of Shuzenji. It is best to do so, given that most places only accept cash.
The bus stop is located right outside the station. To get to the center of Shuzenji, hop on the bus heading towards Shuzenji Onsen. This journey takes about 10 minutes, and costs ¥200. You will need to get off at “Shuzenji Onsen”.
10 a.m. Explore Hie Shrine and Shuzenji Temple
After getting off at the Shuzenji Onsen bus stop, it’s time to begin the itinerary with some shrine and temple hopping. The first stop, Hie Shrine, is just a 3-minute walk away.
Hie Shrine
Free
Hie Shrine may seem like a small, local shrine, but it holds great historical significance. Originally built for the guardian deity of Shuzenji Temple, it became a Shinto shrine during the Meiji period after separating from its Buddhist roots.
The shrine is a popular spot for prayers related to love and child protection, symbolized by the “Couple Cedars” — two cedar trees intertwined beside a 25-meter-tall Ichii oak tree, a designated natural monumment.
While amulets are sold, they aren’t always easy to get, since the shrine office only opens a few days a week. Instead, visitors can purchase an ema (wooden plaque) to write down their wishes.
Shuzenji Temple
Free
From Hie Shrine, it’s just a minute’s walk to Shuzenji Temple. Like Hie Shrine, this hilltop Buddhist temple has serious historical importance. Founded in 807 by Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism, the temple became a key location in the power struggles of the Kamakura period.
In addition to the main temple, you can visit the treasure house (for ¥300). Here, you can view all sorts of things, including the mask of Minamoto no Yoritomo, the second Shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate.
Pro tip: At the bottom of the steps to the temple, there’s a stall selling wasabi-flavored snacks, including wasabi ice-cream. We highly recommend trying one, as Shuzenji is famous for its locally grown wasabi!
10:40 a.m. Walk through the Bamboo Forest and cross Katsura Bridge
FreeAfter exploring Shuzenji Temple, take the 3-minute walk to the Bamboo Forest Path, another one of the town’s famous spots. This trail is covered by towering bamboo trees and is often compared to Arashiyama in Kyoto. It doesn’t take long to walk through the mini forest. To get a more Zen experience, sit on the large circular bamboo bench at the center, for a moment’s contemplation.
Near the Bamboo Forest Path is a small red bridge known as Katsura Bridge. Katsura Bridge is actually one of five red bridges in Shuzenji, each associated with a different aspect of love. It is believed that crossing each bridge will bring good luck in these various aspects. Katsura in particular is a sight to behold, especially in autumn, when the red and orange leaves beautifully surround the bridge and the river.
The other bridges are called: Togetsu Bridge (for fateful encounters), Kokei Bridge (for deepening connections), Kaede Bridge (for marriage), and Takishita Bridge (for long-term love). Katsura Bridge is thought to help those wishing to conceive and ensure a safe pregnancy.
The beliefs are so strong that there is even a traditional play called Shuzenji Monogatari, based on the legend, as well as dedicated tours that cross all the bridges!
11:30 a.m. Eat an early lunch at Soba and Fish Hiroshige
¥400 to ¥3,680Shuzenji is famous for several foods including wasabi, fresh river fish, and soba noodles. One place to try all of these is Soba and Fish Hiroshige. This old-style house offers an authentic Japanese dining experience, featuring tatami flooring, cushion seating, and low tables. But the highlight is undoubtedly the view of the bamboo forest.
The menu consists of a few staple soba sets, with the Special Seiro Soba being the most affordable at ¥1,380. If you are thinking of sharing, keep in mind that it is an additional ¥500 for extra soba and ¥400 for the dipping sauce. For a more luxurious option, you can order one of the soba sets, such as the one served with local sashimi (¥2,280). You can also order these items separately as sides, like we did with the fish tempura (¥800).
The restaurant uses handmade Nihachi soba, made from a blend of buckwheat and wheat flour, and known for its smooth texture. The accompanying wasabi is fresh, directly sourced from Izu. It is recommended that you pair your noodles with some sake.
12:30 p.m. Have a soak or dip your feet
Free to ¥700No trip to Shuzenji, a famous hot-spring town, would be complete without a visit to an onsen (hot spring) or sento (public bath). Although many people choose to stay in one of the nearby ryokan for the full experience, it’s still possible to relax in a hot spring bath or two on a day trip.
Hakoyu is the main remaining sento of the seven that once lined the streets before the 1950s. Today, it is the only one still fully in operation. It has a legendary history: it is said that Minamoto no Yoriie, the second shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, was attacked while bathing in 1204.
The indoor bath is simple, with a subtle cypress scent that adds to the serene atmosphere. On bright days, light streams through the roof skylight. To use the bath, you’ll need to purchase a ticket from the vending machine out front. The cost is ¥700 for adults and ¥400 for children. Towels are also available to rent for ¥200.
After you have had a soak, head up the 12-meter watchtower next door for a panoramic view of the town. The tower, ‘Gyokuro,’ is named after a Chinese poem by the literary master Natsume Sōseki, who often visited the town.
Note: There are no clear policies about tattoos online, so it is best check with staff before entering.
