“Even on a day trip, I want to make the most of every minute!” If that sounds like you, this article is for you. We’re introducing a “Zoo & Day-Trip Hot Spring Plan” that lets you enjoy the best of Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana.

This article was created on October 25, 2023.

“Even on a day trip, I want to make the most of every minute!” If that sounds like you, this article is for you. We’re introducing a “Zoo & Day-Trip Hot Spring Plan” that lets you enjoy the best of Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana.

This time, we visited Hamamatsu Zoological Gardens and Hanasaki no Yu, both located in the Kanzanji area of Lake Hamana. We’ll show you the highlights and the best ways to enjoy each spot, so be sure to use this guide when planning your next seasonal getaway.

First Stop: Hamamatsu Zoological Gardens

Hamamatsu Zoological Gardens is a city-run zoo located in Kanzanji-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu. You can get there by bus from Hamamatsu Station.

The grounds are spacious and full of greenery, and the scenery changes beautifully with each season. On the day of our visit, we were greeted by a clear autumn day with blue skies stretching as far as the eye could see.

Meet Around 90 Species of Animals!

As of October 2023, Hamamatsu Zoological Gardens is home to around 90 animal species.

Image source: Hamamatsu Zoological Gardens official website: https://hamazoo.net/facilities.php

Near the entrance, ponies, miniature horses, goats, and sheep welcomed us in a peaceful, relaxed setting.

A little further on, we arrived at the “Flying Cage,” where birds fly freely.

Inside, you can see colorful, beautiful birds up close.

Some dart between the trees while others are busy eating, and it’s fun to take your time watching them all.

Follow the leafy walking path, and you’ll reach the pool zone, where penguins, polar bears, and sea lions swim.

It was a very hot day, and the polar bears looked like they were really enjoying their swim.

Head to the far end of the zoo, and you’ll find the “Mini Safari,” home to giraffes, ostriches, and zebras.

Watching the animals relax in the spacious enclosure is truly soothing. On a nice day, why not sit on one of the benches nearby and take some time to unwind while watching the animals?

Hamamatsu Zoological Gardens has one of the largest primate exhibits of any zoo in Japan. Here you’ll find western gorillas, orangutans, and the golden lion tamarin, a rare small monkey that can only be seen here in Japan.

The golden lion tamarin is a small monkey, about 34–40 cm long, known for its beautiful golden fur and full, lion-like mane.

When we approached, the zoo’s golden lion tamarin came all the way out from the back of its enclosure, showing off its adorable face. With its big round eyes and tiny body, this little monkey is incredibly cute. Since this is the only place in Japan to see one, be sure not to miss it when you visit!

Restrooms, Nursing Rooms, and Places to Eat

There are seven restroom areas throughout Hamamatsu Zoological Gardens. Near the center of the grounds, you’ll find a building equipped with restrooms, multipurpose restrooms, and a nursing area, and it was nicely air-conditioned inside. Even at a zoo surrounded by nature, facilities like these offer peace of mind for families with small children.

While there are no restaurant-style facilities in the zoo, there is a shop where you can buy snacks and light meals.

There are also nine areas where you can eat packed lunches, so why not enjoy a picnic together while taking in the natural surroundings?

Hamamatsu Zoological Gardens is a spacious zoo surrounded by rich nature. In addition to the outdoor animal exhibits, there are also indoor exhibits such as the “Fureai-to” petting house for small animals and the “Konchu-kan” insect house.

Whether you spend half a day or a full day, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your visit, so be sure to stop by at least once!

For a Day-Trip Hot Spring, Head to Hanasaki no Yu

After enjoying Hamamatsu Zoological Gardens, we recommend stopping by Hamanako Kanzanji Onsen Hanasaki no Yu, a day-trip hot spring also located in the Kanzanji area. It’s just a few minutes’ drive from the zoo, and close enough to walk.

Hanasaki no Yu is the only facility in Kanzanji Onsen dedicated exclusively to day-trip bathing. Inside, there are two hot spring baths, each with its own distinct atmosphere: “Hinoka no Yu” and “Shakkei no Yu”.

Even as a day visitor, you can rent face towels, bath towels, and loungewear to wear inside the facility. The bathing areas are also well stocked with amenities, which is a nice bonus.

Two Hot Springs, Each with Its Own Charm

At Hanasaki no Yu, the two baths, “Hinoka no Yu” and “Shakkei no Yu,” switch between the men’s and women’s sides depending on the day. On the day of our visit, Shakkei no Yu was the women’s bath.

