Why not take a trip to Izu City in Shizuoka Prefecture to discover some breathtaking autumn scenery? From Amagi Yugashima, once beloved by many literary figures, to Shuzenji Onsen, known as the "Little Kyoto of Izu ," a variety of picturesque autumn foliage spots await you.
Written by
The Izu City Inbound Promotion Project Team (commonly known as "IIP") is an organization established with the aim of promoting the attraction of foreign visitors tourists to Izu City and the development of a system for accepting them, with the aim of making Izu an attractive international tourist destination that makes use of Izu's tourism resources. Izu City is rich in nature and agriculture, and has a variety of tourist attractions, including hot springs, beaches, and mountainous areas. It is also easily accessible, about two hours by train from Tokyo, making it an ideal place for day trips or weekend getaways. [Notes regarding cover images] The cover image is a winning entry in a photo contest that colors Izu City. Photographer: Ojima Hiroki Title: "Coloring the Light Snow" Unauthorized use and duplication of the cover image is prohibited. For information on using the cover image, please check the Izu City Tourism Information Website.
A bridge brimming with the charm of "Encounter Bridge," also known for its legends of matchmaking!
Located in Amagi Yugashima , Izu City, the "Encounter Bridge" consists of the "Man's Bridge" over the Hon-tani River and the "Woman's Bridge" over the Nekko River, and as its name suggests, it is a romantic spot symbolizing "encounters." Every year from mid-November to early December, the trees around the bridge turn red and yellow, allowing visitors to enjoy a picturesque and spectacular view created by the gentle murmur of the clear stream and the vibrant autumn leaves.
[Best time to see]
Mid-November to early December
【access】
If using public transportation: From Shuzenji Station, take the Tokai Bus for approximately 35 minutes and get off at the "Shinjuku" bus stop, then walk for 5 minutes. Alternatively, from Shuzenji Station, take the Tokai Bus for approximately 35 minutes and get off at the "Yugashima Onsen-guchi" bus stop, then walk for 3 minutes.
If traveling by car, it takes approximately 1 hour from Tomei Numazu Interchange via National Route 136 and National Route 414.
【parking】
Please use either the Amagi Kaikan or Yudo Deaibashi parking lot.
Shuzenji Onsen, a renowned hot spring resort steeped in a thousand-year history, is bathed in the colors of autumn.
Shuzenji Onsen, the oldest hot spring resort in Izu and often called "Little Kyoto of Izu ," is a recommended spot for an autumn stroll. The charming streets are adorned with vibrant autumn foliage.
If you venture a little further, you'll find the "Shuzenji Nature Park (Maple Forest)." Here, approximately 1,000 maple trees grow in clusters, and every year from mid-November to early December, a breathtaking expanse of autumn foliage unfolds, boasting one of the largest scales in Izu.
After enjoying a stroll amidst the autumn foliage, head to Shuzenji's famous hot springs. Warm your chilled body to your heart's content. There are also day-use baths and footbaths that you can easily drop into, gently soothing away the fatigue of your journey.
[Best time to see]
Shuzenji Onsen town: Mid-November to mid-December Shuzenji Maple Forest and Shuzenji Temple: Mid-November to early December
【access】
If using public transportation: Shuzenji Onsen town/Shuzenji Temple: Tokai Bus (bound for Shuzenji Onsen, Nijinosato, or Toda) from Shuzenji Station for about 10 minutes and get off at the "Shuzenji Onsen" bus stop. Shuzenji Maple Forest: Take the Tokai Bus (bound for Nijinosato or Toda) from Shuzenji Station for about 15 minutes and get off at the "Momijibayashi" bus stop.
If traveling by car, Shuzenji Onsen area: Approximately 30 minutes from Tomei Numazu IC or Shin-Tomei Nagaizumi Numazu IC via Izu Jukan Expressway, Izu Chuo(toll road), and Shuzenji Road (toll road).
【parking】
Shuzenji Onsen Hot Springs Area: There is no dedicated parking lot in the Shuzenji Onsen Hot Springs area (except for some facilities). If you are coming by car, please use the nearby parking lots (for a fee) around the hot springs area.
Shuzenji Maple Grove: Yes (Please use the temporary parking lots in the surrounding area during the autumn foliage season)
The vibrant autumn colors adorn the Amagi Valley, and the charming Shuzenji Onsen hot spring town adds to the atmosphere.
This autumn, why not take a special trip to Izu City, where two different atmospheres intertwine, to enjoy the autumn foliage?
![[Tokyo, Shinjuku] Buy Matcha Here! 2 Long-established Japanese Tea Shops Where You Can Get the Authentic Taste!](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2025/09/24-245090.webp)
