We happened to visit during hydrangea season—perfect timing.
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Fukuchizan Shuzenji Temple
This temple is located in a historic hot spring resort area, also known as the Little Kyoto of Izu.
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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.
Highlights
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Located in the center of Shuzenji hot spring resort.
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The two statues of Kongorikishi at the temple gate are a must-see.
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You can enjoy the hot spring flowing directly from the source at the "Mizuya"(purification trough).
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It has been awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japon.
Photos
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Sanmon/Temple gate
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Mizuya (purification trough)
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Kongorikishi Statue
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Sanmon/Temple gate
Reviews
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A peaceful and historic temple.
You can really feel the simple charm of the small alleys here.
Walking around, you get a sense of the dramatic history that took place here...
Try the Dokko-no-yu hot spring—it's legendary!
The Hojo era was full of drama (with Minamoto no Yoritomo and Hojo Masako's son).
The Five Bridges of Love are romantic and long-lasting.
There's Togetsu Bridge (Love at First Sight),
Kokei Bridge (Admiration),
Katsura Bridge (Connection),
Maple Bridge (Closeness),
and Takishita Bridge (Peace).
It's really worth taking a stroll here and even staying overnight at a hot spring.
On a midsummer night, check out the nearby Red Frog Park—you can see tons of natural LED lights (fireflies)!
On the right side of the temple, there's a pudding shop. I recommend grabbing a pudding and giving it a try! -
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Such a lovely little town. It's really nice to take a walk or relax on a bike ride here. If there aren't many people around, it's even more peaceful.
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This ancient temple in Izu is famous. Walking along the bamboo path here is so peaceful and quiet.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 福地山 修禅寺
- Postal Code
- 410-2416
- Address
- Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka
- Tel
- 0558-72-0053 (Available from 8:30 am to 4 pm)
- Closed
- Free access to the temple grounds
- Hours
- Free in the temple grounds
- Admission
- Free in the temple grounds
- Access
- 10 minutes by bus from Izu-Hakone Railway Shuzenji Station
- Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)