Yukumi Ceremony | Traditional Spring Event in Shuzenji Onsen

春季弘法忌湯汲み式

Spring Kobo Memorial Yukumi Ceremony

Offering the Blessing of Hot Springs, Shuzenji’s Spring Tradition

Every year on April 21, the Spring Kobo Memorial Yukumi Ceremony is held in Shuzenji Onsen, Izu City. This traditional spring event is dedicated to Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the Buddhist monk who is said to have discovered Shuzenji’s hot springs about 1,200 years ago.

During the ceremony, about 30 young women known as Yukumi Maidens, dressed in colorful kimono, take part in the ritual. Monks draw hot spring water from Tokko-no-Yu, the birthplace of Shuzenji Onsen, and pass it into wooden buckets. The procession, joined by monks and children and totaling around 250 participants, slowly walks through the Shuzenji Onsen town.

The procession arrives at Shuzenji Temple, where the hot spring water is offered before Kobo Daishi’s spirit. Prayers are made in gratitude for the blessings of the hot springs, as well as for good health and peace for all people.

Fondly known as “Spring Kobo-san,” the Yukumi Ceremony marks the arrival of spring in Shuzenji Onsen. With gentle steam rising through the historic hot spring town, visitors can experience a unique moment where history, faith, and local culture come together in a beautiful and meaningful tradition.