Half-day trip to Shuzenji Onsen! I went there by train and bus.

At the end of November, I traveled to the Izu region of Shizuoka Prefecture to see the autumn leaves!

This time, I traveled with my mother, who is in her 70s, by train and bus, as neither of them drives a car very often.

First, take the Shinkansen to “Mishima Station”.From there, change to a cute local train to Shuzenji Station.

Once you arrive at Shuzenji Station, the next step is to take a bus to Shuzenji Onsen.
There were quite a few travelers on the bus. There were a lot of foreign tourists, too!

We arrived at the hot spring resort around 11:00. We were hungry and decided to go into a restaurant.There were many soba noodle restaurants near Shuzenji Onsen.

I wanted to try Izu’s specialty, “black rice(Kuromai),” so I went into a set menu restaurant.

Very nice set lunch, right? It was delicious.

Once your stomach is full, head for Shuzenji.On the way, I found a shiitake mushroom shop.

Izu’s mild climate and high rainfall make it an ideal region for shiitake cultivation.

 

We arrived at Shuzenji! The autumn leaves are so beautiful.

It is said that Kobo Daishi Kukai founded the temple in 807.The cho-zu (hand washing area) at this temple is said to produce hot spring water. So there is an abundance of hot spring water in this area.

On this day, we could also see the garden. It is small but very beautiful.

Shuzenji has a varied history. It is said that a man named Minamotono Yori-ie, who was a general in the old days, was forced out of his position as a general due to a dispute and drifted to this area.

He lost his life when assassins attacked him while he was bathing. His grave is also located near here.Since then, writers and artists have visited the area and various works of art have been created.

It is very beautiful even from a distance!

Now, there are said to be three stones in Shuzenji Onsen. I went to one of the stones.

That’s it! It is called “Oukagai-ishi(ask to see the stone)”.

It is said that if you lift the stone with your heart and it feels light, your heart will be conveyed.If you feel weighed down, pray again for your wish to be granted.

 

Along the river that runs through the center of the onsen resort area, there is a walking path through a bamboo grove.

The autumn leaves seen between the bamboo groves are also lovely.

 

There is a bench in the middle of the bamboo path, and if you lie down on it, you can see a very refreshing view.

 

After passing through a path in the bamboo grove, you will come to a bridge. The view of the river from there is also wonderful.

 

Finally, we went to a place called “Tokko-no-yu”.

This is said to be the birthplace of Shuzenji hot springs. It is said that Kobo-Daishi Kukai struck a strange rock in 802 with a Buddhist tool he was carrying, causing a sacred spring to gush out.

It is said to be the oldest hot spring in the Izu region, and it is clear that the entire town is blessed with the resource of hot spring water.
*There is also a footbath nearby!

 

I left Shuzenji Onsen as the return bus arrived. Some people stay at the onsen near here, while others head to other onsen resorts in Izu.

We had decided to stay overnight at “Doi Onsen,” so we would take the bus later. I will continue the article in the next issue!