Complete Guide to Shuzenjium Natural Park Momiji Forest｜Attractions and Ways to Enjoy Izu’s Largest Autumn Foliage Spot
Izu Peninsula’s largest autumn foliage destination, the Momiji (maple) forest in Shuzenjium Natural Park, located in Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is home to approximately 1,000 maple trees spread across about 10,000 square meters of land. You can enjoy spectacular autumn scenery from mid-November through early December each year. This article provides comprehensive information you should know before visiting, including the forest’s history, highlights, optimal visiting times, access methods, and nearby tourist attractions.
What is Shuzenjium Natural Park Momiji Forest?
History and Origins
The Momiji forest in Shuzenjium Natural Park began with trees planted in 1924 (Taisho 13) to commemorate the town’s establishment. This autumn foliage forest, with its approximately 100-year history, has become affectionately known as “Momiji Forest” by locals and now captivates many tourists as one of Izu’s representative autumn foliage destinations.
Located within an approximately 80-hectare natural park that stretches across the mountainous area north of Shuzenji Hot Spring, it offers the advantage of experiencing autumn foliage in a quiet environment slightly removed from the hot spring town. Combined with the maples at the adjacent “Shuzenji Niji no Sato,” it forms the Izu Peninsula’s largest maple tree habitat with approximately 2,000 maples.
Types and Characteristics of Maples
The Momiji forest features multiple varieties of maple trees, including Acer palmatum (Japanese maple), Acer buergerianum (trident maple), and Acer japonicum (full-moon maple). Some of these trees have reached nearly 100 years old, and the maple tunnels created by these large trees display breathtaking beauty.
Since different varieties display varying colors and timing of foliage change, you can enjoy a diverse landscape featuring gradations of deep crimson, scarlet, orange, and yellow. On clear days in particular, the contrast between the vividly colored maples and blue sky is spectacular, and on ideal conditions, you may even see Mount Fuji in the background.
Peak Foliage Viewing Times and Color Status
Optimal Visiting Period
The peak viewing period for autumn foliage at Shuzenjium Natural Park Momiji Forest is typically mid-November through early December. While there may be slight variations depending on altitude and temperature conditions, late November through early December offers the most beautiful autumn foliage.
Color changes begin around early November, with the mountain gradually turning red. The peak beauty lasts approximately two weeks, so visiting within this period ensures you’ll enjoy spectacular foliage scenery. However, since foliage timing varies with weather conditions, it’s recommended to check the latest color status before your visit.
How to Check Foliage Status
Foliage color status is updated regularly on the official website of the Shuzenji Hot Spring Tourism Association and various autumn foliage information sites. Checking current local information in advance allows you to time your visit perfectly.
In years with significant temperature fluctuations or those affected by typhoons, foliage timing may differ from typical years. Additionally, due to altitude differences, foliage color may vary by location within the park.
Ways to Enjoy Autumn Foliage at Shuzenjium Natural Park Momiji Forest
Walking Routes and Recommended Paths
Well-maintained walking trails wind through the Momiji forest, allowing you to complete a full loop of the park in approximately one to one and a half hours. The trails feature significant ups and downs with varied topography, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Walking the trails allows you to enjoy foliage from various angles—passing through maple tunnels and viewing a sea of foliage from elevated viewpoints. The morning hours when sunlight filters through are particularly magical, as dappled light illuminates the foliage with an ethereal atmosphere.
A complete loop provides moderate exercise that warms the body pleasantly. Enjoying both foliage viewing and light hiking simultaneously is one of this forest’s greatest charms.
Best Photography Spots
Numerous excellent photography locations exist throughout the Momiji forest. Particularly popular are densely packed maple areas where overhead reveals a ceiling of foliage. Using backlighting makes leaves translucent, emphasizing beautiful red tones.
On clear days, some viewpoints allow photographing Mount Fuji through the foliage. Early morning when air is clearest is ideal for capturing such spectacular views. Many spots along the trails’ bends and narrow paths offer compositions with good depth.
Shuzenji Momiji Hiking Event
The “Shuzenji Momiji Hiking” event is held during foliage season. Throughout the event period, vendor stalls sell local products, allowing you to enjoy Izu specialties and gourmet food while hiking through autumn foliage.
