Hamamatsu is a city blessed with nature—from the sea and mountains to a beautiful lake. This time, we’ll take you on a relaxing journey to explore its local landscapes and deep-rooted history…

Have you heard of Hamamatsu?

It’s a city in Shizuoka Prefecture, located between Tokyo and Osaka, and not far from Nagoya.

It might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of famous travel destinations in Japan.

But here’s the thing—just a short trip from the city center takes you to the sea, the mountains, and even a lake.

You’ll find lots of natur.

This time, we’ll guide you on a relaxing trip in Hamamatsu’s Oku-Hamanako and Tenryu area, where you can enjoy nature and history at a leisurely pace.

You might find yourself quietly reflecting at temples, getting a feel for Hamamatsu’s history, and soaking up the local atmosphere.

By the end of your trip, we’re sure you’ll have fallen in love with Hamamatsu.

*Please note: The itinerary introduced here is just one example. Depending on public transportation schedules, reservation times for activities at each facility and other factors, it may not be possible to visit every location.

★From Bus Stop 15 at the North Exit Bus Terminal of Hamamatsu Station, take the Entetsu Bus bound for Okuyama.

The ride takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, and you’ll get off at the Okuyama bus stop.

From there, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the main hall.

The temple grounds are home to many Registered Tangible Cultural Properties, giving visitors a sense of its history and dignified atmosphere.

Nestled within vast natural surroundings, the temple offers plenty to explore, including the fascinating Five Hundred Arhats statues scattered throughout the site.

You can also take part in experiences such as Shojin ryori (traditional Buddhist cuisine) and sutra copying—perfect opportunities to step away from your daily routine and reflect.

*Please note that activities like sutra copying, zazen meditation, and Shojin ryori meals require advance reservations.

★From the Okuyama bus stop, take the Entetsu Bus bound for Hamamatsu Station and get off at the Jingūji bus stop after about 10 minutes.

From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to Ryotanji Temple.

The garden, said to have been designed by Kobori Enshu, is often regarded as the finest in the Tokai region.

Simply gazing at the peaceful scenery has a way of easing your worries and lifting the weight of everyday stress.

In front of the main hall, you’ll find a dry landscape garden (Karesansui garden) designed to resemble the shape of Lake Hamana.

Surrounded by greenery, this peaceful temple offers a perfect place to forget your daily worries and refresh your mind.

★From Ryotanji Temple to Your Accommodation

How about staying in the Oku-Hamanako area, overlooking Lake Hamana?

With delicious food and soothing hot springs, it’s the perfect way to refresh both your body and mind after a day.

★From Each Accommodation to Hananomai Brewery

(The nearest station is Miyaguchi Station on the Tenryu Hamanako Railway, about a 5-minute walk from the station.)

Located along the approach to Koshin-ji Temple, this long-established brewery has been in business since 1864.

Hananomai’s commitment to crafting local sake is clear: they use 100% Shizuoka-grown rice and underground water sourced from the Southern Alps.

In addition to their classic local sake, their seasonal limited-edition brews are also very popular, with some selling out every year.

Many fans eagerly look forward to these special releases.

If you have time, be sure to stop by Koshin-ji Temple.

How about lunchtime along the Tenhama Line?

We’ll introduce just two restaurants here, but of course, there are plenty more to choose from.

Please be sure to check their opening hours and days off before you go.

So, what are you in the mood for today?

The Tenryu Hamanako Railway is a local train line that connects Kakegawa Station in Kakegawa City to Shinshirohara Station in Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Loved by locals, this charming train gently chugs along, offering passengers relaxing rides with beautiful scenic views.

Tenryu-Futamata Station on the Tenryu Hamanako Railway is a charming, nostalgic stop that offers a warm and comforting atmosphere.

Please note that the turntable tour is held at specific times. Be sure to check the schedule before your visit.

(Some tours require advance reservations.)

★From Tenryu-Futamata Station to Hamamatsu Station:
Take the Tenryu Hamanako Railway from Tenryu-Futamata Station to Nishikajima Station, then transfer to the Enshu Railway to reach Hamamatsu Station.

How did you like it?

We introduced a course exploring the nature and history of the Oku-Hamanako to Tenryu area in Hamamatsu City.

After visiting Tenryu-Futamata Station, if you have time, we also recommend taking a stroll around the town of Tenryu-Futamata and visiting the Akino Fuku Museum of Art.

Clover Street, a retro shopping street in the town of Tenryu-Futamata, is lined with nostalgic shops—but I’ve heard there are also a few new stores.

I visited myself and found delicious gelato and a great bakery…

But the rest is something you’ll have to discover when you visit!

Whether you’re on your own or with someone else, why not take a moment to escape the busyness of everyday life and experience the nature and history of Hamamatsu?

See? You’re probably starting to fall in love with Hamamatsu already, aren’t you?