Enjoying wasabi soft-serve ice cream while taking in the beautiful autumn foliage.A unique treat you can only find in Izu, a region famous for wasabi, featuring freshly grated wasabi atop vanilla ice cream.But it’s delicious. - stock photo

Shuzenji, Tagata District, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan – December 14, 2025I visited Shuzenji in Central Izu during the peak of the autumn foliage season.With over 1,200 years of history, it is one of Japan’s premier hot spring resorts.Along the Shuzenji River (Katsura River), there is a row of trees beautifully colored with autumn foliage.In the center is the famous Bamboo Grove Path.The townscape has the atmosphere of an old hot spring resort.Many tourists are out strolling.In the center of town stands Shuzenji Temple, the famous temple that gave the town its name.On this day, an Izu trail running competition was taking place.The area in front of Shuzenji Temple served as the finish line and was bustling with activity.