Fireworks That Light Up Japan’s Summer Nights

Brilliant fireworks lighting up the summer night sky—it’s a uniquely Japanese sight that’s not to be missed.

If you’re visiting Japan during the summer, make sure to experience this unforgettable tradition!

Planning a trip to Japan this summer?

Here’s your guide to fireworks festivals in Hamamatsu and the surrounding area!

Time your visit right, and don’t miss the chance to enjoy one of these spectacular summer events.

*Information is current as of June 9, 2025.
Event details are subject to change, so please check with the organizers before making plans.

This time, we’re introducing summer activity plans in the Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana area that you can still book now!

We’ve picked out five great plans perfect for families who want to turn their summer break into a fun learning experience together.

-Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux.

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.

Tucked away in the mountains of Tenryu Ward in Hamamatsu City, there’s a little place called Kunma.

It’s written with the character for “bear” (熊), but it’s read “Kunma.”

Long ago, Kunma was a lively post town where two old travel routes crossed — the Akihasan-Horaiji Road and the Zenkoji-Okuyama Road.

This time, we visited “Kunma Suisha-no-Sato,” a roadside station nestled in the Kunma area.

A Quaint Watermill – The Heart of the Roadside Station

We’ll take a closer look at all the fun things you can enjoy at Kunma Suisha-no-Sato — from the local restaurant and gift shop to the hands-on workshop!

Located just about 10 minutes by car from the Hamamatsu-Nishi Interchange and around 5 minutes from the Kanzanji Smart Interchange, Nukumori no Mori is easily accessible by car.

The uniquely shaped buildings that create Nukumori no Mori’s distinctive world are made almost entirely from one-of-a-kind antiques.

Staying true to authenticity, the founder sourced original windows, interiors, and decorative pieces from overseas.

Photo courtesy of Nukumori no Mori

With its gentle, storybook-like atmosphere, Nukumori no Mori feels like stepping into a small medieval European village.

This charming spot has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over Japan.

Nukumori no Mori is a relaxing place where you can take your time and enjoy a peaceful stroll. Just as its name suggests, it offers a warm, comforting atmosphere that soothes the soul.

This time, we paid a visit to Nukumori no Mori—a truly charming spot—and we’re excited to share all the details with you♪

Hamamatsu Castle Park, located just a short distance from downtown Hamamatsu, is a beloved spot for locals to relax.

Centered around Hamamatsu Castle, the park features a traditional Japanese garden and spacious grassy areas perfect for unwinding.

Known as a famous cherry blossom spot, Hamamatsu Castle Park becomes a magical pink wonder each spring.

Around 330 cherry trees—including Somei Yoshino, weeping cherry, and mountain cherry—bloom beautifully around the castle’s main keep.

During the cherry blossom season, the park buzzes with many visitors coming to enjoy the breathtaking views.

Nestled in a corner of Hamamatsu Castle Park, the Hamamatsu City Museum of Art is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a welcoming, easygoing place to stop by and enjoy art.

This time, let’s take a look at the Hamamatsu City Museum of Art! 🎨

With the vast Pacific Ocean, the sparkling Lake Hamana, and majestic mountains all around.

Hamamatsu is uniquely located—one of the few places in Japan blessed with the sea, mountains, and a lake.

One of the best things about Hamamatsu is that just a short trip from the city takes you to scenery that looks like it came from a painting.

Walk along the shore, feel the breeze by the lake, and find peace in the green forests.

These are the kinds of moments that make your heart feel full—and you’ll find them right here.

With every season, the landscapes take on a new expression—offering something fresh to discover each time you visit.

In this article, we’ll take you through the beautiful landscapes of Hamamatsu—by the water and in the mountains.

If you’re still planning your trip to Japan, this might just help you decide where to go next.

Have you ever explored the Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana area, where beautiful flowers bloom throughout the seasons and let you feel the charm of Japan’s nature?

Cherry blossoms in spring, wisteria in early summer, and cosmos flowers in autumn—each season brings its own colors and charm, gently soothing the hearts of those who visit.

Strolling through flower-filled landscapes, snapping photos, and taking in the scent of the air and the breeze—these are some of the uniquely Japanese ways to enjoy each season.

Hamamatsu is still a hidden gem for many travelers, which makes it the perfect place to escape the crowds and truly relax.

Even if you missed this year’s blooms, I hope this article inspires you to add Hamamatsu to your list of future travel destinations.

As you picture the flowers in full bloom, why not add Hamamatsu to your next travel plans?

Surely, you will encounter a landscape that feels truly special to you.

*The usual bloom times are listed here as a general guide. Since blooming conditions can vary depending on the weather, be sure to check the latest information before you go.

Looking for the perfect stopover on your journey between Tokyo and Osaka? Look no further than Hamamatsu — a captivating destination well worth your time.

Nestled in nature, Lake Hamana offers the soothing sounds of waves and water, creating a peaceful escape. In contrast, the city center reveals Hamamatsu’s innovation, where world-class musical instruments and precision engines reflect its strong industrial heritage.

For those craving tranquility, the Tenryu region and the depths of Lake Hamana offer a retreat into nature.  You can listen to the rustling trees, the gentle flow of rivers, and even gaze at a sky full of stars.

In this article, we feature 40 handpicked spots in and around Hamamatsu, each showcased with stunning photography.

Many Muslims live in the city of Hamamatsu.

When the time for prayer arrives, they naturally gather in one place.
That place is Mohammadi Mosque—a quietly standing sanctuary where faith and peace of mind converge. It truly is a “place of solace.”

As autumn rolls in and the air gets cooler, the leaves slowly start to change.

There’s something about the sound of rustling leaves in the wind—it just feels kind of nostalgic.

Big tourist spots are fun, but lately, I find myself drawn to quieter places where time feels like it slows down.

The fall colors in Hamamatsu—it was exactly that kind of place. Peaceful, and just what my heart needed.

I came across some old stone walls, castle ruins, and soft fall colors reflected in the lake.

It made me stop and just take in how beautiful it all was.

It’s not a flashy kind of beauty, but the autumn landscapes here quietly resonate with the heart.

This time, I want to share my favorite spots in Hamamatsu, where I was truly captivated by the fall colors.

Whether you’re a fan of fall foliage or haven’t been to Hamamatsu yet,

I hope this autumn makes you think, “I’d love to visit”—that would make me really happy.

*Please check the current fall foliage conditions for each spot before you go.

Uncovering the Unique Appeal of Unagi-imo, Born from Local Pride

There is a quietly growing interest in a unique Japanese sweet potato brand: Unagi-imo. With a name that is hard to forget, this special potato originates from Hamamatsu—a city known for its unagi (eel) culture. It was born out of one man’s passion for agriculture, combined with the distinctive characteristics of the local land and culinary traditions.

In this article, we delve into the origins of Unagi-imo, uncover what makes it truly one-of-a-kind, explore its flavor and craftsmanship, and introduce the shops where you can enjoy it for yourself.