About
Brilliant maple leaves in the Shuzenji forest under morning sunshine. Source: Japan Travel
Shuzenji Nature Park is a large, free-access natural park located on the north side of Shuzenji Onsen, covering approximately 80 hectares in the mountainous center of the Izu Peninsula. 🔗 The park's centerpiece is the "Momiji-bayashi" (もみじ林) maple forest, a one-hectare grove containing approximately 1,000 Japanese maple trees that were originally planted in 1924, making them over a century old. 🔗
The maple forest represents one of the largest concentrations of Japanese maple trees on the Izu Peninsula, with a density of around 1,000 trees per hectare. 🔗 This natural setting provides an immersive autumn foliage viewing experience (momijigari) that is deeply rooted in Japanese tradition - a cherished practice of appreciating the transient beauty of nature, similar to cherry blossom viewing in spring.
The park's significance is enhanced by its connection to the historic Shuzenji Onsen town, which has a 1,200-year history dating back to the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai) who founded the area in the 9th century. 🔗 While the park itself does not hold a Michelin rating, the broader Shuzenji Onsen area received two stars (★★) in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, signifying a destination "worth a detour." 🔗
Cultural & Religious Significance
Momijigari Tradition
The practice of autumn leaf viewing (momijigari) has deep cultural roots in Japanese aesthetics and philosophy. This tradition involves appreciating the transient beauty of nature as leaves change color and eventually fall, embodying the Buddhist concept of impermanence (mujo). The act of viewing autumn foliage is not merely recreational but contemplative, encouraging reflection on the passage of time and the ephemeral nature of life.
Shuzenji Nature Park's century-old maple grove serves as a living testament to this cultural practice, providing a dedicated space for both locals and visitors to engage in this seasonal tradition. The park's free access reflects the Japanese cultural value of sharing natural beauty with the community.
Connection to Shuzenji's 1,200-Year Heritage
The park's location adjacent to historic Shuzenji Onsen connects it to a broader narrative of sacred landscapes in Japan. Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism and one of Japan's most revered religious figures, is credited with discovering the hot springs in 807 AD after witnessing a boy washing his sick father in the river. The saint struck the riverbed with a Buddhist ritual implement (tokko), creating the hot spring that became Shuzenji's spiritual and cultural foundation.
This sacred geography extends to the natural landscapes surrounding the onsen town, with the Nature Park representing the harmonious relationship between human cultivation (the planted maple grove) and wild mountain forests. The park embodies the Japanese aesthetic principle of satoyama - the managed border zone between mountain wilderness and human settlement.
Visiting Information
Access
From Shuzenji Station:
- Take Tokai bus bound for Heda or Niji No Sato (15-minute ride) 🔗
- Get off at Bairinguchi (梅林口) or Momijihayashi-ore (もみじ林折) bus stop
- Local buses run regularly from Shuzenji Station to the Nature Park
Address: 3690 Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture 410-2416 🔗
Contact: Izu City Tourist Organization, Shuzenji Branch - TEL: 0558-72-2501 🔗
Operating Information
Hours: Open 24/7 year-round (outdoor public park)
Admission: Free 🔗
Parking: Available with fees during maple viewing season (¥300 for regular cars, ¥610 for microbuses, ¥810 for large buses). Large buses are allowed. 🔗
Best Time to Visit:
- Peak autumn colors: Mid-November to early December 🔗
- Early November: Beginning of color change (mix of green, yellow, and early orange/red)
- Sunny days offer best views with potential Mount Fuji visibility
Typical Duration: 1-2 hours for walking the trails and maple forest
Current Status: Open and accessible; annual Shuzenji Momiji Festival runs mid-November to early December with food vendors and local specialty stalls in the Momiji Forest area 🔗
The Trail Experience
The Maple Forest Walk
The main attraction is walking through the immersive "Momiji-bayashi" grove, where the canopy of century-old Japanese maple trees creates a spectacular natural tunnel of autumn colors during peak season. 🔗 On a sunny day, visitors can enjoy vibrant colors of maple leaves with Mount Fuji visible in the distance, creating a quintessentially Japanese scenic experience. 🔗
The park features well-developed walking trails made mostly of rocks and concrete, with some sections still using wood and dirt/gravel. 🔗 At certain points, the trail splits: the right path leads to the forest exploration course, while the left path leads to the Suzenji Bairin Park route.
Seasonal Festival
During the annual Shuzenji Momiji Festival (mid-November to early December), the forest comes alive with vendors selling locally made goods and traditional food stands offering regional specialties. 🔗 This adds a festive cultural dimension to the natural beauty, allowing visitors to experience local flavors while surrounded by autumn foliage.
