People, enterprise, and eel.
Everything is now more productive in Hamamatsu.
An improving quality of life, like eels going up the river.
Welcome to the remarkable city of Hamamatsu.
Features
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.
Must-see Spots in Hamamatsu
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.
- Cycling on Lake Hamana Bay Street
- Parasailing on Lake Hamana
BottomRight: 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).
- Photo of the exterior of Hamamatsu Castle
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.
Hamamatsu Chusen-some
- Image of Yamaha Corporation Innovation Road
- Suzuki History Museum Motorcycle Images
BottomRight: Suzuki Plaza (Motorcycles)
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.”
“Junior Orchestra Hamamatsu”
Wind Band Conference
- Instruments on display at the Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments
- Pianos on display at the Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments
Enjoy
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!
Enjoying Hamamatsu’s History & Culture
Tokugawa Ieyasu’s Promenade Walk
Tokugawa Ieyasu spent 17 years of his youth in Hamamatsu. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the places associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu that still remain intact today, while feeling the legacy of the Warring States period.
Hamamatsu Festival
The Hamamatsu Festival is held by the locals from May 3rd through May 5th every year to celebrate the birth of the firstborn children of families and to wish for children to grow healthy. Both participants and spectators are in for a treat as they are enveloped by an atmosphere of excitement and joy during the event, what with the dynamic Kite-Flying Battle at Nakatajima Dunes during the day and the parade of dazzling palace floats in the downtown area at night.
Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments
The Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments is the first public museum featuring musical instruments in Japan. The permanent exhibit displays 1,500 musical instruments and materials by area, category, and age. Special exhibitions, temporary planned exhibits, and themed exhibitions are also held.
Cultural Activities
Dyeing technique -
Hamamatsu Chusen-some
“Hamamatsu Chusen-some” is a traditional dyeing technique that has been handed down to this day, representing Hamamatsu which is known as “Itohen-no-machi (city of textile industries).” You can go on a factory tour and try hands-on dyeing hand towels on the spot.
Takiya fishing
Takiya fishing uses a harpoon to poke crabs and fish and a net to scoop shrimps, guided by an underwater lamp that is lit at the bow tip. It may be a primitive, but it will remind you of your childhood.
Enjoying Hamamatsu’s Nature
Hamanako Kanzanji Onsen
Hot spring resort near Lake Hamanako.In Kanzanji Onsen, visitors can soak and relax in one of the most saline hot springs in Japan, Beautiful scenery, delicious food, and activities such as cycling are also recommended.
Amazing Garden - Lake Hamana
Known as one of the nation’s leading flower-producing regions, the Hamamatsu/Lake Hamana area is home to numerous flower parks, providing a wide variety of colorful flowers from season to season. Since the Lake Hamana Hanahaku 2004, various flower-related events have been held in the area, delivering “excitement” to many visitors.
Nakatajima Sand Dunes
The sand dunes offer visitors an amazing view of the Enshu-nada Sea. In winter, the strong sea breezes create natural works of art with ever-changing patterns in the sands (called "fumon" in Japanese). The dramatic beauty of the sun setting and rising over the horizon is a must-see view that has fascinated countless visitors. This area is also used as a filming location for movies and promotional videos.
Outdoor Activities
Beach and marine sports
Lake Hamana and Enshunada are blessed with a natural environment and mild weather all year round, offering more than forty kinds of beach and marine sports activities.
Cycling
Six courses are available, including the “Hamaichi Course” where you can bike through the various landscapes around Lake Hamana, and the “Tenryu Area” where you can enjoy the mountains and the rivers. Come experience the charm and beauty of Hamamatsu - there is something for everyone from beginners to experts!
Fruit picking
With a temperate climate and long daylight hours, Hamamatsu City has been a popular fruit-growing region since ancient times. Here, you can enjoy fruit picking throughout the year.
Enjoying Hamamatsu’s Food
Eels from Lake Hamana
Meaty and rich in fat, eels are nurtured by the abundant nutrients and water of Lake Hamana.In 1953, when rickshaws were still in operation at Hamamatsu Station, eels from Lake Hamana were brought from Araimachi Station to Hamamatsu Station by train and delighted the people of Hamamatsu as a natural treat. Here is the list of the affiliated restaurants of the Hamamatsu Eel Restaurant Promotion Association.
Hamamatsu gyoza
Gyoza is the favorite comfort food of locals in Hamamatsu locals.All visitors to Hamamatsu return home as “gyoza lovers.” Hamamatsu gyoza is loved by everyone including locals and travelers. Filled with light cabbage and rich pork, gyoza is also popular among women and is a healthy food that has become Hamamatsu’s pride! Here are 48 restaurants where you can enjoy Hamamatsu gyoza.
Recommended Culinary Activities!
Explore the sweets
Visitors can not only taste desserts in Hamamatsu, but can also enjoy factory tours and join a workshop! Come and join us!
BBQ at
Lake Hamana
Feel like you’re in a resort by having some barbecue with fresh seafood, delivered directly by Lake Hamana’s fishers, in a barbecue space located on a green lawn.
Hamamatsu
Power Food
“Hamamatsu Power Food” refers to the wide variety of seasonal ingredients produced and fished in the Hamamatsu/Lake Hamana area and the dishes cooked using them.
Enjoy all the blessings of nature
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.
Blessings of the sea, rivers,
and lakes
Blessings of the mountains
