Shuzenji Onsen: Enjoying the Bamboo Forest Hot Spring Town at Izu's Oldest Famous Spring

Izu's Oldest Hot Spring

Shuzenji Onsen in Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka is known as Izu's oldest hot spring. Said to have been opened by Kobo Daishi Kukai in 807, it has flourished as Izu's central hot spring resort.

Bamboo Forest Path

Shuzenji Onsen's scenic spot "Bamboo Forest Path (Chikurin no Komichi)" is a bamboo grove promenade developed along the Katsura River flowing through the center of the ryokan town. The path with lush green bamboo growing on both sides is very atmospheric, illuminated at night for a fantastical atmosphere.

Shuzenji and Literature

Shuzenji Onsen is also a place where many literary figures including Soseki Natsume, Toson Shimazaki, and Ryunosuke Akutagawa stayed. "Shuzenji Temple" is a historical temple with the legend of Tokko no Yu (hot spring opened by a Buddhist ritual implement) remaining, offering beautiful scenery during autumn foliage season.