Getting There -- The rail gateway to Shuzenji is Mishima, a minor stop on the Shinkansen bullet train. The Hikari bullet train stops at Mishima about six times a day, though the slower Kodama bullet train stops more frequently; be sure to check the schedule beforehand. In any case, it takes 45 to 60 minutes by bullet train from Tokyo Station to Mishima, where you can then transfer to the Izu-Hakone Railway's Sunzu Line for the 30-minute ride onward to Shuzenji. The fare for the entire journey is ¥4,390 for a reserved seat. Alternatively, you can save money by taking the slower JR Tokaido Line from Tokyo to Mishima and then board the Izu-Hakone Railway bound for Shuzenji; the fare for this is ¥2,710 and takes about 3 hours. If you're coming from Atami, take the JR Tokaido Line 12 minutes to Mishima for ¥320 and then transfer to the Izu-Hakone Railway for another ¥500.
You can also reach Shuzenji by Odakyu's Tokai Bus (tel. 0570/01-1255) from Tokyo's Shinjuku Station. Travel time is 2 hours and 45 minutes, and the fare is ¥2,500 one-way or ¥4,500 round-trip. There are two departures daily (as of press time, at 9:15am and 6:35pm), and reservations are required.
Visitor Information -- The Shuzenji Tourist Information Office (tel. 0558/72-2501) is located inside Shuzenji Station, to the right after exiting the ticket gate. There's no English-speaking staff, but you can pick up a pamphlet with a map. It's open daily 9am to 5pm.
Getting Around -- Shuzenji Spa (Shuzenji Onsen), with its ryokan, hot-spring baths, Shuzenji Temple, and other sights, is a 30-minute walk from Shuzenji Station, so you'll probably want to take the local bus. Buses depart Shuzenji Station approximately every 10 or 15 minutes from stop no. 1 bound for "Shuzenji Onsen," the last stop. The fare is ¥210. Once you're ensconced in your ryokan, you can walk everywhere. Signs in English direct you to major attractions.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
