We’ll take a closer look at EXPASA Hamanako. We’ve included photos of the local eats, souvenirs, and must-see spots, so be sure to check it out for tips on your trip!

Taking a road trip isn’t just about the drive itself—stopping for a break at a service area (a rest stop along Japan’s expressways) is part of the fun, too.

In Hamamatsu, you’ll find three service areas, each with its own unique character.

◎EXPASA Hamanako (serving both directions)

◎NEOPASA Hamamatsu – Upbound (toward Tokyo)

◎NEOPASA Hamamatsu – Downbound (toward Nagoya/Osaka)

This time, we’ll take a closer look at EXPASA Hamanako (serving both directions), located in Mikkabi-cho, Hamana-ku, Hamamatsu City.

We’ve included photos of the local eats, souvenirs, and must-see spots, so be sure to check it out for tips on your trip!

What is EXPASA Hamanako Like?

EXPASA Hamanako is a service area on the Tomei Expressway, located in Mikkabi-cho, Hamana-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

This large facility serves both directions and offers a stunning view of Lake Hamana, making it a popular spot for travelers.

First, let’s take a look at what makes EXPASA Hamanako special!

Enjoy Stunning Views of Lake Hamana!

EXPASA Hamanako is located on a hill overlooking Lake Hamana, and its beautiful panorama is its biggest draw.

The open, airy setting is the perfect place to relax and recharge during your drive.

The best spot for the view is the terrace right in front of the “Lake View Food Hall.”

From the terrace, you’ll be treated to a sweeping view of Lake Hamana.

In spring, cherry blossoms color the lakeside, while summer brings blue skies and sparkling waters—you can enjoy the changing beauty of each season.

EXPASA Hamanako is also recognized as a “Lover’s Sanctuary,” adding a romantic charm to its appeal.

Photo courtesy of: Central Nippon Expressway Company Limited

Along the lakeside, couples will find popular spots like the “Bell of Love” and the “Heart Lock,” where they can attach heart-shaped padlocks to the fence to pledge their love.

In the evening, you can enjoy a stunning sunset over the lake, transforming the scenery into a magical view that’s completely different from the daytime.

Photo courtesy of: Central Nippon Expressway Company Limited

Photo courtesy of: Central Nippon Expressway Company Limited

Enjoy a Lake Cruise!

At EXPASA Hamanako, you can take a rare sightseeing cruise that departs directly from the service area.

The cruise is a popular activity, offering a unique opportunity to enjoy views of Lake Hamana that can only be seen from the water.

The sightseeing boat “Umi no Mizuumi Chaka Meguri” takes about 20 minutes.

The cruise departs from EXPASA Hamanako and leisurely tours areas around Kanzanji and Uchiura Bay.

On board, active local fishermen serve as guides, sharing insights about Lake Hamana’s nature and culture.

This makes the cruise not just a sightseeing experience, but also an educational one.

Why not spend a relaxing time on Lake Hamana, enjoying the gentle breeze and the calm waters that make this lake so special?

“Umi no Mizuumi Chaka Meguri” Boat Cruise

Pricing:
Adults (junior high school and older): ¥1,200 (tax included)
Children (ages 4 to elementary school): ¥600 (tax included)
Children under 3: Free

Operating Hours:
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cruises run approximately every 30 minutes
Operations may be canceled in case of bad weather

Operating Dates:
Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from April 19 to May 25, 2025
During Golden Week (April 26–29, May 3–6), cruises will operate continuously
Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from July 19 to November 30, 2025
During Obon (August 9–17), cruises will operate continuously

Dog-Friendly, Too!

During a long drive, taking a break at a service area is just as important for your dog as it is for you.

EXPASA Hamanako features a walking trail where you can stroll with your dog, enjoying the beautiful views of Lake Hamana while taking a refreshing break.

Several pet-designated trash bins are placed throughout the facility, so you can feel assured about cleanliness.

Plus, your dog can also join the sightseeing boat “Umi no Mizuum Chaka Meguri” that we mentioned earlier.

A service area where you can enjoy a lake cruise with your dog is truly rare in Japan!

While there isn’t a dedicated dog run, the facility still offers plenty of ways to enjoy quality time with your dog, from walks along the trail to a lake cruise.

In addition, the terrace seats next to the “Lake View Food Hall” are dog-friendly.

You can enjoy a relaxing meal with your dog while taking in the stunning views of Lake Hamana.

On the day of our visit, we saw guests with their dogs relaxing on the terrace.

Safe and Fun for Little Ones!

EXPASA Hamanako also features a “Kids’ Corner,” where young children can play safely and enjoy themselves.

The Kids’ Corner is located inside the “Lake View Food Hall” and is covered with soft cushions, allowing little ones to relax and play comfortably.

There’s also a baby care room inside the “Shopping Hall,” equipped with a lockable nursing room and diaper-changing facilities.

The facility is thoughtfully designed with families with babies in mind, offering convenient and easy-to-use amenities.

