1
Hamamatsu Castle Park

Although located in the center of the city, this park covers an area of approximately 16,000 m2 . Hamamatsu Castle, located within the park, was the foothold for Tokugawa Ieyasu's unification of Japan, where he resided for 17 years in his youth. Although the castle was abandoned after the Meiji Restoration, the ruins were turned into a park after the war, and the castle tower was rebuilt in 1958 with donations from citizens. Inside the castle tower, which consists of three stories and four floors, are exhibits of swords, armor, and other valuable armors. In addition, there is a permanent section that introduces Ieyasu's background and the history of the area. The "3D Statue of Tokugawa Ieyasu," a reproduction of Ieyasu at around age 30, is a must-see, and even his palms, wrinkles, and pores are reproduced. The top floor is an observation corridor that offers an excellent view of Hamamatsu City.

Central Park of Hamamatsu where citizens can relax

Hamamatsu Castle Park, which spreads out around the castle tower, is covered with trees and has an open lawn, making it a relaxing place for locals to take it easy, even on weekdays. The park is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot, and in late March, the park is decorated with approximately 360 cherry trees, including someiyoshino, shidare-zakura, yamazakura, and others. A Japanese garden in the form of a circular path around the castle is also famous for its maple trees, which turn red and yellow in the fall.
The park is also home to the Hamamatsu City Museum of Art, which collects and exhibits works by artists associated with the local area, such as the Western-style painter Kitahara Tamitsugu, and holds permanent exhibitions as well as special exhibitions of masterpieces from Japan and abroad.

Hamamatsu Castle Park

• 100-2 Motoshiro-cho, Naka-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture MAP
• 20 minutes walk from Hamamatsu Station
• From Hamamatsu Station, take Entei bus line 1 or 13, get off at "Shiyakusho Minami" and walk 6 min.
• Hamamatsu Castle 8:30-16:30 (admission until 16:20)
• Hamamatsu Castle December 29-31
• Park Free to stroll
  Hamamatsu Castle Adults 200 yen *Junior high school students and younger free
• 053-457-0088
• Free of charge

2
Ryotanji Temple

In the northern part of Lake Hamana, Okuhamana Lake, there is Ryutan-ji Temple, an old temple representing Hamamatsu. The temple is said to have been founded in 733 and is closely associated with the Ii clan, the lords of Toomi, which is now the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture. Naotora (Jirohoshi), who protected the Ii family as lord of the castle despite being a woman, and Nankei Zuimon, who continued to support Naomasa, were the chief priests of this temple. The cemetery on the temple grounds is lined with memorial towers for the generations of feudal lords.

Enshu Kobori's masterpiece garden, one of the most famous in the Tokai area

The six buildings on the temple grounds, including the main hall, Kaisando, and Otama-ya, are designated as cultural assets by the prefecture. There are many highlights in every detail of the buildings, such as the dragon sculpture in the main hall said to have been made by Hidari Jingoro, a master craftsman of the Edo period. The garden on the grounds is said to have been created by Enshu Kobori, a famous tea master and feudal lord in the service of Hideyoshi and Ieyasu. The garden is also designated as a place of scenic beauty by the national government. Visitors can stroll through the master craftsman's garden, which enchants visitors with its seasonal beauty: fresh greenery in spring, verdure in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and a garden of nothingness in winter. Touring the space will enrich your mind and soul.

Yongdam Temple

• 1989 Iiya, Hikisa-cho, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu-shi, Shizuoka MAP
• Approx. 50 minutes from JR Hamamatsu Station by Entetsu Bus bound for Okuyama, approx. 10 minutes walk from Jinguji Bus Stop.
• 9:00-16:30 (closing at 17:00)
  From October 2025 9:00-16:00 (closing at 16:30)
• August 15, December 22-27 (temporary closing days)
• High school students and older: 500 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 200 yen
  From October 2025: Adults 700 yen, Elementary/Junior high school students 300 yen
• 053-542-0480
• Free of charge

