November, 2022 - Mahalo nuiloa

Retreat to the historical hot springs of Izu

It is a popular place to visit to appreciate the hot springs and silence in the beautiful scenery, making a fabulous one-night trip from Tokyo.

If you’re looking for an outstanding onsen (hot spring) town, head to Shuzenji Onsen, a few hours by train from Tokyo in Shizuoka prefecture. Although Izu is nicknamed “Little Kyoto,” it’s more than that. Over the years, Shuzenji’s unique history has also inspired travelers and Japanese writers alike.

Shuzenji Onsen (修善寺温泉) is one of the oldest and most famous hot spring resort towns on the Izu Peninsula. Located in the hilly center of the peninsula, it lacks the ocean views of many nearby onsen towns but attracts visitors with its history and attractive setting.

Shuzenji Onsen, named after Shuzenji Temple (修禅寺), is at the center of town. Kobo Daishi, one of Japan’s most important religious figures, founded the temple about 1200 years ago.

Today, it is a Zen Buddhist temple where visitors can participate in meditation classes (Tuesdays from 9:30, reservation required). Kobo Daishi is also said to have created Shuzenji’s most prominent hot spring, Tokko-no-yu, in the middle of the riverbed that runs through the town center. Today, Tokko-no-yu is a foot bath.

Other attractions in Shuzenji’s town center include a small bamboo forest, several historic ryokans, and a few tastefully designed shops and cafes. Onsen bathing is possible at the town’s public bath, Hakoyu. Furthermore, several of the town’s ryokan open their baths to non-staying guests during the day for a fee (from around 1000 yen).

For more information about Shuzenji temple, click here.

Shuzenji Summay

Shuzenji is an excellent place to treat yourself for all your hard work in the city. You can stay in a quiet town only 80 minutes from Tokyo, and I recommend you stay in a historical Ryokan hotel or Onsen all day.

Location: Izu Shuzenji in Shizuoka prefecture, Duration: Transfer 1h30min. recommend a one-night stay and treat yourself to an Onsen.

Climbing one of the 100 most famous Japanese mountains in Tsukuba

It is popular to visit here in autumn to appreciate the mountain’s stunning foliage, making it a great day trip from Tokyo.

As the Japanese saying goes, “Fuji represents the west, while Tsukuba represents the east.” The mountains of Tsukuba are sacred places.

Mt. Tsukuba is a twin-peaked mountain in central Ibaraki comprising Mt. Nantai. and Mt. Nyotai, rising to 877 meters. In addition to the Tsukuba Shrine at the foot, there are shrines on both peaks, making the entire mountain a sacred area. A circular route from Tsukuba Shrine around the mountain is an excellent way to explore the area. Mt. Tsukuba is climbable year-round and is easily accessible to beginners thanks to the Mt. Tsukuba Cable Car and Mt. Tsukuba Ropeway.

Mount Tsukuba, a mountain of mountain worship, is also a power spot heaven. Near the top is Miyukigahara, home to the 800-year-old giant Shihosugi cedar tree, the nearby headwaters of the Minanogawa river, and the Tateshin tree near the summit of Nantai. Many power spots, such as massive rocks and strangely shaped ones, are characteristic of Mt. Tsukuba, including the type of stone.

In addition, Tsukubasan Shrine, which enshrines two gods, a man, and a woman, is said to bring blessings for marriage and marriage! A small heart pattern is hidden in the large bell of the worship hall in the middle of the mountain. Please try to find it!

Information on Mt.Tsukuba is Here.

How to visit Mt.Tsukuba

Take a 45-minute Tsukuba express train from Akihabara and a 40-minute bus to Mt. Tsukuba shrine. Buses run about once every 30 minutes, or you can use a taxi from Tsukuba station to Tsukuba shrine for about 7,400JPY.
There are multiple routes to the top of the mountain. Choose a course according to your physical strength.
The trail map is here

Shirakumobashi trail

This time, we chose the Shirakumobashi course, a recommended course full of highlights such as huge rocks and oddly shaped ones. If you are confident in your physical strength, please choose this way.
Once at the top of Mt.Tsukuba, there was beautiful scenery from the cliff. Please watch your step as there is no barrier.

Coming down, you can select the ropeway or by foot. We used the Miyukigahara course, which is due to a lot of gaps in the stairs and some rocks. It takes 75 minutes from the Miyukigahara rest house.
We arrived back at Tsukuba Shrine around 4:30. A beautiful sunset welcomed us. The last bus was at 5:10, so we were on time.

Hiking Summary

Tsukuba, which you can enjoy all day long, is a very easy-to-reach mountain, and it has become a mountain I want to visit again because it is well-maintained.

Please note that restrooms, drinks, and food are only available at teahouses and ropeway stations, so be sure to prepare well and check the rest points before climbing to ensure a safe and secure climb.

Tsukuba is also where you can enjoy the autumn foliage. It’s a hiking and climbing spot that’s easy to reach from Tokyo, so if you haven’t experienced it yet, why not go there?

Location: Tsukuba, Duration:5h30m. Start Time:9:00 Back to Tsukuba shrine time:4:30

November 2022

Shuzenji Historical Hot springs