During the event, the entire hot spring town is enveloped in fall atmosphere, and you can enjoy foliage not only in the Momiji forest but also throughout Shuzenji Hot Spring and Niji no Sato. The hot spring town’s famous bamboo forest path is also a well-known foliage spot, and visiting it together allows you to fully appreciate the autumn colors of the Shuzenji area.
Predicted Peak Crowding Times and Countermeasures
Congestion During Peak Season
As Izu’s most renowned autumn foliage destination, Shuzenjium Natural Park Momiji Forest attracts numerous tourists during peak viewing season, especially weekends and holidays. The busiest period is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., when parking lots may reach capacity.
Late November holiday periods bring peak crowds, and surrounding roads may experience traffic jams. Those wishing to enjoy foliage leisurely should take steps to avoid crowds.
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
Early morning visits offer the best way to avoid congestion. The hours immediately after opening are relatively quiet, allowing peaceful autumn foliage viewing. Early morning lighting conditions are also ideal for photography.
Visiting on weekdays is also effective for crowd avoidance. Compared to weekends, far fewer tourists visit, allowing more relaxed exploration. Additionally, early and late in the viewing season tend to be less crowded.
Using public transportation eliminates parking concerns. Since bus access is available from Shuzenji Station, consider using train and bus transportation to avoid traffic congestion.
Access Information
Train and Bus Access
The nearest station to Shuzenjium Natural Park Momiji Forest is Shuzenji Station on the Izu Hakone Railway Sunzu Line. From Shuzenji Station, take the Tokai Bus to the “Shuzenji Hot Spring” stop, then walk approximately 15 minutes to reach the Momiji forest.
Buses from Shuzenji Station to Shuzenji Hot Spring run frequently with a travel time of about 10 minutes. The path from the hot spring town to the Momiji forest features a gradual incline, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Additional temporary buses may operate during foliage season, so it’s advisable to check operation information beforehand.
Car Access and Parking
By car, access takes approximately 40 minutes via the Tokai Expressway Numazu IC or Shin-Tokaido Expressway Nagarizumi-Numazu IC through the Izu Longitudinal Automobile Road. Exit at Shuzenji Road’s Shuzenji IC and head toward Shuzenji Hot Spring via Route 136.
Shuzenjium Natural Park has a dedicated parking lot, though it becomes crowded during foliage season peak times. Since parking capacity is limited, arriving early or using Shuzenji Hot Spring town’s paid parking and walking is an option.
Surrounding roads are congested during weekend foliage peaks, so plan with extra time in mind.
Address and Basic Information
Address: Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Inquiries: Shuzenji Hot Spring Tourism Association
Admission: Free
Hours: Open all day (though daytime visits are recommended as there is no nighttime lighting)
Hot Springs Within 10km of Shuzenji Natural Park Momiji Forest Autumn Foliage
Notable Inns in Shuzenji Hot Spring Town
The nearest hot spring to Shuzenjium Natural Park is Shuzenji Hot Spring. A historically significant hot spring allegedly opened by Kobo Daishi, it features a charming hot spring town atmosphere.
Arai Ryokan is a long-established inn founded in 1868, with a building designated as a nationally registered tangible cultural property. Its purely Japanese aesthetic space allows leisurely relaxation after foliage viewing.
Sora Datsuki Sato Kintaryu is a popular inn blending modern amenities with traditional hospitality. Its observation outdoor bath offers wonderful views and is particularly popular during foliage season.
New Hakkei-en is favored for affordable hot spring enjoyment, ideal for families and groups seeking casual access to Shuzenji’s thermal waters.
Izu Nagaoka Hot Spring Area
Izu Nagaoka Hot Spring, approximately 20 minutes by car from Shuzenji, is another worth visiting alongside foliage viewing.
Izu Nagaoka Hotel Tenbo is a popular large hot spring resort offering comprehensive facilities and diverse cuisine. Its famous bath overlooking Mount Fuji provides spectacular views during foliage season.
Hotel Sun Valley Izu Nagaoka Main Building is a large resort hotel with multiple hot spring facilities across extensive grounds. It’s recommended for those wishing to enjoy multiple different hot springs.
Nearby Facilities Accessible from Shuzenji Natural Park Momiji Forest Autumn Foliage
Shuzenji Niji no Sato
Adjacent to the Momiji forest, “Shuzenji Niji no Sato” is a large theme park covering approximately 50 hectares. With approximately 1,000 maples planted throughout, visiting it alongside the Momiji forest provides more fulfilling autumn foliage experiences.