Practical Visiting Tips
November 8-9, 2025 Expectations
Foliage Status: Your visit occurs during the early phase of autumn color season. Expect to see:
- Leaves beginning to change with a mix of green, yellow, and some orange/red tones
- Less vibrant than peak season photographs, but still scenic and beautiful
- Fewer crowds than peak mid-November period
- A more tranquil, peaceful atmosphere for walking
Weather Considerations:
- Early November typically offers pleasant daytime temperatures
- Morning visits provide the best lighting for photography
- Clear days may offer Mount Fuji views
Special Events:
- The Shuzenji Momiji Festival begins around mid-November (after your visit)
- The famous illumination event at adjacent Niji no Sato theme park runs November 15-December 14 (starting one week after your visit) 🔗
Important Distinction: Nature Park vs. Niji no Sato
Shuzenji Nature Park is separate from the adjacent Shuzenji Niji no Sato theme park:
- Nature Park: Free, natural forest setting, open 24/7
- Niji no Sato: Paid entry (¥1,220), themed garden park with British/Canadian villages, Romney Railway train, hosts the illumination event 🔗
Both locations have approximately 1,000 maple trees, which creates frequent confusion in travel information.
Photography Tips
Best Photo Spots:
- The main path through the maple forest for immersive canopy shots
- Morning light provides soft, warm tones that enhance autumn colors
- Focus on details: close-up shots of individual leaves with wide aperture create beautifully blurred backgrounds
- Capture the colorful carpet of fallen leaves on the trail 🔗
- On clear days, seek viewpoints for Mount Fuji with maple foreground
Photography Settings:
- Shoot on bright, overcast days to avoid harsh shadows
- Use exposure compensation: slight positive adjustment (+0.7 EV) brightens scenes, negative adjustment creates deeper, saturated colors
- Light mist conditions can make colors pop dramatically
Visitor Etiquette
Respecting Nature:
- Carry out all trash (public bins are rare in Japan)
- Stay on designated trails to protect the ecosystem
- Do not pick leaves, flowers, or stones
- Do not feed or disturb wildlife 🔗
Cultural Customs:
- Keep noise to a minimum to preserve the peaceful atmosphere
- Avoid occupying spaces for extended periods during busy times
- Be considerate of other visitors enjoying the natural setting
- Respect the blend of public paths and private residences in the area
Timing Your Visit
- Arrive early morning for best lighting and fewer crowds
- Weekdays typically less crowded than weekends
- Allow 1-2 hours for a leisurely walking experience
- Combine with nearby Shuzenji Onsen town attractions
What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes for concrete and dirt trails
- Weather-appropriate clothing (layering recommended)
- Camera with good low-light capability for forest canopy shots
- Water and snacks (limited facilities in natural park area)
Nearby Attractions
Within Shuzenji Onsen Town (Walking Distance)
Shuzenji Temple - The oldest temple on the Izu Peninsula, founded by Kobo Daishi 1,200 years ago. Features a Japanese garden reputed to be the best in the Tokai region, with special autumn openings. 🔗
Bamboo Forest Path - A picturesque 300-meter walkway along the Katsura River, just 3 minutes from Shuzenji Temple. Features a large circular bench at midpoint. 🔗
Tokko-no-yu - The legendary hot spring in the middle of the river bed, founded by Kobo Daishi. Now serves as a free public foot bath. 🔗
Hakoyu Public Bath - Traditional public onsen bathing facility in the town center. 🔗
Hie Shrine - Features two massive Japanese cedars and stone steps with scenic views. 🔗
Shigetsuden - The oldest wooden structure in Izu, contributing to the area's Michelin two-star rating. 🔗
Historic Sites
Tomb of Minamoto no Yoriie - The second shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate was exiled and assassinated in Shuzenji. His tomb is located among bamboo forest and mossy pathways. 🔗
Integration with Shuzenji Onsen Culture
The Nature Park is inextricably linked to Shuzenji's 1,200-year onsen (hot spring) heritage. The natural beauty of the area - the maple forest, bamboo groves, and Katsura River - forms the cultural identity of this historic hot spring town, often called the "Little Kyoto of Izu." 🔗
A visit to the Nature Park is typically combined with exploring the onsen town and soaking in traditional hot spring baths, creating a holistic cultural and recreational experience that blends nature appreciation with Japanese bathing traditions.
The park is easily accessible as a day trip or stopover for those traveling through the Izu Peninsula, particularly from Izu coastal towns (via bus or car), Atami and eastern Izu (train to Shuzenji Station), or other central Izu mountain destinations.
Important Notes
Visit Timing Considerations
Early November vs. Peak Season:
- Your November 8-9 visit will show early autumn colors rather than peak vibrancy
- Peak foliage typically occurs mid-November to early December
- The illumination event at Niji no Sato begins November 15 (one week after your visit)
Advantages of Early Season Visit:
- Fewer crowds and more peaceful atmosphere
- Easier parking availability
- Lower accommodation prices
- Still beautiful scenery with beginning color changes
- Better weather conditions (less chance of late autumn rain)
Facilities
- Parking available (fee during season)
- Restroom facilities available 🔗
- Limited food/drink vendors (mainly during festival period)
- Food stalls and local specialty vendors operate during Momiji Festival period
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/izu-peninsula/shuzenji-nature-park.md