When it comes to things to do at Lake Hamana, water sports out on the lake are always a big draw. Speaking of which, did you know that a new water sport arrived at the lake in July 2023?

This article was created on August 12, 2023.

When it comes to things to do at Lake Hamana, water sports out on the lake are always a big draw. Speaking of which, did you know that a new water sport arrived at the lake in July 2023?

Meet Pedal SUP & Kayak, the activity we’re introducing today.

Pedal SUP & Kayak is a cutting-edge activity you can enjoy in your regular clothes. It’s easy to get into, and you’ll love the refreshing feeling of gliding smoothly across the water, just like riding a bike.

We tried out pedal kayaking ourselves, so read on for our full report on what makes it so much fun!

Water Activity Hamanako: Where You Can Try Pedal SUP & Kayak

Image source: Water Activity Hamanako official Instagram

Our destination this time was Water Activity Hamanako in Mikkabi-cho, Hamana-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Located in the Oku-Hamanako area, Mikkabi-cho is one of Hamamatsu’s most popular sightseeing spots, where you can take in rich natural surroundings and peaceful views of Lake Hamana.

Water Activity Hamanako sits right next to Hotel Listel Hamanako, a resort hotel on the shores of the lake.

What Is Pedal SUP & Kayak? A Whole New Way to Enjoy the Water

Pedal SUP & Kayak, available at Water Activity Hamanako, is a water sport born in California.

The single-seat Pedal SUP Image source: Water Activity Hamanako official Website

The two-seat Pedal Kayak

Pedal SUPs and pedal kayaks have only been introduced at a handful of places in Japan so far, Lake Hamana included. In the Tokai region, Water Activity Hamanako is the only place where you can try this cutting-edge activity.

There’s also a four-seat Pedal Boat, so you can head out on the water together with family or friends.

Image source: Water Activity Hamanako official Website

All you have to do is turn the pedals at your feet, just like riding a bike, and you’ll glide smoothly across the lake. It’s a refreshing sensation unlike anything you’ve felt before.

Just by turning the pedals at your feet as if you were pedaling a bicycle, you can move smoothly across the lake, giving you an exhilarating experience like never before.

“Pedal SUPs use a unique technology developed by studying how penguins swim, so just a light push on the pedals sends you gliding forward. That’s why it’s a water sport that even small children and seniors can try,” says Mr. Hasegawa, head of Water Activity Hamanako.

Mr. Hasegawa, head of Water Activity Hamanako

Mr. Hasegawa first came across pedal SUPs in the summer of 2022.

He was enjoying a regular paddle SUP on a personal trip to Lake Saiko in Yamanashi Prefecture when something he’d never seen before, a pedal SUP, glided smoothly right past him. He couldn’t take his eyes off it.

He followed it across the lake to ask about it, and learned that it was “the latest water sport, developed by the California kayak maker Hobie, that the whole family can enjoy easily in their everyday clothes, from kids to seniors, and even dogs.”

Mr. Hasegawa had long wanted more people to casually enjoy water sports and activities on Lake Hamana. So he launched Water Activity Hamanako himself and brought pedal SUPs to the lake.

Then, in July 2023, the new activity, featuring pedal SUPs, pedal kayaks, and pedal boats, officially opened for business.

Trying Out a Pedal Kayak!

Water sports always seemed a little intimidating to me. But since pedal SUPs and pedal kayaks can be enjoyed casually in your everyday clothes, I decided to go for it!

This time, I tried the Pedal Kayak, which seats two.

First Up: Check-In and Orientation

First, you’ll check in at the front desk and get a briefing on how to ride the pedal kayak and what to keep in mind while you’re out on the water.

The staff will walk you through how to steer the kayak and point out the highlights you can check out on the lake, so even first-timers can feel at ease.

Getting Ready: Putting On a Life Jacket

Next, it’s time to put on a life jacket. Since you can ride in your everyday clothes, there’s no need to change into a wetsuit or anything like that.

You don’t even have to take off your makeup, which makes it really easy to give it a try!

Since you’ll be pedaling, it’s best to wear clothes that are easy to move in.

Life jackets are available to rent for free. Hats and water shoes can also be rented if you’d like, so you’ll be all set against the sun and wet feet.

Getting In and Setting Off!

Now it’s time to climb into the pedal kayak and set off on a little stroll across the water. Just walk down the pier, and your kayak is waiting right there!

The kayak’s seat is shaped like a chair, so even as a beginner, I was able to sit comfortably and steadily.

Cycling on the Water with a Smooth-Gliding Pedal Kayak

With just a light push on the pedals, the pedal kayak glides smoothly across the lake. It’s less tiring than a rowboat or a paddle SUP, and the best part is that it feels just as pleasant as a bike ride!

The kayak is stable, barely rocks at all, and is easy to steer. Before you know it, you’ve left the pier behind and are out on the wide-open waters of Lake Hamana, enjoying a special, liberating moment.

The pedal kayak experience lasts one hour. I had plenty of time to explore the lake, soaking in the scenery and taking photos surrounded by nature, the kind of shots you can’t usually get.

You can hop on easily in your usual clothes, yet it’s packed with the kind of active fun you can only get out on the water. I have a feeling this could become addictive!

Enjoy a Tea Break Out on the Lake

You’re welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks on the pedal kayak.

In the warmer months, why not pack an ice-cold drink and some of Mikkabi’s famous local sweets for a tea break out on the lake? It sounds lovely, doesn’t it?

Tips for Enjoying Your Pedal Kayak Ride

The sun out on the lake is stronger than you might expect, and UV rays reflect off the water’s surface too. Be sure to protect yourself from the sun, and watch out for heatstroke.

Especially in summer when the sun is at its strongest, wear a hat and always bring something to drink.

“Recently, a 78-year-old woman who tried it out told us, ‘I never imagined I’d be enjoying a water sport out on the lake with my grandchild. It was like a dream.’ That made us really happy,” says Mr. Hasegawa.

What’s more, you can even bring your dog along on the two-seat pedal kayak and the four-seat pedal boat. With the arrival of this easy-to-try water sport, there are more ways than ever to enjoy Lake Hamana!

Unwind in a Hot Spring After Your Adventure

After enjoying pedal SUP or pedal kayaking, we recommend stopping by the day-use natural hot spring at Hotel Listel Hamanako right next door.

The spacious large bath offers magnificent views, making it feel as if the bath blends right into Lake Hamana.

Relaxing in the open-air bath while gazing out over the lake is pure bliss. Be sure to enjoy both the activity and the hot spring to make the most of your trip to Lake Hamana!

How to Book

The pedal kayaks, pedal SUPs, and pedal boats at Water Activity Hamanako are available from April through the end of October.

They’re open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Fridays, weekends, and national holidays. During Golden Week and summer vacation (mid-July through the end of August), they’re open on weekdays as well.

Same-day reservations aren’t available, so be sure to book in advance.

Water Activity Hamanako
Address: 2251 Shimoona, Mikkabi-cho, Hamana-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka (Hotel Listel Hamanako / Lake Plaza)
Phone: 070-9146-9959
Official Website: https://wa-hamanako.com/
Please check the official website for booking details, prices, and more.

Hotel Listel Hamanako
Address: 2251 Shimoona, Mikkabi-cho, Hamana-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-525-1222
Day-use hot spring prices: Please check the official website.
Official Website: https://www.listel-hamanako.jp/

*The information in this article is subject to change.