Ashiyu — foot baths
If you aren’t keen to sit completely nude in the sento, then make the most of the ashiyu (foot baths) in Shuzenji. There are two ashiyu that you can use for free: Kawara-Yu and River Terrace Suginoyu. Both give you elevated views of Takko-Yu, the Katsura River, and the surrounding scenery.
River Terrace Suginoyu is slightly more modern in style, whereas Kawara-Yu features a more traditional wooden exterior. Although both are lovely to use during the day, there’s something special about sitting in them as you take in the night view.
Pro tip: We recommend bringing a small hand towel with you to dry your feet. If you forget, you can rent one for ¥200 from one of the nearby parking lots.
Tokko no Yu
FreeThe main symbol of Shuzenji, Tokko no Yu is a sacred hot spring that signifies the origins of the onsen town. According to legend, in 807, the Buddhist priest Kūkai struck a rock with his tokko (a mallet-like tool), creating the spring.
Although it is a hot spring, visitors are not permitted to dip their feet into it — it is only meant to be admired and photographed.
1:30 p.m. Browse and shop for local souvenirs
Free
If you have some time to spare, swing by the Washi Laboratory to see traditional Japanese paper-making in action, then browse the nearby shops and galleries for souvenirs, from handmade crafts to nosalgic trinkets. Feeling retro? There’s a game arcade tucked away with some old-school classics worth a quick play.
2 p.m. Savor traditional Japanese sweets and drinks at Issekian
¥500 to ¥900While in this traditional town, why not indulge in some classic Japanese desserts and tea? Though there are a few contemporary coffee shops around, for a taste of old-school charm, we recommend Issekian. Inside this cozy wooden sweets café, you can enjoy a hot drink and/or a cold dessert.
The menu, available in English and featuring charming illustrations, offers a variety of traditional Japanese desserts. These include kakigori (shaved ice), anmitsu (agar jelly with fruits), and mochi. On cooler days, matcha or amazake (a drink made from fermented rice) are perfect choices. On warmer days, a coffee float or melon soda hits the spot.
Prices run from ¥500 to ¥900 for drinks, and ¥500 to ¥800 for desserts. Note that Issekian only accepts cash or PayPay.
2:30 p.m. — Baird Brewery or Niji-no-Sato
We’ve arrived at the fork in the road. At this point, you could stay in the center of Shuzenji, matching the ambience of the area by renting a kimono at Machi Navi Yururi, and hopping on a rickshaw ride. Alternatively, you could venture out and go to Baird Brewery, a craft beer joint founded in nearby Numazu, or head to Niji-no-Sato, a theme park with stunning gardens.
These two spots are in opposite directions from the main town area of Shuzenji, unfortunately, so fitting in both is nearly impossible if you plan on using public transport and returning to Tokyo by the late evening. It may be possible to do both by taxi, in which case we’d recommend going to the brewery first, then Niji-no-Sato, where illuminations begin from 5 p.m. The taxi fare from Baird Brewery to Niji-no-Sato will be around ¥3,000.
2:30 p.m. — Option A) Drink local craft beer at Baird Brewery
From ¥1,200 for a tasting flight of three beers (140 ml each)Over the years, Baird Brewery has grown into a venerable craft beer institution in Japan. Although you’ll find their taprooms across the greater Tokyo area, the Shuzenji Gardens location is where the magic happens.
Baird is well-reputed for their no-shortcuts approach and intriguing beers that highlight local ingredients. At their English-friendly taproom in Shuzenji, you can sample their year-round beers, in addition to special seasonal brews. Of course, you can also grab bottles to-go. There is a small menu of beer bites, including venison sausages and assorted nuts, but you’re also allowed to bring your own food and feast.
We tried a trio of seasonal beers, and picked up a bottle each of the Joie de Vivre, a Belgian-style Dubbel enriched with Japanese kokuto or black sugar, and Dark Sky Imperial Stout, a mocha-like concoction not for the faint of heart.
Getting to Baird Brewery Shuzenji Gardens
To reach Baird Brewery Shuzenji Gardens, you’ll need to take a couple of short bus rides. First, take the C10 bus to Yukawabashi (湯川橋) bus stop (¥230 from Shuzenji Onsen bus stop), which will take about five minutes.
Then, transfer to the W39 or C50 (for Kawazu) bus, ride for eight minutes or so, and get off at Yasutake (安竹) bus stop (¥340).
From there, it’s about nine minutes on foot through a field. When you feel you’re in the middle of nowhere, keep going — you’re in the right place. You’ll see a sign for the brewery. The buses in Shuzenji can be infrequent. So, you may need to take a taxi (roughly ¥1,800 one-way) there and back. If you need assistance calling one, the brewery staff can help.
2:30 p.m. — Option B) Visit the themed gardens and illuminations at Niji-no-Sato
¥1,600 for adults, ¥900 for kids
Niji-no-Sato, or “Rainbow Village” in English, is a sprawling, theme-park-meets-garden with a slightly kitschy atmosphere. About the size of Disneyland, Niji-no-Sato is about leisurely strolling through different “villages” inspired by Canadian and British settings.