Accessible from Local Roads, Too!

EXPASA Hamanako also features a “Platto Park” that can be accessed from regular roads, making it easy for locals and travelers on local routes to stop by.

Platto Park is equipped not only with parking spaces for cars but also with bicycle racks for road bikes.

It’s also a popular stop for cyclists taking the “Hamaichi” route, a circuit around Lake Hamana.

Gourmet Highlights at EXPASA Hamanako

Tasting local specialties at a service area is one of the joys of traveling.

EXPASA Hamanako features four unique dining spots, each with its own character.

◎Lake View Food Hall (Food Court & Restaurant)

◎Lake View Food Hall (Takeout)

◎Gyoza & Ramen Hall

◎Cafe Hall

Let’s take a closer look at each one!

Lake View Food Hall

First up is the main dining spot, the Lake View Food Hall.

The interior is spacious, and the large glass windows at the front offer stunning views of Lake Hamana.

Enjoying a meal while taking in such a beautiful panorama is truly a luxury unique to traveling.

In the food court area, you’ll find a wide variety of dishes, including udon and soba noodles, rice bowls, set meals, seafood bowls, eel, and curry.

With so many options, it’s part of the fun to choose—and you might find yourself having a hard time deciding what to eat!

This time, I tried the “Kōebi Kabayaki Don”, made with locally sourced Kōebi shrimp from Iwata City, a recommended local specialty.

The Kōebi shrimp from Iwata City have soft shells and plump, juicy meat.

The whole shrimp, from head to tail, is fried until crispy and generously coated in a sweet and savory kabayaki sauce, then served on top of a bowl of rice—a truly hearty and indulgent dish.

In addition, the dish is topped with shiso leaves and a sprinkle of mandarin orange powder, adding a delightful accent.

The fragrant shrimp and rich kabayaki sauce are perfectly complemented by the refreshing citrus flavor, making it enjoyable right to the last bite.

At the entrance of the food hall, there’s also “Hamana-tei,” a restaurant where you can enjoy authentic dishes made with eel from Lake Hamana.

The restaurant offers a variety of dishes made with eel from Lake Hamana, including unajū (grilled eel over rice), unachazen (eel with tea and rice), and shirayaki (plain grilled eel) that lets you savor the natural flavor of the eel. You can enjoy your meal at a relaxed pace in the calm interior.

Takeout Options Also Recommended

Outside the “Lake View Food Hall,” you’ll find two shops dedicated to takeout.

・Takeout Corner

・Unagi Specialty Shop “Haman”

At the Takeout Corner, you can enjoy sweets made with “Unagi-imo,” a specialty product of Hamamatsu.

“Unagi-imo” is a brand of sweet potato from Hamamatsu, grown using fertilizer made from eel remnants such as bones and heads that would normally be discarded.

The nutrient-rich eel remnants contain many of the elements essential for sweet potato growth.

My recommendation is the “Unagi-imo Matcha Mont Blanc Soft Serve”!

This rich dessert features a generous serving of matcha Mont Blanc, made with Hamamatsu-grown matcha powder and unagi-imo paste, beautifully layered on top of soft serve ice cream.

You can enjoy the perfect harmony of the rich unagi-imo matcha Mont Blanc and the refreshing sweetness of soft serve ice cream.

Another recommendation is the “Cup Unagi-meshi” from the specialty eel shop Hamaman.

This takeout dish features a unagi-don style meal made with a quarter fillet of domestically produced eel.

The eel is grilled to perfection after you order, making it tender and juicy.

Paired with rice soaked in savory sauce, it’s a convenient yet highly satisfying meal.

On a sunny day, we recommend enjoying the convenient “Cup Unagi-meshi” out on the terrace while taking in the beautiful view of Lake Hamana.

The “Cup Unagi-meshi” is also perfectly sized to fit in a car’s cup holder, making it an ideal companion for your drive.

Gyoza & Ramen Hall

Located right next to the “Lake View Food Hall,” the Gyoza & Ramen Hall houses two popular restaurants.

・Ramen “Hamanako Sodachi”

・Hamamatsu Gyoza “Hamataro”

At Ramen “Hamanako Sodachi,” you can enjoy authentic flavors such as the manager’s recommended Sakura Ebi Ramen, made with a soup infused with shrimp extract, as well as Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen and Flying Fish (Ago) Broth Ramen, crafted with carefully selected noodles.

“Hamataro” is a renowned gyoza restaurant in Hamamatsu, recognized with numerous local awards.

In addition to its famous Hamamatsu-style gyoza, set menus with fried rice and various teishoku (set meals) are also popular.

Next to the entrance of the Ramen & Gyoza Hall, there’s also a takeout corner for Hamataro, where you can purchase freshly grilled gyoza or frozen gyoza as souvenirs.

