Enjoying Hot Springs and Autumn Leaves: A 2-Day Girls' Trip

Trip Purpose
A girls' getaway to indulge in hot springs at Yumeguri no Yado Shuzenji Onsen Katsuragawa and enjoy the autumn leaves of Shuzenji. This area is known for its late autumn foliage, making it perfect for experiencing the beauty of late-season leaves.

Schedule
Day 1
From Tokyo, it takes about two hours by train to reach Shuzenji Station. From there, take a bus heading to Shuzenji Onsen. Since the area with inns and hotels is a bit far from the station, buses or taxis are convenient for access. Shuzenji is a charming hot spring town with historic streets and natural beauty, often referred to as "Little Kyoto" due to its resemblance to Kyoto's traditional atmosphere.

For lunch, visit Amago Chaya Shuzenji Onsen, a specialty restaurant directly operated by producers, offering dishes made with amago, a river fish raised in the pristine waters of Shiroyama.

Afterward, explore popular tourist spots such as Bamboo Forest Path, Shuzenji Temple, and Hie Shrine. At 3 PM, check into Yumeguri no Yado Shuzenji Onsen Katsuragawa. The inn features spacious indoor baths and elegant open-air baths, along with seven types of free private baths, including rock baths, cypress baths, and pot baths.

After refreshing in the baths, rent a bicycle from the inn and head to Shuzenji Niji-no-Sato in Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, to enjoy the 'Maple Light-Up' event. Although the location is a bit far from the hot spring town, cycling is manageable if you have the stamina. However, the uphill path can be challenging.

Return to the hotel for a buffet dinner, followed by more hot spring relaxation. The inn offers colorful yukata robes, perfect for a girls' trip. Night ramen is served as a late-night snack from 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM, ensuring you won't go hungry. Complimentary post-bath ice cream and an amenity buffet with items like hair ties add to the convenience.

Day 2
Start the day by trying all seven types of free private baths, enjoy breakfast, and relax in the baths again until check-out. After checking out, take a leisurely stroll around the "Dokko-no-Yu" area, browse souvenir shops, and enjoy sweet treats like anmitsu at a dessert shop. Finally, visit "Hako-yu," a local bathhouse with a large locker-equipped changing room. Note that soap is not provided, so bring your own or purchase it for a fee. Adjacent to the bathhouse is the "Gyokuro" observation tower, standing 12 meters tall.

Before heading home, stop by Shuzenji Pudding Workshop to buy 'Shuzenji Pudding Shirogoku,' a souvenir inspired by the Bamboo Forest Path, served in bamboo-shaped containers.

Transportation
The Shuzenji sightseeing area is compact, so a car is not necessary. Niji-no-Sato is accessible by bus.

Tips
Check the weather forecast as autumn leaves are affected by weather conditions.

Photo Spots
Shuzenji is filled with picturesque spots featuring vibrant red autumn leaves. Walking through the town reveals many Instagram-worthy locations, especially around Katsura Bridge, where the foliage is particularly stunning.