23‏/08‏/2013

Shuzen-ji Riverside Walk

A historical site rich in its variety

By Tomoko Kamishima

Community writer

Teahouse and purple flowers of morning glory

Statue of Oyukake-chigo Daishi: If your leg hurts, pour this water on the statue's leg, and your leg will feel better

Red bridge looks nice in the green trees

Path between an old inn and Katsura River

Shaka-nyorai Statue at Shigetsu-den Temple

Shuzen-ji town has been a mountain spa resort since 807, when a famous Buddhist monk, Kukai, discovered a hot spring source (Tokko-no-yu) in the middle of the Izu Peninsula. The town includes two beautiful paths (one along the Katsura River, and one that passes through a bamboo grove), and five red bridges. There is also Hie Jinja Shrine, Shuzen-ji Temple, Oyukake-chigo Daishi (a Buddhist statue and water basin which has the power to heal painful body parts), and Shigetsu-den Temple (including Minamoto Yoriie's and his follower’s graves). A few nice teahouses and small craft shops also make for enjoyable browsing.