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.

Futamata Castle Ruins

The ruins of Futamata Castle are known as the place where Tokugawa Ieyasu’s eldest son, Nobuyasu, met his tragic end. It’s a quiet, historic site.

Even today, the remnants of stone walls and moats remain, and in autumn, the surrounding foliage gently adds color to the scene.

As you walk along, crunching the fallen leaves beneath your feet, you’ll feel like you’ve slipped back in time, surrounded by history

Here, just taking a leisurely stroll feels like the kind of moment that naturally calms the mind.

The scenery where history and nature gently overlap might look a little different each time you visit.

Take a quick stop during your drive and experience the autumn breeze and colorful foliage.

Access:

• Take the Enshu Railway from Nishi-Kashima Station, then ride the Enshu Bus and get off at “Shiroshita-dori” (about 10-minute walk).

• About a 20-minute walk from Tenhama Line “Futamata Honmachi Station.”

• About 10 minutes by car from the Shin-Tomei Expressway “Hamamatsu Hamakita IC.”

Shirakurakyo Gorge

In the Tenryu district of Hamamatsu, Shirakura Gorge, located upstream of the Shirakura River, is a well-known fall foliage spot in the Enshu region.

In autumn, the maples, Japanese maples, and ginkgo trees turn all sorts of colors, creating a landscape that feels like something straight out of a picture.

As you walk leisurely, listening to the sound of the river and the waterfall, you’ll feel completely relaxed.

On sunny days, the fall colors sparkle in the sunlight, reflecting on the water… it’s so beautiful, it’ll take your breath away.

It’s the kind of place you’d want to visit, even if it means taking a little detour.

Access:

• About 50 minutes by car from the Shin-Tomei Expressway “Hamamatsu Hamakita IC.”

• Public transportation is not available to this location.

Akiha Shrine - Kamisha

At 866 meters above sea level in the Tenryu district of Hamamatsu, you’ll find the “Akiha Shrine – Kamisha.”

The “Torii of Happiness” stands quietly there.

Torii of Happiness

From the torii gate, if the weather’s good, you can see way out to the Enshū Sea.

It kind of feels like the sky, the mountains, and the ocean are all just one big thing.

The fall colors you see from a place like that don’t really need any words.

Just take a deep breath of the autumn air, look out at the view, and enjoy the time at your own pace.

It’s the kind of spot where you can just relax and be yourself.

Access:

• About 60 minutes by car from the Shin-Tomei Expressway “Hamamatsu Hamakita IC.”

• Public transportation is not available to reach this location.

Mt. Okusa

Near the shore of Lake Hamana, right next to the Kanzanji Onsen, is Mount Okusa.

Here, you’ll find a pretty special ropeway.

It’s actually the only one in Japan that crosses over a lake!

Kanzanji Ropeway

As you head up to Mount Okusa, you’ll get to enjoy a 360-degree view of the stunning Lake Hamana.

The whole time feels like a walk in the sky.

Just being on the ropeway itself is enough to get you excited.

But that’s not all—it gets even better.

The view from the observation deck at the top is something else!

Down below, you can see the town of Kanzanji Onsen, and all the way out to the Enshū Sea.

You can’t help but say, “Wow…”

In autumn, the fall colors spread across the landscape like a patchwork, making the view even more beautiful.

It’s the kind of place that makes you think, “I’d like to come back next year.

Access to the Kanzanji Ropeway Station:

• Take the “Kanzanji Onsen” bus from JR Hamamatsu Station bus terminal (platform 1) and get off at “Hamanako Pal Pal” bus stop (about 50-minute ride).

Ryotanji Temple

Ryotanji Temple, located in the Hamana district of Hamamatsu, is a historic temple and a national scenic spot.

One of the highlights is the Enshū-style garden, which is believed to have been designed by Kobori Enshū.

The garden, found to the north of the main hall, looks especially beautiful in autumn.

The Dodantsutsuji and maple trees turn bright red, and the contrast with the green moss is just gorgeous.

Just by gazing at the view, you get that feeling like all the little worries and annoying things just melt away.

It’s quiet, peaceful, and the kind of scenery that gently sinks into your heart.

Another must-see is the dry landscape garden in front of the main hall.

It’s designed to resemble the shape of Lake Hamana, and like the rest of the temple, it changes with the seasons.

In autumn, time at Ryotanji seems to slow down, making you want to stop for a moment and take a deep breath. It’s a peaceful place that really helps you relax.

Access:

• Take the “Okuyama” bus from JR Hamamatsu Station North Exit bus terminal (platform 15) and ride for about 50 minutes, getting off at “Jinguji” (10-minute walk).

• About 10 minutes by car from the Shin-Tomei Expressway Hamamatsu Inasa IC.

• About 30 minutes by car from the Tomei Expressway Hamamatsu Nishi IC.

Hamamatsu Castle Park

Hamamatsu’s symbol, Hamamatsu Castle.

The park surrounding the castle is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring, but actually, the autumn colors are really worth checking out too.

The maples and ginkgo trees in the park turn vibrant shades of red and yellow, and when you combine them with the historic stone walls and the castle, the whole scene looks like a painting.

Especially the gradient of red and yellow with the castle in the background—it’s such a breathtaking view, you’ll want to pull out your phone and take a picture!

The clear sky during the day combined with the fall colors is beautiful, but I also recommend visiting at dusk when the soft light adds an extra touch to the autumn scenery.

It’s easy to get to from the city center, so it’s a great spot to enjoy a casual walk and soak in the autumn vibe of Hamamatsu.

Access:

• About a 20-minute walk from JR Hamamatsu Station.

• Take a bus from JR Hamamatsu Station North Exit bus terminal (platforms 13-14) and get off at “Hamamatsu Castle Park Entrance” (2-minute walk).

• Alternatively, take a bus from platform 1 and get off at “City Hall South” (5-minute walk).

• Around 30 minutes by car from the Tomei Expressway Hamamatsu IC.

Take a walk through autumn in Hamamatsu and enjoy the changing scenery.

So, how was it?

Autumn in Hamamatsu isn’t just about enjoying the fall colors—it’s also a time to quietly reset your mind.

Take a moment to stop and forget the hustle and bustle of daily life while surrounded by the beautiful historical sites and nature in the colorful autumn scenery.

Escape the noise of the city, feel the gentle autumn breeze, and immerse yourself in the fall colors of Hamamatsu.

This autumn, be sure to enjoy this heartwarming experience in Hamamatsu.