Shuzenji is one of the oldest and most famous hot spring resort towns on the Izu Peninsula, sitting in a mountain valley in the centre of the peninsula about two hours from Tokyo by train. The town is compact and best explored on foot; its centre is built around Shuzenji Temple, founded around 1,200 years ago, a river running through town, a small bamboo forest, a historic ryokan, and a scattering of traditional shops and cafes. Ryokan are traditional Japanese inns where guests sleep on futons, wear cotton robes, and are served multi-course dinners in their rooms - staying in one here is the main reason most people come, and the setting along the river makes it one of the more atmospheric places in the region to do so. Mount Fuji is visible from the top of nearby Mount Daruma for those who want to stretch their legs.
Shuzenji is a straightforward destination with a clear purpose: it is a place to slow down. It suits couples and anyone who wants a genuine taste of traditional Japan - the onsen (hot spring baths), the food, the quiet streets in the evening without the complexity of a larger city. It works well as a two-night stay, either on its own or as part of a wider journey through the Izu Peninsula.