3
Hamanako

Hamamatsu has a circumference of about 128 km and a total area of about 70 ㎢. Hamana Lake, which straddles Hamamatsu City and Kosai City, is a brackish lake with a mixture of seawater and freshwater, and is home to a wide variety of fish and shellfish. The lake has long been known for its eel, nori-nori (Japanese butterfish), and suppon (soft-shelled turtle) cultivation.
Kanzanji Hot Spring, located on a peninsula on the lake's eastern shore, is a major tourist attraction along the lakeshore. The center of the hot spring resort, which opened about 60 years ago, is lined with hot spring inns, and in the vicinity are various tourist properties such as the Kanzanji Ropeway, Hamamatsu City Zoo, and Hamanako Pal Pal, a resort-type amusement park.
On the other hand, Omotehamana Lake, located in the southern part of the lake with its symbolic tower, also known as the Akatorii (red torii), standing in the middle of the lake, attracts many tourists, especially to the Bentenjima area where you can enjoy hot springs, sea bathing, and ebb tide fishing.

Enjoy the charm of Lake Hamana from the lakeside, on the lake, and in the air.

The best way to enjoy the scenery of Lake Hamana, which is rich in nature, is to take advantage of the rides. The Kanzanji Ropeway, which goes from Hamanako Pal Pal to the top of Mount Okusa, offers a panoramic view of the magnificent Lake Hamana below. For a panoramic view from the lake, take the Hamanako Pleasure Boat. There are courses that cross the lake from east to west and a round-the-lake course, so you can enjoy the varied and spectacular scenery while feeling the wind. If you want to enjoy the lakeside scenery at your leisure, rent a bicycle. There are seven terminals around the lake, and bicycles can be returned to other terminals, making it very convenient. We recommend the course from the Bentenjima Seaside Park terminal to the Tateyama-ji terminal. There are sections with well-maintained bicycle paths, so you can enjoy comfortable cycling to the fullest.

Lake Hamana

• Hamamatsu City and Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture MAP
• From Hamamatsu Station, take the Entei bus bound for Hamanako Garden Park (approx. 60 min.), and get off at the last stop (varies according to location).
• 053-452-1634（Hamamatsu City Tourist Information Center)
• Free of charge

4
Ryugan-do (Dragon Rock Cave)

Ryugaishi Mountain, located in the northern part of Hamamatsu City, has a large rock with three deeply carved grooves where a dragon is said to have left its claw marks, which is said to be the origin of the mountain's name. The cave "Ryugaisando" discovered on the mountainside is one of the largest limestone caves in the Tokai region, with a total length of more than 1,000 meters. Inside the cave, which was formed in a limestone area about 250 million years ago, stalactites, which are said to take 100 years to grow 1 cm, create a wide variety of natural objects. Currently, only a 400-meter U-shaped course is open to the public. The temperature inside the caves is around 18 degrees Celsius all year round, regardless of the season. The coolness in summer is truly a natural refrigerator.

A series of new attractions, including a spectacular underground waterfall

The course is lined with stalactites of various shapes created by nature, such as "Crocodile Rock" and "Maria Kannon," and there are up to 50 of them. The highlight of the tour is the "Great Golden Falls," which appear in the middle of the course. The water cascades down from the top of the cave at a height of about 30 meters, making it one of the largest underground waterfalls in Japan. A complete tour of the course takes about 30 minutes. The ceiling is just as high as a person's back and only 30 to 40 cm wide in some places, making the tour a bit of an adventure.
After the tour, take a break and enjoy an ice cream from the gelato store "Materia" in the Hakkakudo store. The ice cream has been voted "No. 1 ice cream" by Shizuoka Prefecture bus guides, and there are about 20 varieties available, ranging from classic favorites such as white cream, green tea, and chocolate to the tangy wasabi.

Ryugaiwa Cave

• 193 Tabata, Hikisa-cho, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture MAP
• 60 min. on the Entei Bus bound for Okuyama from Hamamatsu Stn. 7 min. walk from Ryugaiwa-do Iriguchi bus stop.
• 9:00-17:00
• No holidays
• Adults 1,000 yen Elementary/junior high school students 600 yen
• 053-543-0108
• Free of charge

5
Hamanako Pal Pal

An amusement park is located on the shore of Lake Hamana near Kanzanji hot spring. There are more than 30 attractions of various kinds that can be enjoyed by everyone from infants to adults. The mega coaster "4-Dimension" is recommended for its acrobatic tricks, such as a 180-degree descent and a 360-degree spinning wheel. The top of the Ferris wheel is about 85 meters above sea level, offering a panoramic view of Lake Hamana. The summer-only swimming pool on the shore of Lake Hamana's Uchiura Bay boasts a feeling as if the lake surface is one with the pool, allowing visitors to play in the water.
There are also a variety of seasonal events such as fireworks displays, Halloween, and Christmas.

