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Shuzenji Onsen - Hot Spring
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Shuzenji Onsen

description Shuzenji Onsen Overview

Shuzenji Onsen is a historic hot spring district in the Izu Peninsula city of Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. The settlement developed around Shuzen-ji temple and the Katsura River, and local tradition associates the discovery of its spring water with the Buddhist monk Kukai, also called Kobo Daishi. Its ryokan inns, public foot baths, temple precinct, and compact riverside center make it a destination for travelers interested in both onsen bathing and Japanese religious history.

insights Ranking position

Shuzenji Onsen ranks #115 of 202 in the Hot Spring ranking, behind Scenic Hot Springs, ahead of Shirahama Onsen.

help Shuzenji Onsen FAQ

Where is Shuzenji Onsen located?

Shuzenji Onsen is a classic hot spring town located along the Katsura River in the Izu Peninsula of Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is surrounded by bamboo groves and mountains, giving it a highly traditional and serene atmosphere. It is easily accessible from Tokyo via the Shinkansen.

Who founded the Shuzen-ji temple near Shuzenji Onsen?

The hot spring town shares its name and origin with the historic Shuzen-ji temple, which was reportedly founded in 807 AD by Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai). Legend states that Kobo Daishi struck a rock with his staff to create the town's first hot spring. The temple remains a major cultural centerpiece of the area.

Is Shuzenji Onsen associated with any historical Japanese figures?

Yes, Shuzenji Onsen is famously tied to the tragic history of the Minamoto clan during the Kamakura period. Minamoto no Yoriie, the second shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, was exiled and subsequently assassinated in Shuzenji in 1204. His grave and a commemorative shrine can still be visited in the town.

What is a famous bathing spot in Shuzenji Onsen?

Tokko-no-yu is the most iconic hot spring bath in Shuzenji, located directly in the riverbed of the Katsura River. It is the legendary spot where Kobo Daishi is said to have created the first spring. It operates as a public foot bath and open-air bath for day-trippers.

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