1-day tour to Izu Atami Plum Garden & Shuzenji hot spring maple viewing spots Day Tours

Must Do Experiences

• Stroll through the vibrant red maple valley at Izu Atami Plum Garden and capture the stunning autumn foliage.

• Indulge in a traditional and authentic Japanese eel cuisine lunch prepared by local culinary masters.

• Soak your feet in the soothing natural hot spring foot baths scattered around the historic Shuzenji temple area.

• Walk along the serene bamboo-lined paths and the famous thousand-year maple corridor for a tranquil nature experience.

Hidden Gems

• Look for the small, hidden stone statues along the Shuzenji bamboo path that are often overlooked by rushing tour groups.

• The eel restaurants in this region use a unique local grilling technique that makes the skin exceptionally crispy compared to Tokyo styles.

• Ask your guide to point out the ancient water purification basins at the plum garden, which hold fascinating local folklore.

What Makes it Special

• Enjoy the ultimate convenience and comfort of a private car transfer directly from Tokyo, completely avoiding the hassle of crowded public trains.

• Experience a dual seasonal spectacle by visiting both the red maple valley and the thousand-year maple corridor in a single day.

• Benefit from the deep historical insights provided by your professional guide, who brings the ancient stories of the Izu peninsula to life.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The absolute best time to embark on this tour is from mid-November to early December when the autumn foliage reaches its peak vibrant red and gold hues. Morning departures are ideal to beat the afternoon crowds at the popular maple corridors and to capture the best natural lighting for photography.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the reflection of the red maples in the shallow streams of the Shuzenji bamboo path during the soft morning light.

• Use a polarizing filter or adjust your phone's exposure to make the vibrant autumn leaves pop against the dark green bamboo stalks.

• Be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography near the historic temple grounds and quiet foot bath areas.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When using the public foot baths in Shuzenji, it is customary to wash your feet briefly if they are visibly dirty and to keep your voice down to maintain the tranquil atmosphere. Tipping is not practiced in Japan, as your guide's gratuities are already included in the tour price, so a simple bow and a polite thank you is the best way to show appreciation.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• The Shuzenji Maple Festival typically runs from late November to early December, featuring beautiful evening illuminations of the maple trees.

• The Atami Plum Blossom Festival occurs from January to March, transforming the garden into a sea of fragrant pink and white blooms if you visit outside the autumn season.

• During peak autumn weekends, local artisans often set up small craft and street food stalls near the Shuzenji temple entrance.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Test the temperature of the foot bath water with your hand before fully submerging your feet, as some natural spring sources can be quite hot.

• Watch your step on the wet stone pathways and wooden bridges around the maple corridors, especially after morning rain or dew.

• Stay hydrated throughout the day, as the combination of walking and warm foot baths can cause mild dehydration even in cooler autumn weather.