Hamanako Pal Pal

• 1891 Tateyamaji-cho, Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture MAP
• 45 min. ride from Hamamatsu Stn. on the Entei bus bound for Tateyamaji hot spring, and get off at Hamanako Pal Pal.
• 9:30-17:00 *Vary according to season and day of the week
• Open daily, but not regular holidays *Vary according to season and day of the week
• Adults (high school students and older): 1,100 yen, Junior high school students: 900 yen, Elementary school students and younger, Seniors (65 and older): 700 yen
• 053-487-2121
• Charged

6
Air Self-Defense Force Hamamatsu Public Relations Museum (Air Park)

This is the only Property in Japan where visitors can learn about the missions and activities of the Air Self-Defense Force. Located adjacent to the Air Self-Defense Force Hamamatsu Air Base, the museum consists of three floors: the "Exhibition Hangar," the "All-sky Theater," and the "Exhibition and Reference Center. The "Exhibition Hangar" displays a variety of real aircraft, including the actual aircraft of successive generations of the Blue Impulse. The "All-Sky Theater" displays a large oversized screen showing powerful images of aircraft, giving visitors the feeling of being on board a jet plane. There is also a "simple simulator" that allows visitors to experience the same flight courses as the jet pilot students who train at the 1st Air Wing.

An authentic simulator that makes you feel like a pilot

The most popular attraction is the flight simulator, which allows visitors to Experience what it feels like to be a pilot. The simulator is movable and seats two people, with beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels available. The first experience of piloting a plane is always exciting, and both children and adults are sure to be thrilled. Also of note is a corner where visitors can Experience and try on the flight suits, helmets, and shoes (replicas) used by pilots of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Visitors from children (110cm) to adults (about 185cm) can try on the suits. Visitors can take pictures of their dignified appearance with an airplane in the background.

Air Self-Defense Force Hamamatsu Public Relations Center (Air Park)

• No. Nishiyama-cho, Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture MAP
• From Hamamatsu Station, take the Entei Bus bound for Seirei Hospital/Izumitakaoka (25 min.), 10 min. walk from Izumi 4-chome Bus Stop.
• 9:00 - 16:00 (Night open days: 13:00 - 18:00 only at the end of July every year)
• Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday), the last Tuesday of each month, Tuesday through Thursday of the second week of March, and year-end and New Year holidays *The museum may be closed temporarily.
• Free of charge
• 053-472-1121
• Free of charge

7
Eel Pie Factory

The "Eel Pie Factory," a tour facility, is located in the factory, which produces approximately 200,000 "eel pies" a day since 1961. Tours are all free of charge, ranging from free tours that do not require reservations to "factory tours" in which a concierge explains the production process. Inside the factory, visitors can observe how eel pies are baked in the oven and the automated packaging process, and the "Eel Pie Theater," where visitors can study the deliciousness of eel pies, is also popular. With an eel-shaped railing and a giant eel pie object, visitors can enjoy learning about eel pie at every turn.

After the tour, enjoy original sweets from the café.

After the tour, take a break at the "Eel Pie Cafe. Original sweets such as "eel pie mille-feuille" made with "eel pie minis," homemade gelato, and seasonal fruits are a must-try. Also, looking for souvenirs at the "factory-direct store" is a fun time. In addition to the various lineups of eel pies, a wide variety of sweets are available, including limited-time-only products.