Cafe Hall

Cafe Hall, perfect for a break, houses the following two shops:

・Baskin-Robbins

・Starbucks Coffee

It’s nice to stop by during your drive and take a break with your favorite coffee or ice cream.

Top 3 Recommended Souvenirs at EXPASA Hamanako

If you’re looking for souvenirs at EXPASA Hamanako, the Shopping Hall is highly recommended.

Additionally, there’s also a souvenir corner inside the Lake View Food Hall, offering a variety of items perfect for taking home as mementos of your trip.

Souvenir Section in the Shopping Hall

Souvenir Section in the Lake View Food Hall

You’ll find all the classic Hamamatsu souvenirs, including Unagi Pie, but this time we’re introducing three recommended souvenirs carefully selected by our editorial team.

Exclusive to Hamanako SA! Mikabi Mandarin Korokoro Rusks

“Mikabi Mandarin Korokoro Rusks” are an exclusive sweet available only at EXPASA Hamanako.

These bite-sized rusks are made with puree from Mikabi mandarins, a local specialty.

The Mikabi mandarin puree is made using the whole fruit, including the peel, not just the juice.

This allows you to enjoy not only the sweet and tangy flavors of the mandarin but also a subtle hint of bitterness.

The cute packaging, inspired by mandarins, makes it a great choice for small gifts or party favors.

Its affordable price also makes it easy to pick up and enjoy.

Unagi-imo Sweet Potato Cake

Next up is the Unagi-imo Sweet Potato Cake, a rich and moist sweet potato dessert made with Hamamatsu’s branded sweet potato, Unagi-imo.

This six-piece individually wrapped set is easy to share, making it perfect as a souvenir for coworkers or neighbors.

The adorable packaging featuring the Unagi-imo mascot, Unamo-chan, also catches the eye.

It’s a friendly souvenir that really captures the spirit of Hamamatsu.

Ishimatsu Gyoza (Frozen Product)

The third item is frozen Hamamatsu-style gyoza, allowing you to enjoy this local specialty at home.

At EXPASA Hamanako, several frozen gyoza options are available, including the popular Ishimatsu Gyoza.

It’s also recommended to buy them as a personal souvenir and enjoy a tasting comparison.

You can savor the local flavors at home in a way that’s different from dining at the restaurant.

Crowd Information at EXPASA Hamanako

During our visit for this feature, it was a weekday in July around lunchtime.

Thanks to the spacious parking lot and the food court with plenty of seating, we were able to relax comfortably.

On weekends and during the Obon holiday period, the area can get quite busy.

Be sure to check the Drivers’ Site before heading out.

Drivers’ Site: https://sapa.c-nexco.co.jp/

Facilities & Services at EXPASA Hamanako

Parking Spaces:
[Upbound]
・32 large vehicles
・210 standard vehicles (including spaces shared with large vehicles)
・Handicapped: 1 large / 5 standard

[Downbound]
・35 large vehicles
・273 standard vehicles (including spaces shared with large vehicles)
・Handicapped: 1 large / 5 standard

Platto Park Parking:
・Standard cars: 38 spaces
・Handicapped: 3 spaces (total for both directions)
・Bicycle racks: 5 for general use / 5 for road bikes

Restrooms:
・Men’s (stalls): 36 / Men’s(urinals): 32
・Women’s: 112
・Accessible toilets: 6

Dining:
・Restaurant: 1
・Food court: 8
・Cafe: 1
・Takeout: 3
・Vending machines (24 hours)

Shopping:
・Shopping corners: 2
・Convenience store (FamilyMart, open 24 hours)

Baby & Kids:
・Baby corner (24 hours)
・Diaper changing tables (baby beds)
・Kids’ corner
・Diapers available for purchase (East Wing shop)
・Restrooms with baby chairs
・Nursing rooms with locks, hot water dispensers for formula, and sinks

Others:
・ATMs (Seven Bank – 24 hours / Japan Post Bank – 24 hours)
・Wireless LAN (Free Wi-Fi): Available
・Gas stations (24 hours)
Upward lane: apollostation
Downward lane: ENEOS
※EV quick charging stations are also available, with one unit installed on each side.

EXPASA Hamanako – Facility Information

Address: 47-1 Sakume, Mikkabi-cho, Hamana-ku, Hamamatsu-shi

Phone: 053-526-7220 (Area Concierge)

Official Website: https://sapa.c-nexco.co.jp/sapa/guide?sapainfoid=31

￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣

This time, we introduced the charm of EXPASA Hamanako, a large service area where you can fully enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Hamana.

With facilities designed to accommodate families and even trips with dog, along with a wide variety of local gourmet foods and souvenirs, it’s the perfect spot to take a relaxing break during your travels.

A service area where you can enjoy beautiful views along with gourmet food, shopping, and fun activities — truly a spot you’ll want to stop by.

When traveling toward Hamamatsu, be sure to drop by EXPASA Hamanako!

Special thanks to NEXCO Central Japan Services Co., Ltd.

Looking for activities in Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana?
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