Shakkei no Yu features an open-air rock bath made with plenty of natural stone, an indoor bath with a skin-friendly silk bath, and a steam sauna that wraps you in soothing warmth without getting too hot.

Shakkei no Yu (open-air bath)

Image source: Hanasaki no Yu official website: https://hanasakinoyu.jp/onsen/shakkei/

Shakkei no Yu (indoor bath)

Image source: Hanasaki no Yu official website: https://hanasakinoyu.jp/onsen/shakkei/

Shakkei no Yu (steam sauna)

Image source: Hanasaki no Yu official website: https://hanasakinoyu.jp/onsen/shakkei/

The other bath, Hinoka no Yu, features an open-air bath set in a garden that changes with the seasons, a spacious indoor bath where you can take in the garden views, and “Hinoka no Sauna,” a large sauna building with a cold plunge pool.

Hinoka no Yu (open-air bath)

Image source: Hanasaki no Yu official website: https://hanasakinoyu.jp/onsen/hinoka/

Hinoka no Yu (indoor bath)

Image source: Hanasaki no Yu official website: https://hanasakinoyu.jp/onsen/hinoka/

Hinoka no Yu (sauna)

Image source: Hanasaki no Yu official website: https://hanasakinoyu.jp/onsen/hinoka/

Unwind Inside After Your Soak

Hanasaki no Yu offers plenty of spaces where you can relax even after enjoying the hot springs. The large hall “Tenryu” is a spacious tatami room with a big-screen TV, where you can stretch out your legs and rest after your bath.

Near the Tenryu hall, you’ll also find the “Manga Corner,” stocked with around 6,000 manga!

The shelves are packed with a wide range of genres, from popular classics to buzzworthy new titles. As a manga lover, this writer couldn’t help getting excited.

Of course, you’re welcome to bring manga into the tenryu hall. Why not spend some relaxing time reading at your own pace?

Besides the large hall, there are also areas with reclining chairs equipped with TVs, as well as a massage chair room.

The rest area also includes a women-only space, which is a thoughtful touch.

Enjoy Dining and a Lavish Buffet

Day-trip visitors can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant “Hama Hakkei,” or head to the buffet at the adjacent Hotel Wellseason Hamanako.

Restaurant “Hama Hakkei”

Hama Hakkei offers a wide selection of about 80 dishes, from set meals to à la carte options. The restaurant is spacious, with a calm atmosphere where you can enjoy your meal at a relaxed pace.

Hotel Wellseason Hamanako “Lupinus” (Buffet)

Photo courtesy of Hanasaki no Yu

The buffet at Lupinus, a restaurant inside Hotel Wellseason Hamanako next to Hanasaki no Yu, is also popular.

At the Lupinus buffet, you can enjoy piping-hot dishes cooked right in front of you, monthly chef’s specials, sweets made by the pastry chef, and more.

Photo courtesy of Hanasaki no Yu

Photo courtesy of Hanasaki no Yu

Relax in the hot springs, then fill up at the buffet. It’s a truly satisfying way to spend the day!

The Lupinus lunch buffet is available on weekends and national holidays only, and reservations are required. For details, please check the official website.

Planning a Day Trip to Hamamatsu & Lake Hamana? Try the "Zoo & Hot Spring" Plan

In this article, we introduced a “Zoo & Day-Trip Hot Spring Plan” for enjoying the best of Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana. Besides Hamamatsu Zoological Gardens and Hanasaki no Yu, the Kanzanji area is packed with other attractions, including the Hamanako Pal Pal amusement park and Hamamatsu Flower Park.

The area is perfect not only for day trips but also for overnight stays. This travel season, why not visit the Kanzanji area, with its sweeping views over Lake Hamana?

Hamamatsu Zoological Gardens: Facility Information
Address: 199 Kanzanji-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-487-1122
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (last admission at 4:00 PM)
Admission:
– Adults (high school students and older): ¥500
– Junior high school students and younger: Free
Closed: December 29–31 (For temporary closures and other details, please check the official website.)
Official website: https://hamazoo.net/index.php

Hamanako Kanzanji Onsen Hanasaki no Yu: Facility Information
Address: 1891 Kanzanji-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Phone: 053-487-0001
Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (last entry at 10:00 PM)
Admission: Prices vary by day. Please check the official website for details.
Closed: Irregular holidays (please check the official website)
Official website: https://hanasakinoyu.jp/

*The information in this article is subject to change.