They say it's the oldest wooden structure in Izu. The history of this place is very interesting, and I highly recommend coming at night for the illuminations!
The temple isn’t much to look at but you can hike up into the forest to see some cool stuff. The nearby paths are actually more beautiful than the shrine itself. The Buddha is cool but I am always weirded out by him..
The face of the Buddha statue is so merciful and peaceful. Noted on my wonder-tips site.
A hidden treasure.
The bamboo store next to it also very nice
This temple, located in Shuzenji, is said to be the oldest wooden building in Izu. It has a history of being built by Hojo Masako, the mother of Minamoto no Yoriie, the second shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, to pray for his soul.
From Tokko-no-Yu, a symbol of Shuzenji, cross the bridge over the river and walk for a few minutes. After climbing a slightly steep set of stairs, you arrive at the temple. It's located in a quiet area, a little removed from the hustle and bustle of the hot spring town.
Upon actually visiting, I found myself in a very peaceful atmosphere at the top of the stairs. A major feature is the opportunity to view the large seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha enshrined inside the temple up close; gazing at its serene expression brings a sense of calm. Despite the short distance, it was a very charming place where you could feel the depth of history.
