Shuzenji Onsen in Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture is not only attractive as a hot spring town, it is a place where history and culture live on. The “Making good luck charm of Jizo statue (wood carving)” experience you can try here is a special program that touches the depths of Japanese culture. This experience is especially deeply connected to the pilgrimage culture of Shuzenji Keikoku 88 Sacred Sites, and offers a spiritual journey that goes beyond simple craftsmanship.
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Depart for the tour
We recommend using public transportation or a taxi to get to the meeting point. If traveling by public transportation, take the bus from the stop in front of Shuzenji Station on the Izuhakone Railway, get off at Momijibayashi-mae about 20 minutes away, and walk about 5 minutes to your destination. By taxi, it is about 15 minutes from Shuzenji Station.
Once the participants have gathered, a brief explanation of the experience will be given. There will also be an explanation of the historical background of Jizo Bosatsu (Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva) and the Shuzenji Keikoku 88 Sacred Sites, offering a good opportunity to get a deeper understanding of the experience.
Jizo Bosatsu and the Shuzenji Keikoku 88 Sacred Sites
Jizo Bosatsu is widely worshipped across Japan as a Buddha that rescues travelers and people in distress. In the Shuzenji area, various Buddhas including Jizo Bosatsu are enshrined, and these are known as the Shuzenji Keikoku 88 Sacred Sites. This pilgrimage route was modeled after the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. The pilgrimage is small in scale but a profound experience that is easy for beginners to enjoy, and will give you momentary peace of mind. The story behind this woodcarving experience and the history of this pilgrimage will leave visitors with unforgettable memories.
Craft Experience
In this experience program, you will learn about the Jizo Bosatsu enshrined as part of the Shuzenji Keikoku 88 Sacred Sites and feel a special connection by making a carved wooden good luck charm.
In the woodcarving experience, you can carve a Jizo Bosatsu with your own hands. First, with the guidance of a craftsman, you will gradually carve the wood with a carving knife to give it shape. It is very relaxing to smell the scent of wood and feel the warmth of nature.
While you are working on your good luck charm, you can listen to the craftsman tell interesting stories about Jizo Bosatsu and the Shuzenji Keikoku 88 Sacred Sites. While the work may seem difficult at first, you will feel a sense of accomplishment as your good luck charm slowly takes shape. Your completed good luck charm will be a personal symbol of good luck that reminds you of your trip. At the end of the experience, you will have time to make a wish on your finished work, and this moment will also be a part of the special experience.
Tour the Shuzenji Keikoku 88 Sacred Sites and the historic hot spring town
After the woodcarving experience, you can enjoy sightseeing in the surrounding area. In addition to Shuzenji Onsen, which boasts a history going back 1,200 years, we also recommend visiting some of the spots in the Shuzenji Keikoku 88 Sacred Sites.
In particular, it is worth visiting Shuzenji Temple, one of the nearby sacred sites, and Tokko-no-Yu hot spring along the Katsura River. Tokko-no-Yu is known as one of the oldest hot springs in Japan and is a symbol of Shuzenji hot spring town.
This experience will not only provide you with the fun of crafting, it will be a special memory of your trip in which you encounter the spirituality of the Shuzenji Keikoku 88 Sacred Sites. It is a unique program that will let you feel the depth and charm of Japanese culture. If you come to visit the Izu Peninsula, try this experience to soothe your soul and create a special story for your trip.
Making a Reservation
Please make your booking at least one week in advance.
For full details about the Jizo wood carving experience, check the website:
https://exploreshizuoka.jp/activities/places/making-good-luck-charm-of-jizo-statue-wood-carving/