Why Canada? Nelson, Canada is a sister city of Izu. Meanwhile, the British connection comes from Romney Railway, an imported 15-inch gauge steam train that runs through the park. It trundles along from the British Village to the Canadian Village and vice versa. One train ticket costs ¥600 per person (one way), and the whole journey lasts about 20 minutes, with regular departures every 30 minutes. You’ll find the schedule posted at the ticket counter.
There’s also a traditional Japanese garden and an Izu-themed shopping area with products from Shizuoka. Expect a mix of well-kept areas and slightly dated attractions. The best time to enjoy the gardens is spring (cherry blossoms), summer (hydrangeas) and autumn (maple trees).
Children: ¥900
Seasonal highlight: Illuminations
The park is closed from 4 to 5 p.m. In the evenings from 5 to 9 p.m., the Thanks Illumi event lights up the park with LED displays. The illuminations only take place on weekends and public holidays and during certain months of the year (typically autumn to early spring), however, so plan accordingly.
Getting to Niji-no-Sato
Take the C30 or C32 from Shuzenji Onsen bus stop. Ride for five stops and get off at Momijibayashi (もみじ林) bus stop (10 minutes), then walk a couple of minutes.
The buses are infrequent, and some only run on weekends and public holidays, when the illuminations take place. Park staff can help call a taxi, which will set you back about ¥1,500 to the main Shuzenji town area. English support may be limited, so keep your translation tools handy.
5 p.m. — Dinner in Shuzenji town (optional)
Visitors generally retreat to their ryokan for dinner, and not many establishments stay open past 4 or 5 p.m in the town itself. One restaurant that does remain open is Yasubei. This izakaya serves local sake, grilled fish, and rotating seasonal specialties like oyster. Expect to pay around ¥2,000 per person without alcohol.
Alternatively, grab an ekiben at a bigger station like Mishima, Atami or Odawara, or purchase snacks at a convenience store to tide you over.
Getting to Yasubei
To grab a bite at Yasubei and fuel up for your journey back to Tokyo, head back to the Shuzenji town area. The nearest bus stop is Miyukibashi (みゆき橋), then it’s about three minutes on foot.
5:30 p.m. — Head back to Tokyo
Shuzenji Station to Shinjuju Station (2 hours and 50 minutes)¥3,180 one way
Since the journey back to Tokyo takes around three and a half hours, we recommend getting the train from Shuzenji no later than 5:30 p.m. — this means you will be back at Shinjuku Station around 9 p.m.
- From Shuzenji Onsen: Walk to Shuzenji Onsen bus stop. Take the C37 bus, ride for 7 minutes, and get off at Shuzenji Station (¥260).
- From Baird Brewery: Walk to the La Foret Shuzenji Iriguchi bus stop (about nine minutes), then hop on the C53 and get off at Shuzenji Station. The journey should take around 15 minutes and cost ¥380. Alternatively, take a taxi. This should take about 10 minutes and cost roughly ¥2,000.
- From Niji-no-Sato: Walk to the Newtown Iriguchi bus stop (about six minutes), then hop on the C37 and get off at Shuzenji Station. The journey should take around 12 minutes and cost ¥330. Since the buses stop running relatively early though, you might end up needing to take a taxi. The park staff can do that for you. It will cost about ¥2,500 and take about the same time.
Once you’ve made it to Shuzenji Station, just follow the same route back. If you haven’t reserved a Romance Car ticket, you can buy one at Odawara Station.
Is a day trip to Shuzenji worth it?
For a slower-paced escape, filled with riverside strolls and a sprinkle of history, Shuzenji is definitely worth a visit.
Shuzenji’s bamboo forest, temples, and atmospheric streets offer nostalgic appeal, making it a great alternative to those who don’t want to try a Kyoto day trip (yes, it is possible). That said, the area is much smaller, so don’t expect a packed itinerary. A few hours of exploring will cover most of the sights.
If you don’t catch a sunny, blue-sky day, winter may feel a bit gloomy with bare trees and a quieter atmosphere. Spring and autumn are peak seasons, with cherry blossoms in April and fiery maple leaves in November. The trade-off? More crowds, so expect a livelier visit.
As a day trip, Shuzenji is a slow, scenic escape but can be hard to justify given the long journey from Tokyo. To really soak in Shuzenji’s allure, an overnight stay is the way to go. The town is dotted with traditional inns, which come with their own onsen and elaborate kaiseki meals featuring local produce.
Looking for more day trip inspiration? Check out our Top 26 Easy Day Trips From Tokyo.
Shuzenji FAQs
What is Shuzenji famous for?
Shuzenji is an historic onsen town in the Izu Peninsula, best known for its hot springs, traditional ryokan stays, and scenic bamboo grove. It’s sometimes called the “Little Kyoto of Izu” thanks to its charming streets, historic temples, and picturesque autumn foliage.
Is the Izu Peninsula worth visiting?
For seaside views and a breath of fresh air, the Izu Peninsula is the perfect detination. Luckily, it not too far from Tokyo, and the area is home to several spots that make for great day trips or overnight getaways, including Jōgasaki Coast and Atami.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
