The "Love Bridge Tour" in Shuzenji Onsen, Izu, is a must-see sightseeing tour for women who are in love!

  • Shizuoka
  • Sightseeing
Katsura Bridge
Izu is the most famous hot spring resort in Shizuoka! There are numerous famous hot springs, but the oldest such hot spring in Izu is Shuzenji Onsen. The Katsura River runs through the center of Shuzenji Onsen, which has been selected as one of the 100 best hot springs in Japan, and it is said that if you cross the five bridges over the Katsura River while making a wish, your love will be fulfilled.

This time, we would like to introduce a tour of the bridges of love in Shuzenji Onsen, where such a legend remains.
Shuzenji Onsen Hot Spring Resort © Izu City Creative Commons License (Attribution 4.0 International) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Why is love fulfilled in Shuzenji Onsen?

Why do the five bridges over the Katsura River have legends of love? In fact, the Katsura River is the setting of a new Kabuki play, "Shuzenji Monogatari," in which a woman named Katsura and Minamoto no Yorike, the second in command of the Kamakura shogunate, are said to have grown in love.
Maple Bridge in fresh green
The period is the Kamakura period. Minamoto no Yorike was imprisoned in Shuzenji Temple after being deprived of his position as shogun by the Hojo clan. Yorike asks Yashio, a mask-maker who lives by the Katsura River, to make a mask of his own face. Yashio had two daughters, Katsura and Kaede. When Yorike visited Yashio, he met Katsura. Katsura was happy to accompany him, saying that her hope of serving a nobleman had been fulfilled.

However, the Hojo clan's retainers came to Shuzenji to assassinate Yorike. Katsura, wearing a mask of Yorike's face, took Yorike's place. Katsura was seriously wounded and fled for his life to his parents' house. But Katsura's efforts were in vain, and Yorike was killed. Katsura followed in his footsteps.

It is said that if one crosses the five bridges over the Katsura River, where Yorike and Katsura nurtured their love, and visits Shuzenji Temple, one's love will be fulfilled.

Five bridges over the Katsura River

Each of the five bridges over the Katsura River is said to bring blessings related to love. Let us introduce the bridges near Shuzenji Temple first.

Togetsu Bridge (also known as Misome Bridge)

Togetsukibashi (Togetsu Bridge) is the first bridge you will see when entering the hot spring resort area, and is a bridge of good-luck prayers. It is recommended for those who are looking for a fateful encounter or an ideal partner. Cross the bridge and attract a wonderful match!
Watarigetsu Bridge

Torakeibashi Bridge (also known as "Aspiring Bridge")

Kokei-bashi Bridge (Huangqi Bridge) is a bridge of love fulfillment located just below the stone steps of Shuzenji Temple. If you have a one-sided love, you must cross it! If you cross the bridge while thinking of the person you love, you may be able to get close to him or her quickly..!
Toraki Bridge

Katsura Bridge (Kizunaebashi Bridge)

Katsura Bridge is a bridge for praying for a child, and is connected to "Bamboo Grove Lane," a promenade surrounded by bamboo groves. It is recommended for those who wish to have a baby or to give birth to a healthy child. The vermilion bridge stands out against the greenery, and the surrounding scenery, including the buildings of historic hot spring inns, is also a highlight.
Katsura Bridge

Kaede Bridge (Leaning Bridge)

Maple Bridge is also a bridge of marriage prayer where you can pass through a small path in the bamboo grove. I want my boyfriend to propose to me as soon as possible! This is recommended for those who are waiting for such a proposal. If you cross the bridge together, you can casually show your feelings for each other.
Maple Bridge in autumn leaves

Takishita Bridge (also known as Yasuragi Bridge)

Takishita Bridge is the most upstream of the five bridges and is a bridge of marital bliss. Let's cross the bridge with a wish to be with your current boyfriend or husband for a long time. It would also be wonderful if you cross the bridge hand in hand.

Symbols of the bridges, bridge crests

Around each bridge, there is a bridge crest designed after the name of the bridge. The crest of the Maple Bridge is a maple leaf, and the lower part of the bridge is a maple motif in Chinese characters.

Each bridge has a different place where it is buried, so please look for it as you stroll around.
Maple bridge bridge crest

Souvenirs! Shuzenji Original Postcards

Here are some souvenirs to make your trip memorable! Postcards with cute illustrations of Katsura Bridge, etc. Cute souvenirs will bring you luck in love...! It would be wonderful to convey your daily feelings to your family or lover with this postcard!

You can purchase Shuzenji original postcards at the Tourist Information Center and Tourist Association in Shuzenji Station.
Shuzenji original postcard

Strolling around the spa town in yukata (light cotton kimono)

There are various inns near Katsuragawa River, and some of them offer a yukata rental service. It is fun to take pictures while strolling around in a bright yukata. You can also rent a yukata and kimono at "Rental Kimono Dressing Machinavi Yururi". Why not take a stroll through the elegant onsen town or visit Shuzenji Temple and Hie Shrine in kimono?
Strolling in a yukata or kimono
Instagram] Rental Kimono Machinavi Yururi

Fulfill your love in Shuzenji Onsen

Have you found a bridge that interests you? Enjoy a relaxing stroll and think about your upcoming love, your current love, and your future.
"Shuzenji Onsen Koi no Hashi Meguri" Map
Shuzenji Onsen Koi no Hashi Meguri" Model Course
For train + accommodation reservations in the Izu area, please contact [ JR East View Dynamic Rail Package ]
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