Explore Shuzenji Onsen in a Yukata – Japan’s Charming Hot Spring Town in Izu

👘 Looking for a beautiful place in Japan where you can stroll around in a yukata or kimono?

Located just a few hours from Tokyo, Shuzenji Onsen in the Izu Peninsula is a photogenic hot spring town with a peaceful, traditional vibe—great for strolling around in a yukata, snapping photos, and tasting local sweets.

While Izu has many famous onsen resorts, not all of them are walkable or have a townscape with this much charm.

Shuzenji Onsen stands out with its compact layout, peaceful streets, and sightseeing spots located just a short walk from each other.

Whether you stay overnight at a nearby ryokan or come for a day trip, you can rent a yukata or kimono and explore the area in traditional Japanese style.

●Yukata & Kimono Rental in Shuzenji:
👉 “Machinavi Yururi” – Official Website

⚠️ The shop doesn’t have fixed holidays, and on quiet days it may close early. So it’s best to book in advance to make sure they’re open when you visit.

Hi, I’m Takeru—your local guide to Izu and beyond.
I share family-friendly travel tips and cultural experiences across Japan, especially around my home prefecture, Shizuoka.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes Shuzenji Onsen such a great place to walk around in yukata—and why it might be the best choice in Izu for this kind of experience.

Rent a Yukata or Kimono in Shuzenji Onsen – Machinavi Yururi

If you’re hoping to stroll around Shuzenji Onsen in a traditional yukata or kimono, there’s a convenient rental shop located right in the heart of the hot spring town—complete with dressing assistance so you don’t have to worry about putting it on yourself.

💰 Rental Price (as of April 2025)

For returns within business hours, the rental fee is ¥5,280〜 per person (flat rate on weekdays, weekends, and holidays).

✅ Includes:

• Dressing assistance

• Hair accessories

• A matching bag

• Optional small accessories

🎒 If you have extra bags or luggage, the shop can hold them for ¥200 per item, making your stroll hassle-free.

🏷️ Best Way to Book

We recommend booking through Jalan.net, which often offers discount coupons and lets you earn points for future bookings.

👉 Reserve on “Jalan” for the best deals!

Get Your Yukata Ready – Book on Jalan

Everything’s Within Walking Distance – Enjoy the Charm of Shuzenji Onsen at Your Own Pace

Shuzenji Onsen is a compact hot spring town where all the main attractions are located within walking distance.

You can walk around the town in just 30 minutes to an hour if you don’t stop too often, but there’s so much to see and enjoy along the way that you might want to slow down and take your time.

Whether you have a couple of hours or a full day, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, explore historical landmarks, or relax with a local sweet treat.

It’s the perfect setting for a calm, photogenic walk—especially if you’re wearing a yukata or kimono.

Here are some of the best places to stop by while exploring Shuzenji Onsen on foot:

🎋 Chikurin-no-Komichi – Shuzenji’s Famous Bamboo Path

Chikurin-no-Komichi, or the Bamboo Path, is one of the most iconic spots in Shuzenji Onsen.

This quiet walkway is lined with tall, green bamboo, offering a calm and scenic place for a relaxing stroll.

Wearing a yukata or kimono here makes the experience feel even more special—the traditional clothing blends beautifully with the green bamboo, creating the perfect photo opportunity.

While the daytime view is bright and refreshing, the path becomes truly magical after sunset. At night, it’s gently illuminated, giving the area a romantic and almost otherworldly feel.

If you’re staying at a local ryokan, don’t miss the chance to walk this path in the evening—it’s a peaceful, unforgettable way to end your day.

🛕 Shuzenji Temple – A Historic Temple with Over 1,200 Years of History

Located right in the center of Shuzenji Onsen town, Shuzenji Temple—formally known as Fukuchizan Shuzenman’an Zenji—was founded in 807 and has played a central role in the cultural and spiritual history of the region.

