Fukuchizan Shuzenji Temple

This temple is located in the Shuzenji Onsen Town, where the scenery is beautiful from season to season. The temple is called Fukuchizan Shuzenji, short for "Fukuchizan Shuzen Bannan Zenji." The temple is also known as the setting of "Shuzenji Monogatari" written by Okamoto Kido, a writer active in the Meiji era.

It is a famous temple in Izu, founded by Kukai Kobo Daishi in 807. The Hojo clan took refuge in the temple during the Kamakura period, and the temple has watched over the rise and fall of the Hojo and Minamoto clans. It was a Shingon sect temple when it was built, but was later converted to a Soto sect.

There are many places to visit in the area, including the origin of Shuzenji hot springs, "Tokko-no-yu" hot spring, which is said to have been created by Kobo Daishi, the "Hie Shrine", which was the temple's guardian, and the "Hakoyu", where Lord Yoriie was attacked. There is also a small path through the bamboo grove where you can hear the murmuring of the river, which is beautifully illuminated.

The two "Kongorikishi" statues at the sanmon/temple gate are worth seeing, as they were made during the Fujiwara period and are rarely found across the country.
After passing through the gate, you will see “Mizuya (Purification trough)” on the right hand side, where a hot spring called "Katsuradani Reisen Daishi no Yu" is flowing out of the spring source. The water is used to purify your hands and mouth, but you can also drink it on the spot.

It is also rated two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japon, and is close to the inns in the hot spring town, so you can visit the temple if you are taking a walk. This beautiful place is also known as the "Little Kyoto of Izu''. You should definitely visit and enjoy the atmosphere.