The park features areas like English and Canadian villages, where autumn foliage beautifully combines with exotic atmospheres. Views of foliage from the miniature railway “Romney Railway” running through the park are also popular.
Shuzenji Hot Spring Town Sightseeing Spots
Bamboo Forest Path is emblematic of Shuzenji Hot Spring Town. This footpath alongside the Katsura River creates a beautiful contrast of bamboo green and foliage red during autumn season.
Shuzenji is the ancient temple from which the hot spring takes its name. The temple grounds’ maples are beautiful, and the combination of historic temple architecture with autumn foliage exudes charm.
Dakkoku no Yu is a foot bath at foliage’s birthplace on the Katsura River. Free to use, it’s ideal for resting during exploration.
Surrounding Tourist Attractions
Izu no Kuni Panorama Park is approximately 15 minutes by car from Shuzenji, with a ropeway ascending to the 452-meter summit. The mountaintop offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay, with the foliage blanket spreading below equally magnificent during foliage season.
Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace is a Bakumatsu industrial heritage site registered as World Cultural Heritage. Located approximately 25 minutes by car from the Momiji forest, it combines historical exploration with foliage viewing.
Clothing and Gear for Foliage Season
Clothing Tips
From November through early December, Shuzenji features relatively warm daytime temperatures, but mornings and evenings bring significant chill. The mountainous Momiji forest particularly experiences colder temperatures than the hot spring town, making layered clothing advisable.
Comfortable sneakers or trekking shoes are ideal. The park’s uneven terrain and slippery fallen leaves necessitate shoes with reliable grip. Strong sunlight at times makes hats and sunglasses convenient. Lightweight rain gear provides protection against sudden weather changes.
Packing List
- Camera/smartphone (with chargers)
- Beverages (few vending machines in park; bringing drinks recommended)
- Light snacks
- Picnic mat (convenient for resting)
- Plastic bags (for trash)
- Insect repellent (insects may appear even in autumn)
- Sunscreen
- Binoculars (useful for birdwatching)
Nearby Dining Information
Cuisine in Shuzenji Hot Spring Town
Numerous restaurants in Shuzenji Hot Spring Town serve local cuisine. Izu seafood dishes and wasabi-based food are signature specialties.
Popular street food includes hot spring buns and wasabi soft-serve ice cream. These convenient treats are popular with tourists during foliage viewing breaks.
Soba is another Shuzenji specialty. Soba using fresh wasabi from clear streams is simple yet exquisite.
Local Product Souvenirs
Vendor stalls during the Shuzenji Momiji Hiking event offer local products. Wasabi pickles, dried fish, and shiitake mushrooms represent Izu specialties.
Souvenir shops throughout Shuzenji Hot Spring Town stock hot spring buns, wasabi products, and local sake, all popular choices. Bringing home Izu’s flavors with foliage memories enhances the travel experience.
Charms Beyond Foliage Seasons
Identity as Plum Blossom Destination
Shuzenjium Natural Park is also renowned as a plum blossom destination. The park’s plum forest contains approximately 1,000 plum trees of about 20 varieties, including trees over 100 years old, peaking in February through March.
The “Shuzenji Plum Festival” occurs during bloom time, bringing different crowds than foliage season. Early spring walks surrounded by plum fragrance offer their own special charm.
Fresh Greenery Season
April through May’s fresh green season offers another appealing time to visit the Momiji forest. Vibrant young leaves are easy on the eyes and ideal for forest bathing, a popular warm-season activity.
Summer provides cool shade for heat escape, though insects are abundant, making insect repellent essential.
Summary
Shuzenjium Natural Park’s Momiji forest is Izu’s most renowned autumn foliage destination with history continuing from the Taisho era. The scenic landscape created by approximately 1,000 maples displays its greatest beauty during the mid-November through early December peak season.
The varied terrain’s walking trails allow enjoying foliage from numerous angles. Clear days offer spectacular views with Mount Fuji as backdrop, making it particularly popular for photography.
Combining visits to nearby attractions like Shuzenji Hot Spring Town and Niji no Sato allows more fulfilling foliage experiences. The Shuzenji area offers abundant charms beyond foliage—hot springs, cuisine, and historical exploration. Please visit during peak season to fully experience Izu’s autumn.
Early morning or weekday visits best avoid crowds. With comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing, thoroughly enjoy your foliage exploration.
