Shuzenji Temple is located in the Shuzenji Onsen town.
To my surprise, warm hot spring water was flowing from the dragon's mouth at the purification fountain.
I visited in September, so it wasn't yet fall foliage season, but the temple grounds had a nice atmosphere and a real sense of history.
After getting tired from walking, I relaxed and soothed my fatigue in the hot springs.
Shuzenji Onsen
One of the Izu Peninsula's leading hot spring resorts, located in Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Traditional inns and restaurants line the Katsura River, and the area has long been popular as a hot spring retreat. At the heart of the hot spring district is Tokko-no-Yu, said to have been established by Kobo Daishi Kukai and known as the symbol of Shuzenji Onsen. The area is also home to historic Shuzenji Temple, believed to have been founded in 807, and Chikurin no Komichi, a bamboo-lined walking path, offering peaceful surroundings for a leisurely stroll.
Shuzenji Onsen is said to have been founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai. After leaving my luggage at the inn, I explored the hot spring town during the day. The scenery along the Katsura River and around the town had a very nice atmosphere. You can't bathe in Tokko-no-Yu, the symbol of Shuzenji Onsen, but you can view it. Shuzenji Temple is also nearby, and I was able to stroll around while enjoying the history and nature. The hot spring water is very warm and helps relieve fatigue.
Oishi Park
Located on the shore of Lake Kawaguchi in the Oishi district of Yamanashi Prefecture, this scenic spot offers panoramic views of Mount Fuji across the lake. The park, with its photogenic landscapes, attracts many tourists.
I walked along the 350-meter-long Flower Road promenade. It's famous for its lavender in early summer, but with such a wide variety of flowers planted, it's enjoyable in any season.
I recommend the second floor of the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center, where you can get a panoramic view of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.
Aomori Nebuta Festival
The Aomori Nebuta Festival is held in central Aomori City between August 2 and 7 every year and attracts as many as 1 million visitors every year. With records dating back to the late Edo period (around 1842), this historic festival is one of the Three Great Festivals of Tohoku and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
I went to the Aomori Nebuta Festival, one of the Three Great Festivals of Tohoku. The powerful nebuta floats, the sound of the drums, and the crowd's chants all came together to make it very moving.
However, convenience stores and other businesses had stopped allowing people to use their restrooms, so I had a hard time finding one. If you're planning to go, I recommend checking the festival flyer and locating nearby restrooms in advance.
