Access
Hamamatsu is easily accessible from major cities such as Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka.
By Shinkansen (Hikari), it will take approx. 1.5 hours from Tokyo Station, approx. 30 minutes from Nagoya Station and approx. 1.5 hours from Osaka Station.
By car, it will take approx. 2.5 hours from Tokyo and approx. 1 hour from Nagoya.
Enthralling scenery and vast nature
Hamamatsu is the second largest city in Japan in terms of land area. It has a sea, mountains, rivers, and lakes. Wherever you go in this city, you are bound to encounter beautiful scenery in every season.
Hamamatsu is home to the Nakatajima Sand Dunes, one of the largest sand dunes in Japan, as well as the Tenryu River, which was once called "Abare Tenryu (raging river)," Lake Hamana, one of the most famous lakes in Japan, and the vast forests including Tenryu Forest. Its abundant water has nurtured the city and its beautiful landscapes over the years.
The charm of Hamamatsu's stunning nature is beyond description, and continues to capture the hearts of travelers and locals until today.
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Large cluster of Loropetalum chinense
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Nakatajima Sand Dunes
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Tenryu Forest
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Large cluster of Loropetalum chinense
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Nakatajima Sand Dunes
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Tenryu Forest
Activities unique to the warm climate
The warm climate reminiscent of a tropical country seems to make people active. And Hamamatsu, which is known as beach and marine sports paradise, captivates everyone from beginners to professionals.
Here, you can enjoy sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, and SUP, as well as the yacht harbor that is famous nationwide and a beach volleyball court that complies with international tournament standards. You can also play a variety of ball sports, such as beach tennis, beach football, and beach handball.
Renting a bicycle and riding it along Lake Hamana, which only has a few ups and downs, is also recommended. Working up a sweat while enjoying the diverse and beautiful scenery will surely become an unforgettable experience.
Hamanako Bay Street
（Cycling road）
Windsurfing at Lake Hamana
Parasailing at Lake Hamana
Feel the eternal breath of time History and culture
In Hamamatsu, there are numerous shrines and temples that have been designated as tangible cultural properties. During the Warring States period, brave warlords ran through this area, such as Tokugawa Ieyasu, who built Hamamatsu Castle, as well as the Imagawa and Takeda clans. The Edo period saw Hamamatsu prosper as a castle town and a post town on the Tokaido road.
Traditions that have survived the turmoil of the times are still being handed down today. The mountainous area serves as the venue of several festivals designated by the national government as important intangible cultural properties, which integrate performing arts and festivals that have continued for more than 400 years. Traditional events such as the Hamamatsu Festival, known for being one of the largest kite-flying festivals in Japan, also continue to thrive today. Another highlight of this area are the traditional crafts such as Enshu Mentsumugi (woven cotton), Hamamatsu Chusen (textile dyeing), and Zazanzaori (handwoven silk).
Statue of Tokugawa Ieyasu at Hamamatsu Castle
Toshogu
Ryotanji
Producing countless No.1s
City of Manufacturing
Hamamatsu has developed into Japan's renowned "manufacturing city" that has even produced many key figures in global corporations such as Torakusu Yamaha who built Yamaha Corporation, Koichi Kawai who established Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing, and Soichiro Honda who founded Honda Motor. The frontier spirit that dwells in this city is called the "Yaramaika (Let's do it!) Spirit," and a number of Japan's first and best technologies and products were born here, including power looms, motorized bicycles, televisions, motorcycles, and pianos.
Today, Hamamatsu still bristles with a wide range of manufacturing companies that hold leading shares in the global market such as Suzuki, Hamamatsu Photonics, Roland, and F.C.C. Many small and medium-sized companies and venture businesses with advanced proprietary technologies also call this city their home, making it one of Japan's leading industrial cities.
Suzuki Plaza (Motorcycles)
Traditional Dyeing Technique - Hamamatsu Chusen-some
Suzuki Plaza (Looms)
Yamaha Corporation (Innovation Road)
Venturing out into the world City of Music
Hamamatsu, which successfully produced Japan's first domestic organs and pianos more than a century ago, flourished in the musical instrument industry as Japan's number one "City of Musical Instruments." Offering a hub for world-class musical instrument manufacturers such as Yamaha, Kawai, and Roland, the technology and passion cultivated in this hub led to the development of the music culture in the city. International music events such as the Hamamatsu International Piano Competition and Hamamatsu World Youth Music Festival have been held here since the 1990s, as well as major jazz festivals and the All Japan High School Wind Band Conference, giving all its citizens many opportunities to enjoy music.
With its achievements recognized worldwide, in 2014, Hamamatsu became the first city in Asia to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the Music category (Creative City of Music). It is now making great strides toward becoming a "Music Capital."
Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments
Band Restoration "Junior Orchestra Hamamatsu"
The 35th All Japan High School Wind Band Conference
Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments
Food in Hamamatsu
Blessed with a warm climate and rich natural environment, agriculture and fisheries have long flourished in Hamamatsu. Given the abundance of various ingredients from nature, the city is an attractive culinary treasure trove.
Enjoy Hamamatsu's gastronomic delights!
Blessings of the sea, rivers, and lakes of Hamamatsu
Blessings of the sea, rivers, and lakes of Hamamatsu
Sightseeing in Hamamatsu
Spend your time in the magnificent nature, indulge yourself in exquisite delicacies using local ingredients, explore the world of musical instruments, automobiles, and cutting-edge science, or have fun at the resort-style amusement park. Hamamatsu is a city full of charm that is perfect for adults and children alike.
From beautiful nature to historic cityscapes, to delicious gourmet food, and handicraft experiences, you are guaranteed to have an exciting experience in Hamamatsu, the city that fuses the future and history!