Eel Pie Factory

• 748-51 Okubo-cho, Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture MAP
• From Hamamatsu Station, take the Entei bus bound for Kamigaya or Yamazaki (approx. 30 min.), get off at Okubo and walk approx. 20 min.
• 10:00-17:30 (Eel Pie Cafe L.O. 17:00) *Varies depending on the season.
• Closed on weekends and holidays
• 053-482-1765
• Free of charge

8
Enshu cotton pongee Nukumori Kobo

The Enshu region centering on Hamamatsu was a prosperous region as one of the three major cotton-producing areas along with Mikawa (Aichi Prefecture) and Senshu (Osaka Prefecture). Nukumori Kobo, located in Hamakita Ward, offers original items such as Japanese goods and clothing made from Enshu cotton pongee, a traditional fabric. The historic textiles are produced by craftsmen who carry on the tradition and traditional shuttle looms. A tool called a shuttle with a weft thread attached goes back and forth between the warp threads, weaving slowly and carefully to produce a warm texture.
More than 150 patterns are available at any given time, including the standard Enshu stripes. Checks, which have been introduced in recent years, are also noteworthy.

Modern Japanese goods made of Enshu cotton pongee as souvenirs

The store offers a wide variety of goods, including Enshu cotton pongee fabrics, handkerchiefs, bags, and eyeglass cases. The slippers, which are soft and comfortable as if wrapping around your feet, are a popular item with many repeat customers, and all three sizes (M, L, and LL) are the same price, so there is no distinction between left and right slippers, which is also convenient. The sophisticated design of these items makes them a great souvenir, or even for yourself.
Scraps and 1.2m rolls of cloth are recommended for making small items. The charm of these high-quality fabrics is that they can be easily washed in a washing machine. The fabric becomes softer and more textured the more you use it, making it a unique product.

Enshu cotton pongee Nukumori Kobo

• 3-12-25 Somechidai, Hamakita-ku, Hamamatsu-shi, Shizuoka MAP
• From Enshu Komatsu Station on the Enshu Railway line, take the Entei Bus bound for Seirei Mikatahara Hospital (approx. 13 min.), and get off at Somejidai 3-chome.
• 10:00-18:00
• Wednesday
• 053-545-6391
• Free of charge

9
Nii Sekisho and Niijuku Ryoron Kinokuniya Museum

In the Edo period (1603-1867), among the 53 barrier stations located throughout Japan, "Nii" was the most important point on the Tokaido Highway, along with Hakone. At the site of Nii Sekisho, which was strictly guarded, the "Mengansho" remains as it was in the old days. Fortunately, even after the abolition of the barrier, it continued to be used as a school and a town hall, and this is the only remaining building of its kind in Japan. Because of its high historical value, it has been designated as a special national historic site.
The "Sekisho Historical Museum," which is located next to the barrier, exhibits materials related to the barrier and the highway. A few minutes' walk from the barrier is "Kinokuniya," a building reconstructed in the Meiji period (1868-1912) that was once the official inn of the Kishu clan, one of the three Tokugawa families. This building is used as the "Niijuku Ryoron Kinokuniya Museum.

Nii Sekisho and Niijuku Kinokuniya Museum

• Nii Sekisho: 1227-5 Nii, Nii-cho, Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture
  Niijuku Ryoron Kinokuniya Museum: 1280-1 Nii, Nii-cho, Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture MAP
• Nii Sekisho: 10-minute walk from Nii-machi Station
  Niijuku Ryorome Kinokuniya Museum: 7-minute walk from Nii-machi Station
• 9:00-17:00 (Admission until 16:30)
  Niijuku Ryorome Kinokuniya Museum: 9:00 - 16:30 (Reception desk closes at 16:00)
• Mondays (open if Monday is a national holiday), Year-end and New Year holidays *Open all year round in August
• Adults 410 yen, Elementary/Junior high school students 150 yen (common ticket for Nii Sekisho and Niijuku Ryoron Kinokuniya Museum)
• 053-594-3615
• Free of charge

10
Bentenjima Seaside Park

Bentenjima is a 3-minute walk from JR Bentenjima Station and is located at the entrance to Lake Hamana, which connects to the Sea of Enshu. Bentenjima Seaside Park, located on the south shore of the island, is a popular spot where visitors can enjoy a full range of lake activities, including swimming, ebb and flow fishing, fishing, and sightseeing boats. The park also has a 500-meter east-west promenade lined with palm trees, where visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach and feel like they are in a tropical paradise.
The park also offers a spectacular view of the symbolic torii-shaped tower standing on the lake, a sight that is worth the trouble of visiting. Especially from November to February, you will be captivated by the spectacular sight of the sun setting just inside the tower.

