Guida
Shuzen-ji is a prominent Zen temple of the Soto school, located in Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. It was founded in the year 807 by Kobo Daishi Kukai, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The temple holds a profound history spanning over 1,200 years, including a period during the Kamakura era when it served as a place of confinement for the second shogun, Minamoto no Yoriie. Today, it remains a vital spiritual center that embodies the history of the surrounding Shuzen-ji Onsen area.
While originally following the Shingon tradition, the temple transitioned to the Rinzai school during the Kencho era (1249–1255). Although the temple buildings were once destroyed by war in 1409, they were later rebuilt by Hojo Soun. Currently, it serves as a significant Soto Zen temple that has garnered local faith for centuries. The site is also deeply connected to the history of the Kamakura period, with legends regarding Minamoto no Yoriie still preserved in its historical context.
Key areas of interest include the Main Hall, the Treasure House, and the Okunoin (Shogaku-in) area. Within the Okunoin, you will find the 'Karigome-no-Iwaya' (the cave of ascetic training), where Kobo Daishi is said to have practiced. This cave features the Aon Falls and the Goma-dan altar used for spiritual training. Additionally, the temple houses numerous precious artifacts and treasures, which are displayed in the Treasure House. Visitors can also enjoy the seasonal beauty of the Great Ginkgo tree and the vibrant autumn colors that frame the temple grounds, often featuring the temple's unique crest, the 'Mitsu-sasa Lindelof' (three-leaf bamboo gentian).
Shuzen-ji offers breathtaking scenery that changes with the seasons. The period from October to December is particularly stunning, as the autumn leaves and the Great Ginkgo tree paint the temple grounds in brilliant colors. Special events also take place during this time, such as the 'Jodo-e' ceremony on December 8th and the 'Hoshi Matsuri' (Star Festival) during the winter solstice in December. Since the temple gates open as early as 5:00 AM, it is an excellent place to experience a peaceful, meditative atmosphere in the early morning.
Visitors can participate in 'Shakyo' (sutra copying) at the Main Hall. In November, the temple also accepts applications for 'Shichi-Go-San' prayers to wish for the healthy growth of children. Please note that certain ceremonies may require advanced reservations. Other rituals, such as the Mangan Daikito (the completion of the 88-temple pilgrimage), are also held during specific periods.
Shuzen-ji is located in the heart of the Shuzen-ji Onsen town. The surrounding area is filled with charming walking paths like the Bamboo Forest Path, as well as various hot spring facilities, accommodations, and tourist information centers. To reach the Okunoin area from the Main Hall, it is recommended to take a taxi (approx. 10 minutes) or a car (approx. 15 minutes), making it a perfect base for exploring the hot spring district.
Please observe proper temple etiquette during your visit. Photography may be restricted in certain areas of the temple grounds. As the terrain includes stairs and potentially uneven paths, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Please note that the operating hours for receiving amulets (O-fuda) and temple stamps (Goshuin) at the temple office may vary between summer and winter seasons.