It’s not only the origin of the town’s name but also a symbol of its long-standing cultural and spiritual heritage.

The temple grounds are beautifully maintained, offering a calm, peaceful atmosphere throughout the year.

🌸 In spring, cherry blossoms bloom around the temple, and in autumn, colorful maple leaves create a breathtaking backdrop.

👘 If you visit while wearing a yukata or kimono, the traditional scenery makes the experience feel even more authentic—like stepping into a different era.

♨️ Tokko-no-Yu Park – Scenic Foot Bath Terrace in the Heart of Town

Tokko-no-Yu is believed to be the original hot spring of Shuzenji. According to local legend, it was discovered by the famous Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi during the Heian period.

Today, the stone bath remains as a symbol of Shuzenji’s onsen culture.

Although bathing is not allowed at Tokko-no-Yu itself, it is beautifully illuminated at night and adds to the romantic, nostalgic charm of the onsen town.

🌃 If you’re staying nearby, we recommend an evening walk that includes both Tokko-no-Yu and the illuminated Bamboo Path.

Across the river is Tokko-no-Yu Park, home to a free public foot bath called River Terrace Sugi-no-Yu. It’s a peaceful rest spot where anyone can warm their feet and enjoy the relaxing view.

You’ll also find a small statue of Yukake Chigo Daishi in the park. Locals believe that pouring hot water over the part of the statue representing an area of your body helps with healing. Don’t hesitate to try it!

Explore the Five “Bridges of Love” in Shuzenji Onsen

One of the most charming walking experiences in Shuzenji Onsen is the “Bridges of Love” tour. According to local legend, walking across these five bridges—each with its own symbolic blessing—can bring good fortune in love, relationships, and even family life.

You can complete the full route in about 30 minutes at a relaxed pace.

Grab a local sightseeing map (available at tourist centers or your ryokan) to help guide your way!

📍Togetsu Bridge (Bridge of First Encounters)

1️⃣Blessing: Finding a good match

This is the first bridge on the route, said to bring fateful encounters and good connections.

Cross it while imagining your future partner—your perfect match may come along sooner than you think!

📍Kokei Bridge (Bridge of Longing)

2️⃣Blessing: Success in love

Located right in front of Shuzenji Temple, this bridge is for those wishing to make their love come true.

Walk across while thinking of someone special, and let your feelings flow with sincerity.

🌃 At night, this area becomes especially romantic thanks to the glowing lights of Tokko-no-Yu, Shuzenji Onsen’s symbolic hot spring.

📍Katsura Bridge (Bridge of Connection)

3️⃣Blessing: Fertility and childbirth

This bridge is near the eastern entrance of the Bamboo Path. It’s said to help couples hoping to welcome a new child into their family.

🌌 Like Kokei Bridge, it is beautifully illuminated at night—enhanced by the soft glow from nearby traditional ryokans, making for a magical stroll.

📍Kaede Bridge (Bridge of Togetherness)

4️⃣Blessing: Marriage and commitment

Located on the western side of the Bamboo Path, Kaede Bridge is believed to bless couples who wish to deepen their relationship or take the next step toward marriage.

Cross it hand in hand with your loved one and make your intentions clear.

📍Takishita Bridge (Bridge of Peace)

5️⃣Blessing: Long-lasting relationships and harmony

The final bridge represents a peaceful and harmonious relationship between partners or spouses. Walk across it together while thinking of a joyful future side by side.

📷 While we don’t have a photo of the bridge itself, here’s the serene view from Takishita Bridge—it captures the calm, romantic mood of Shuzenji perfectly.

🍡 Try Local Sweets While Exploring Shuzenji Onsen

No trip to Shuzenji Onsen is complete without sampling some local treats!

The onsen town is filled with charming cafés and traditional sweets shops that perfectly match the historic atmosphere of the streets.

Here are three recommended spots located right in the center of town—perfect for a quick break while strolling around.

