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.

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.

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.

The Hamamatsu Festival takes place every year on May 3rd, 4th, and 5th in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka, located in the Chubu region of Japan.

As the 2025 Hamamatsu Festival approaches, we would like to introduce the festival to you.

The Hamamatsu Festival offers exciting attractions, including the spectacular “Kite Battle” with over 170 towns, and the brilliant “Goten-yatai Procession” with more than 80 floats illuminating the streets at night.

The event fills both participants and spectators with excitement and joy.

The year starts with the festival and ends with the festival.

The energy of the people of Hamamatsu bursts out in a big way!

You’ve probably heard of Kyoto’s matcha, but did you know that Shizuoka is one of Japan’s top green tea-producing regions?

Shizuoka Prefecture is known in Japan as “Shizuoka Prefecture when it comes to green tea,” and in fact, Shizuoka Prefecture is one of the top green tea producers in Japan, even more so than Kyoto, known as the home of green tea!

There are many varieties (regional brands) of “Shizuoka green tea” produced in Shizuoka Prefecture, such as Motoyama tea in Shizuoka City, Kakegawa tea in Kakegawa City, Kawane tea in Shimada City, and Tenryu tea in Hamamatsu City are well known.

▲Photo provided: Kakegawa City (Cold Fukamushi (Deep-Steamed) Kakegawa Green Tea)

If you’re looking to experience tea picking, learn about green tea, and of course, enjoy some tea, here are some of the best green tea spots in Shizuoka Prefecture for you to explore!

Outside of Japan, “Shizuoka Prefecture is associated with tea” may not yet be widely known.

Why not enjoy tea in Shizuoka Prefecture ahead of your friends?

The Hamamatsu Volunteer Tourism Guide Association is a group of Hamamatsu guides who come together to promote the tourism industry, including Hamamatsu’s history, culture, and industry.

As of the end of February 2025, the group has 130 members, making it the largest volunteer guide group in the prefecture.

They are active at Hamamatsu Castle, Hamamatsu Station, Saigagake Museum, and Hamamatsu Festival Hall.

Each member guides visitors with a spirit of hospitality, not only from outside the prefecture, but also to people from Hamamatsu city and surrounding cities and towns, with the hope that they will “rediscover Hamamatsu’s wonderful history and culture.”

In 2020, the association’s activities were recognized and it was awarded the “Fujinokuni-Shizuoka Tourism Award Encouragement Award” by Shizuoka Prefecture.