Bentenjima Seaside Park

• 3775-2 Bentenjima, Maisaka-cho, Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture MAP
• 3 min. walk from JR Bentenjima Stn.
• Open daily (office open Dec. 29-Jan. 4)
• 053-592-0757（Maisaka-cho Tourist Association)
• Charged

11
Takizawa Observatory

Located 350 meters above sea level in the mountains in the northern part of Hamamatsu City, it is one of the best observation spots in the city. From the observatory, you can see the countryside, the city, and even the Sea of Enshu in the distance. The adjacent wind turbines can be seen up close, and the more you look up, the larger and more powerful they appear. The sound of the wind turbines is so realistic that you can almost hear them.
At night, this is a great spot to enjoy the night view of the city. On a clear day, the night view is even more brilliant. There are no lights between the parking lot and the observatory, so be sure to bring a flashlight when viewing the night view.

Takizawa Observatory

• 1-122 Takizawa-cho, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture MAP
• 20 min. drive from Hamamatsu SA Smart IC on the New Tomei Expressway
• 053-523-1114 (Hamamatsu City Community Development Promotion Division)
• Free of charge

12
Tenryu Hamanako Railway

The Tenryu Hamanako Railway is nicknamed the "Amahama Line. It is a third-sector railroad that runs approximately 68 km from Kakegawa Station in Kakegawa City to Shindokuhara Station in Kosai City via Tenryu Futamata Station in Hamamatsu City in the east. The line passes through tea plantations, crosses the Tenryu River, and passes along the vast Lake Hamana.
Station buildings, including unmanned stations with a retro feel, are also noteworthy. In addition to the unmanned Miyakoda station building, which houses a Scandinavian café filled with Marimekko, each station building has a variety of stores, from Western-style restaurants to bakeries and general stores, that are so attractive that you will want to get off the train on the way.
In addition, a turntable used to change the direction of steam locomotives still exists at the Tenryu Futamata Station rail yard. A "Turntable & Railway History Museum Tour" is offered daily to view this historical legacy.

Train name: Tenryu Hamanako Railway

• Daily *"Turntable & Railway History Museum Tour" (reservation not required) is available at Tenryu Futamata Station from 1:50 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and from 10:50 a.m. and 1:50 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
• Kakegawa-Shinkoshobara/1,450 yen, 1-day free ticket [Amahama Line] Adults 1,700 yen Children 850 yen
• 053-925-2276 (Sales Section, Tenryu Hamanako Railway Co.)
• Bus route: Kakegawa-Shinkoshobara *Transfers to Enshu Railway.
  Travel time: approx. 2 hours 15 minutes
  Reservations and ticket purchase: Tickets are available at the following manned stations on the Tenryu Hamanako Line: Kakegawa, Enshu-Mori, Tenryu-Futamata, Nishi-Kashima, Kanazashi, Mikkaichi, and Shinshobara. Tour fare is 200 yen for adults and 100 yen for children (elementary school students). (Amahama Line only; 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for children when using the Subway Line)

13
Hoshino Resorts KAI Enshu

Heal your body and mind with tea and a spectacular view of Lake Hamana

Approximately 40 minutes by car from Hamamatsu Station. Hot spring ryokan overlooking Lake Hamana. You can fully enjoy the charms of Hamamatsu with two hot springs with different atmospheres, KAI Local Flavors cuisine using a variety of seasonal ingredients, including eel, a specialty of Lake Hamana, and tea-themed hospitality such as "Seasonal Sencha Experience" and "Tea Balls Bath".

The hotel also offers a wide variety of tea-related amenities, including an Outdoor hot spring with floating tea balls, an event where you can learn how to brew and drink delicious sencha green tea, and the Bicharaku Lounge, where you can enjoy your favorite tea from the tea cellar or tea stand while gazing at Lake Hamana and the Tsumugi tea plantation.

Hoshino Resorts KAI Enshu

• 399-1 Tateyamaji-cho, Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 40 minutes by car from JR Hamamatsu Station
• 050-3134-8092（Kai Reservation Center)
• Available
• Note: For reservations, click here.
  Hoshino Resorts KAI Enshu Reservation site