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25 Best Things to Do in Hamamatsu & Lake Hamana: Enjoy Leisure, Scenic Views & History

Updated: 2026.09.15

In this article, we introduce 25 recommended sightseeing spots in the Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana area, divided into three categories: Leisure & Experiences, Nature & Scenic Views, and History, Temples & Shrines.

This article was created on September 1, 2026.

The Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana area is home to a wide variety of attractions, including family-friendly leisure facilities, unique experiences around Lake Hamana, beautiful nature and scenic views, as well as historic temples and shrines.

Whether you’re planning a family trip, a date, or a day out with friends, use this guide to find spots that match your travel plans.

Leisure & Experiences

Hamanako Palpal

A family-friendly amusement park nestled along the shores of Lake Hamana.
With 25 attractions ranging from gentle, relaxing rides to thrilling rides that even adults will enjoy, there’s something for the whole family.

[Facility Information]
Address: 1891 Kanzanji-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-487-2121

Kanzanji Ropeway

The only ropeway in Japan that crosses over a lake, connecting the Kanzanji Onsen area with Mt. Okusa.
Enjoy a four-minute aerial ride with sightseeing boats passing below.

[Facility Information]
Address: 1891 Kanzanji-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-487-2121

Hamanako Orgel Museum

The museum displays around 70 valuable items, including 19th-century antique music boxes and automata.
From the rooftop, enjoy a beautiful 360-degree panoramic view of Lake Hamana.

[Facility Information]
Address: 1891 Kanzanji-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-487-2121

Lake Hamana Sightseeing Cruise

Enjoy the changing scenery of Lake Hamana throughout the seasons from the water!
The summer sunset cruise, when the lake is bathed in the glow of the setting sun, and the winter seagull experience are also popular.

[Facility Information]
– Kanzanji Port
Address: 2226-1 Kanzanji-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-487-0228
– Flower Park Port
Address: 3315 Kanzanji-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-487-1036

Japan Air Self-Defense Force Hamamatsu Air Park

The museum displays real aircraft, transport planes, and other aircraft that have served with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
Visitors can also enjoy a range of experiences, including sitting in a fighter jet, watching the Full-Dome Theater, and trying a flight simulator.
Be sure to check out the exclusive museum souvenirs available only here!

[Facility Information]
Address: Nishiyama-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-472-1121

nicoe

A sweets theme park from Shunkado, the maker of the famous Unagipie.
Enjoy a wide variety of delicious sweets, hands-on experiences, and photo spots.
Playground 082 is also popular, offering plenty of fun activities for children, including educational toys, videos, and picture books.

[Facility Information]
Address: 6-7-11 Somejidai, Hamana-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-586-4567

Hamamatsu Science Museum Mirai-ra

Photo courtesy of Hamamatsu Science Museum Mirai-ra

The permanent exhibition is divided into five zones: Sound, Light, Force, Space, and Nature. With plenty of hands-on exhibits to explore, the museum sparks curiosity in both children and adults.
The planetarium, renovated in March 2022, offers views of around 100 million stars, along with live commentary by expert staff.

[Facility Information]
Address: 256-3 Kitaterajima-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-454-0178

Yamaha INNOVATION ROAD

A corporate museum showcasing Yamaha, one of the companies that represents Hamamatsu, the city of music.
From organs dating back to the company’s founding days and historic instruments to audiovisual experiences featuring the latest technology, visitors can discover the appeal of Yamaha through seeing, listening, and touching.

[Facility Information]
Address: 10-1 Nakazawa-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-460-2010

Hananomai Sake Brewery

A long-established sake brewery founded in 1864.
The brewery produces carefully crafted sake using Yamada Nishiki rice grown in Shizuoka Prefecture and crystal-clear groundwater from the Akaishi Mountains of the Southern Alps. The sake is made by an experienced master brewer with an in-depth knowledge of the local area.
Visitors can sample the sake while choosing local sake as souvenirs.

[Facility Information]
Address: 632 Miyaguchi, Hamana-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-582-2121

Takiya-Ryo (Takiya Fishing)

A traditional summer fishing experience on Lake Hamana, held from May to September.
Using an underwater light attached to the front of a boat to illuminate the shallow lakebed, you can experience this traditional fishing method by spearing crabs and fish or catching them with a net.
The seafood caught during the experience can be enjoyed as tempura or miso soup on a floating platform on the lake (Ikada).

[Facility Information]
Address: 9985-3 Ubumi, Yuto-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 090-8910-8075

Imagiri Experience Village Kaikokan

During Golden Week and the summer vacation period, visitors can enjoy experiences such as catching eels by hand and grilling them kabayaki-style.
The eels caught during the experience are skewered, coated with sauce, and grilled over a net.
In winter, an oyster hut opens and attracts visitors with “Purimaru,” a branded oyster from Arai in Kosai City, nurtured by the rich waters of Lake Hamana.

[Facility Information]
Address: Arai, Arai-cho, Kosai, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-594-6624

Nature & Scenic Views

Hamamatsu Flower Park

A flower-themed park with around 3,000 varieties of plants and flowers blooming throughout the seasons.
In spring, the park is surrounded by 1,300 cherry trees and 500,000 tulip bulbs in full bloom.

[Facility Information]
Address: 195 Kanzanji-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-487-0511

Hamanako Garden Park

Hamanako Garden Park is a free-to-enter attraction set on a spacious site along the shores of Lake Hamana, with seasonal flowers and beautiful gardens spread throughout the grounds.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the park, from strolling through the “Flower Museum” to taking in the views from the observation tower and riding the sightseeing boat, Garden Cruise.

