Best Ryokans in Shizuoka: Shuzenji Onsen & the Izu Peninsula

Most Tokyo visitors who want an onsen ryokan weekend go to Hakone. Fewer know that Shuzenji — an equally beautiful onsen town in Shizuoka Prefecture — is just as close, considerably less crowded, and in many ways more authentically Japanese.

Shuzenji sits in the heart of the Izu Peninsula, surrounded by bamboo groves and forested mountains, centered on a 1,200-year-old Buddhist temple founded by the monk Kobo Daishi. The hot springs here are said to be the oldest on the Izu Peninsula.

Why Shuzenji Over Hakone?

Hakone has more name recognition and more luxury properties. But Shuzenji has:

• No day-trippers from Tokyo (Hakone gets over 20 million visitors per year; Shuzenji far fewer)
• A genuinely historic onsen town core — the stone-paved Katsura River path lined with traditional buildings is one of the most beautiful in Japan
• Lower prices at comparable quality
• Direct connections from Tokyo via the Shuzenji Romance Car (limited express, 90 minutes from Shinjuku)

If you've done Hakone and want something new — or want to avoid the crowds entirely on your first visit — Shuzenji is the answer.

Best Areas to Stay in Shizuoka Prefecture

Shuzenji Onsen Town

The historic center of the Izu Peninsula's onsen culture. Ryokans line the Katsura River, many with baths that draw directly from the same spring Kobo Daishi reportedly discovered in 807 AD. The town is small enough to walk entirely, with the temple, bamboo grove, and river all within 15 minutes.

Best for: Couples, history lovers, those seeking authentic onsen atmosphere

Shuzenji Surroundings — Mountain Ryokans

Several ryokans sit in the hills above Shuzenji town, offering more seclusion and often larger bath facilities. The trade-off is you'll need a taxi or car to reach the town center.

Best for: Families, groups, travelers who prioritize bath quality over town access

Ito and Atami — Coastal Izu

The eastern Izu Peninsula has established resort towns at Atami and Ito with large resort ryokans facing Sagami Bay. Atami is covered in our dedicated guide. For a coastal alternative with fewer crowds, Higashi-Izu (east Izu) offers smaller traditional towns with direct ocean views.

Best for: Sea views, resort atmosphere, large property amenities

Shimoda — Southern Izu

At the tip of the peninsula, Shimoda is a beautiful bay town with historical significance (the first American consul, Townsend Harris, arrived here in 1856). Ryokans here are more beach-resort in character, popular in summer.

Best for: History, beach season, longer Izu Peninsula road trips

Top Ryokans in Shuzenji

Asaba

Consistently ranked among Japan's finest ryokans — Asaba has been receiving guests for over 500 years. Its Noh theater stage in the garden hosts performances, and the baths are set amid weeping willows beside a pond. The seasonal kaiseki menus are extraordinary.

Price: ¥65,000–¥130,000 per person (dinner and breakfast included)

Check availability on Agoda | Check Booking.com

Goyokan

A venerable Shuzenji ryokan in a prime riverside location, with a strong reputation for both cuisine and bath quality. The outdoor bath overlooks the Katsura River, and the kaiseki menu changes with the seasons. More accessible pricing than Asaba with comparable atmosphere.

Price: ¥28,000–¥55,000 per person (dinner and breakfast included)

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Shuzenji Kikuya

A well-regarded mid-range ryokan with friendly staff and a good introduction to Shuzenji's onsen culture. Located close to the temple and the bamboo grove path. Popular with international travelers for its approachable service.

Price: ¥16,000–¥28,000 per person (dinner and breakfast included)

Check availability on Agoda | Check Booking.com

Kinryuso

A smaller, family-run ryokan in Shuzenji with a loyal repeat clientele. The owners are the kind of hosts who remember your name on the second visit. Simple but excellent cuisine, and one of the most welcoming atmospheres in town.

Price: ¥14,000–¥22,000 per person (dinner and breakfast included)

Check availability on Agoda | Check Booking.com

What to Do in Shuzenji

Shuzenji Temple (Shuzenjiji): The town's center. Founded in 807, rebuilt several times, currently a beautiful wooden structure surrounded by maple trees and stone lanterns. Free entry to the grounds, small fee for the treasury.

Bamboo Grove Path (Chikurin no Komichi): A short walking path through dense bamboo forest along the Katsura River — the defining image of Shuzenji. Best in early morning before tour groups arrive.

Outdoor Footbath (Dokku-no-yu): The town's free outdoor footbath in the center of the Katsura River — according to legend, the very spot where Kobo Daishi struck the rock and created the first hot spring. A good way to sample the waters before your ryokan check-in.

Shuzenji History Museum: A small but worthwhile museum focused on the Minamoto clan history at Shuzenji — Minamoto no Yoriie, the second Kamakura shogun, was assassinated here in 1204.

How to Get to Shuzenji

From Tokyo (Shinjuku): Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar to Mishima (80 min), then Sunzu Line local train to Shuzenji (30 min). Total: ~110 minutes. Alternatively, Shinkansen to Mishima (45 min) then Sunzu Line.

From Osaka/Kyoto: Shinkansen to Mishima, then Sunzu Line (total ~2.5 hrs from Osaka).

From Hakone: Odakyu buses connect Hakone-Yumoto to Shuzenji directly — useful for combining both onsen areas in one trip.

Best Time to Visit Shuzenji

Autumn (mid-October to November): The maple foliage around the temple and river is stunning — arguably the most beautiful season in Shuzenji. Book well in advance as this is peak season.

Spring (late March to April): Cherry blossoms along the Katsura River. The combination of pink blossoms and the traditional buildings is excellent for photography.

Winter (December to February): Off-peak season with lower prices. The outdoor baths in cold weather are particularly enjoyable, and the town is at its most peaceful.

Summer (July–August): Warm and sometimes humid, but the bamboo grove is lush and green. Good for combining with coastal Izu Peninsula beaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shuzenji better than Hakone for a ryokan stay? It depends what you're looking for. Hakone has more properties at the luxury end and the famous Fuji views. Shuzenji has a more authentic historic onsen town atmosphere, lower prices, and fewer crowds. For first-timers, Hakone is a safe choice. For repeat visitors or those seeking a quieter experience, Shuzenji often wins.

How long should I spend in Shuzenji? One night is the standard, and it's enough to experience the baths, a kaiseki dinner, the temple, and the bamboo grove. Two nights allows more relaxation and exploration of the surrounding Izu Peninsula.

Can I visit Shuzenji as a day trip from Tokyo? Technically yes, but it's not recommended — the ryokan experience is the main attraction, and the town is completely different after the day-trippers leave at 4pm.

Plan Your Izu Peninsula Itinerary

Shuzenji pairs naturally with Atami for a 2-night Izu loop, or can be combined with a Hakone stay using the direct Odakyu bus connection.

Browse all available ryokans in the Shuzenji and Izu area:

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Related guides: Best Ryokans in Atami · Weekend Ryokan Trips from Tokyo · Best Ryokans in Hakone