📍Issekian (Traditional Sweets & Temple View)

Located in the heart of Shuzenji Onsen, this cozy teahouse offers a peaceful view of Shuzenji Temple across the Katsura River.

It’s the perfect spot for a short break, serving local specialties like black soybean mochi, sweet red bean soup (oshiruko), and anmitsu (a traditional jelly dessert).

📍Shuzenji Pudding Kobo (Pudding & Dried Fruits)

This specialty shop focuses on homemade pudding and dried fruits, using carefully selected ingredients. Look for the storefront with the cute chicken curtain!

You can enjoy your pudding on-site in their small eat-in area, or take it with you as a treat for later.

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📍Amane – Kominka Café (Retro Japanese House Café)

Set inside a beautifully renovated traditional Japanese home, Amane blends nostalgic charm with a modern, relaxed vibe.

It’s a well-loved spot among both travelers and locals, ranked #2 in a local sweets contest held in Shuzenji in 2022.

Perfect for a calm afternoon break—or even for lunch if you’re craving something more substantial.

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How to Get to Shuzenji Onsen

Shuzenji Onsen is easy to reach whether you’re traveling by car or public transportation. Here’s how to get there, especially if you’re visiting for a day trip or planning a yukata stroll around the hot spring town.

🚘 By Car (Self-Driving)

From the Tomei Expressway, take the Numazu IC or Nagatsuka-Numazu IC (on the Shin-Tomei Expressway). Then continue on the Izu-Jukan Expressway → Izu-Chuo Expressway (toll) → Shuzenji Road (toll) to reach the area.

🪙 Toll Fees (as of April 2025):
・Izu-Chuo Road: ¥200
・Shuzenji Road: ¥200

💵 ETC is not accepted, so be sure to bring cash. 100-yen coins work best, but 500 yen coins or 1,000 yen bills are also fine (change is available at toll booths).

🚧 Local roads can get quite congested, especially during weekends and holidays. Toll roads are highly recommended to save time.

🚉 By Train

If you don’t have a car, don’t worry—public transportation is also a great option.

🚄 Option 1: Shinkansen + Local Train

• Take the Shinkansen to Mishima Station.

• Transfer to the Izu-Hakone Railway (local train) and ride to Shuzenji Station.

🚞 Option 2: Direct Limited Express from Tokyo

• Take the Odoriko Limited Express bound for Shuzenji Station from Tokyo.

From Shuzenji Station, it’s about 2 km to the onsen town. You can take a local bus or grab a taxi at the station.

✅ Buses run infrequently, so if you want a smoother journey, a taxi may be your best bet—especially when traveling with family.

🚖 Getting Around: Use the “GO” Taxi App

Taxis aren’t always readily available in the hot spring town, especially on your return trip.
That’s why we recommend downloading Japan’s most popular taxi app: “GO”.

👉 Download the GO app here

📲 GO App Features:

• Book a taxi on demand with real-time availability

• Easy-to-use interface (available in English and other languages)

• Special offers for new users and referral codes

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Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of strolling through a traditional Japanese onsen town in a yukata or kimono, Shuzenji Onsen is one of the best places to do it.

Unlike larger onsen towns like Atami or Ito, where attractions are spread out across a wide area, Shuzenji is compact and easy to explore on foot, with most highlights located close together.

This makes it perfect for a relaxing, unhurried visit—whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or as a family.

🛏️ Staying overnight at a nearby ryokan is highly recommended if you’d like to enjoy the magical nighttime atmosphere and illuminated bamboo paths.

But even if you’re visiting on a day trip, you can still rent a yukata or kimono at Machinavi Yururi, a local shop that also offers dressing assistance—no need to worry about how to wear it.

Get Your Yukata Ready – Book on Jalan

🌸 Whether you’re here for the scenery, the local sweets, or a taste of traditional Japan, Shuzenji Onsen offers a memorable experience full of charm and culture.