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Hamanako Garden Park – A Floral and Waterside Paradise

[Facility Information]
Address: 5475-1 Murakushi-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-488-1500
* Some facilities require an additional fee.

Hamamatsu Fruit Park Tokinosumika

A popular spot where you can enjoy glamping without having to bring your own camping gear, as well as fruit picking throughout the year, including strawberries and mandarin oranges.
There’s plenty to enjoy, from wine tasting at the winery to giant fruit-shaped playground equipment, so there’s something to keep you entertained all day.

[Facility Information]
Address: 4263-1 Miyakoda-cho, Hamana-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-428-5211

Shizuoka Prefectural Forest Park

A nature-rich park where around 100 species of wild birds live among the red pine forests.
Surrounded by blue skies and forest, the suspension bridge offers a great viewpoint overlooking the city.

[Facility Information]
Address: 2597-7 Ono, Hamana-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-583-0443

Nakatajima Sand Dunes

Known as one of Japan’s most famous sand dunes, Nakatajima Sand Dunes are a popular sightseeing spot that is also sometimes used as a filming location for movies and TV dramas.
In winter, sand patterns known as “fumon,” formed by seasonal winds, are another highlight.
The expansive horizon and the changing sky as the orange sunset gives way to night create a truly beautiful view.

[Facility Information]
Address: 1313 Nakatajima-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka

Ryugashido Cave

A limestone cave stretching over 1,000 meters, making it the largest of its kind in the Tokai region. Inside, you’ll be captivated by the mysterious space filled with stalactites formed over many years.
The Golden Waterfall, standing 30 meters high and one of the largest underground waterfalls in Japan, is a must-see.

[Facility Information]
Address: 193 Tabatake, Inasa-cho, Hamana-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-543-0108
* Only part of the cave is open to the public.

Bentenjima Seaside Park

A popular spot for swimming, fishing, and exploring the shore.
Enjoy the scenery of Lake Hamana, including its red landmark tower and resort-like atmosphere.

[Facility Information]
Address: 3775-2 Bentenjima, Maisaka-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-592-0757

Kosai Mountains

The Kosai Mountains stretch along the western shore of Lake Hamana, forming the border between Shizuoka and Aichi prefectures.
The hiking trails are suitable for beginners, offering beautiful views overlooking Lake Hamana from the mountain peaks.

[Facility Information]
Address: 160 Shinjo-Okasaki-Umeda-Nyukaichi, Kosai, Shizuoka (Trailhead of the Kosai Mountains Hiking Course)

History, Temples & Shrines

Hamamatsu Castle Park

Hamamatsu Castle Park is a popular sightseeing spot surrounded by nature, centered around Hamamatsu Castle, known as the “Castle of Success” where Tokugawa Ieyasu spent 17 years.
In the park, visitors can explore the castle tower exhibits, enjoy views from the observation deck, and see the castle walls built using the traditional nozura-zukuri stonework. You can also take a stroll while enjoying the changing scenery throughout the seasons.

[Facility Information]
Address: 100-2 Motoshiro-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-453-3872 (Hamamatsu Castle Tower Office)
Phone: 053-457-0088 (Hamamatsu Castle Park Management Office)

Kanzanji Temple

Founded in 810 by Kobo Daishi Kukai.
The temple is also known as a popular spiritual spot for love, with a matchmaking Jizo statue where visitors can dedicate ema prayer plaques for their wishes.

[Facility Information]
Address: 2231 Kanzanji-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-487-0107

Hokoji Temple

A historic temple nestled in the mountains, founded during the Northern and Southern Courts period.
There are many highlights throughout the temple grounds, including the Shaka Sanzon and 500 Rakan statues.
Visitors can also take a break from everyday life and experience sutra copying and Zen meditation (advance reservation required).

[Facility Information]
Address: 1557-1 Okuyama, Inasa-cho, Hamana-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-543-0003

Ryotanji Temple

A family temple of the Ii clan, known for the historical drama “Naotora: The Lady Warlord.”
The temple offers a glimpse into the culture of Oku-Hamanako, steeped in 1,300 years of history, including a garden designed by Kobori Enshu that is regarded as one of the finest in the Tokai region.

[Facility Information]
Address: 1989 Iinoya, Inasa-cho, Hamana-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-542-0408

Chorakuji Temple

One of the three famous gardens of Enshu, known for its “Doudan Garden.”
This historic temple is beautifully surrounded by plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and autumn foliage, including a tunnel of plum trees.

[Facility Information]
Address: 7953-1 Kiga, Hosoe-cho, Hamana-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-522-0478

Arai Sekisho

A Nationally Designated Special Historic Site, Arai Sekisho was established by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1600 and still retains the atmosphere of the time.
The site also includes the Onna Aratame-no Nagaya and a museum.

[Facility Information]
Address: 1227-5 Arai, Arai-cho, Kosai, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-594-3615

In this article, we introduced 25 recommended sightseeing spots in the Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana area, divided into three categories: Leisure & Experiences, Nature & Scenic Views, and History, Temples & Shrines.

The Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana area offers a wide variety of spots, from places where you can enjoy time with family and friends to destinations where you can experience the area’s rich nature and learn about its history.

Be sure to visit some of these spots and enjoy all that Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana have to offer!

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*The information in this article is subject to change.

Get to Know Hamamatsu

25 Best Things to Do in Hamamatsu & Lake Hamana: Enjoy Leisure, Scenic Views & History

Leisure & Experiences

Nature & Scenic Views

History, Temples & Shrines

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