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Autumn Foliage Video Introduction of Shuzenji in Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture

This video, titled "[4K] Nostalgic Romance Shuzenji: Autumn Leaves at Shuzenji Onsen on the Izu Peninsula" ([4K] ノスタルジックロマン修善寺 : 伊豆 修善寺温泉の紅葉 Shuzenji hot spring resort towns on the Izu Peninsula in Autumn), was uploaded by "AQUA Geo Graphic."
Shuzenji Onsen is a popular hot spring town in Japan, and in autumn visitors can see the beautifully colored autumn leaves here.
The historic cityscape of the hot spring town shown in the video heals the hearts of tourists who see it. In addition, visitors can enjoy footbaths at Tokko no Yu, a hot spring with ties to Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the famous Japanese monk, and relax at the various hot springs in the area.

Shuzenji, located in the center of Shuzenji Onsen, and its bamboo grove path, fascinates visitors to the area. Be sure to take a look at the video, to get an idea of what it's actually like to take a walk through the autumn foliage of Shuzenji.

More About Shuzenji – The Hot Spring Town of Izu, Loved by Literary Masters in Japan!

Image of autumn leaves at Shuzenji Onsen, Izu, Shizuoka
Photo:Autumn leaves at Shuzenji Onsen, Izu, Shizuoka

Located in Izu, Shizuoka, in Japan's Tokai region, Shuzenji Onsen dates back to Heian period (794-1185 A.D.) Japan. In the year 807, when the renowned Japanese Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi founded Keikoku Sanji Temple (present day Shuzenji Temple), he saw a boy washing his sick father's body in the cold water of the riverbank. Kobo Daishi felt sorry for him and poked the ground with a tokkosho (vajra), and hot water gushed forth. This is said to be the origin of Shuzenji Onsen.

Shuzenji Onsen is also famous for being loved by some of the greatest literary minds to have lived in Japan, and is even home to Kikuya, a ryokan loved by the famous writer Natsume Soseki. Other hotels and ryokan (Japanese-style inns) line the streets, allowing visitors to enjoy not only the hot springs but also the delicious cuisine prepared with local ingredients.

The Best Time to See the Beautiful Autumn Leaves in Shuzenji

Image of colorful maples at Shuzenji Nature Park, Izu, Shizuoka
Photo:Colorful maples at Shuzenji Nature Park, Izu, Shizuoka

One of the most famous places for viewing the autumn foliage in Shuzenji is Shuzenji Nature Park, a 10,000-square-meter site with a forest of about 1,000 maple trees.
A variety of different maple trees spread overhead in subtle gradations of yellow and red. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves of Shuzenji while strolling along the promenade.
The best season for viewing the autumn leaves in Shuzenji is usually from mid-November to early December. There are also events held to celebrate the autumn season around this time of year, and visitors can enjoy the autumn foliage of various walking courses to enjoy the autumn scenery of Shuzenji.

Because many people visit on Saturdays and Sundays when the events are held, traffic jams and congestion should be expected. For those using the parking lot, coming early in the morning is a good way to avoid congestion. If you want to know about congestion information and surrounding traffic jams in real time, you can also search for information on Twitter. This may help to avoid sitting in traffic.

Popular Tourist Attractions in Shuzenji!

Shuzenji boasts not only hot springs and autumn foliage, but also many popular sightseeing spots and picturesque photo spots that are popular on Instagram. Here, we'll introduce a few of them.

Image of Arashiyama Hanatouro, Kyoto, Japan
Photo:Arashiyama Hanatouro, Kyoto, Japan

Bamboo Forest Path
This is a promenade along the Katsura River that runs through the center of the hot spring resort area. The path is illuminated at night, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful sight of the bamboo grove at night.

Shuzenji Temple
Shuzenji Temple is an old temple said to have been founded by the Japanese Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi. The temple is famous for its Treasure Repository, which houses ancient masks related to Minamoto no Yoriie. The temple is also famous for its seasonal scenery, with cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves in the fall.

Shuzenji Nature Park
Shuzenji Nature Park is famous for its maple groves. The approximately 1,000 maple trees in this forest are considered a rare sight in Izu.

Image of the autumn illumination at Niji no Sato, Izu, Shizuoka
Photo:The autumn illumination at Niji no Sato, Izu, Shizuoka

Niji no Sato
This is an English-themed theme park with gardens and flowerbeds where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers. The park is also illuminated during the fall when the autumn leaves are in season.

Koi no Hashi (The Bridges of Love)
Five bridges span the Katsura River that flows through Shuzenji Onsen. Each bridge is said to bring blessings concerning love. If you make a wish and cross the bridges, you may just find the one for you...

Summary of Sightseeing in Shuzenji, Izu

Shuzenji is a superb tourist destination for viewing the autumn leaves. There are many events held in the fall when the leaves are in season at Shuzenji Onsen, so be sure to check them out in advance.

Shuzenji is a sightseeing spot where you can not only appreciate the autumn leaves, but also historical buildings and culture, and there are even places associated with popular Japanese dramas, and model courses for visiting places with ties to the Minamoto Clan. Furthermore, Shuzenji Onsen is also said to have been loved by great Japanese writers such as Natsume Soseki, so be sure to enjoy its elegant atmosphere.

Autumn is the perfect season for sightseeing, as Shuzenji is known as one of the most beautiful places in Japan to see the autumn leaves. Take a trip to Shuzenji and experience both beautiful scenery and unique history!

【TripAdvisor】Shuzenji Onsen

Written By
Last Updated : Nov. 16, 2022
Japan
平敷 篤(Atsushi Heishiki)
My name is Atsushi Heishiki, a writer who loves Japanese culture and lives in Okinawa.
Video showing the beautifully colored autumn leaves of Shuzenji in Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, as autumn arrives! Visit Shuzenji Onsen, a hot spring loved by great writers in Izu!
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