Hako-yu (Shuzenji public bath)

The public bath of the Yoriie legend: hinoki tub and watchtower for ¥700

Hakoyu is the municipal public bath at the heart of Shuzenji, at the southern end of Togetsu Bridge. It revives the legendary “Hakoyu” where Minamoto no Yoriie, second Kamakura shogun, was confined in 1204 and attacked while bathing; reopened in 2000, it is the sole survivor of the seven public baths Shuzenji once had. Inside is simply one hinoki tub, but the black-boarded exterior with its 12 m tower “Gyokuro” is a village landmark — climb it free for a view over the bamboo path and the Katsura river. At ¥700 it is the cheapest way to bathe in Shuzenji, and the free riverside footbath “Kawarayu” (05:00–23:00) is a short walk away.

Tips & cautions

- No soap or shampoo provided — bring your own or buy ¥50 sachets; towel ¥100.

- Just one tub, so weekend afternoons get crowded; go right after opening or in the evening. No explicit tattoo rule, but observe public-bath manners.

- Opens at 15:00 on the second Thursday of each month (except August) for maintenance.

- No rotenburo, sauna or lounge — plan “15 minutes of history plus the tower”.

- Bamboo path, Tokko-no-yu and Shuzenji temple are all within 5 min on foot.

- Park in the municipal lots; the neighbouring shop charges ¥350 per 2 h.

Getting there

From Shuzenji Station (Izu-Hakone Railway) take the Tokai bus ~8 min to the “Shuzenji Onsen” terminus, then 3 min on foot to the south end of Togetsu Bridge (Shuzenji 924-1, Izu City). Direct “Odoriko” limited express from Tokyo ~2 h 10 min. By car ~10 min from Shuzenji IC; use municipal parking.