Hamamatsu: A City Where Nature and Culture Harmonize
About an hour and a half by Shinkansen from Tokyo, and about 30 minutes from Nagoya.
Hamamatsu City, located in western Shizuoka Prefecture, is a city that combines excellent access with abundant nature.
Lake Hamana, stretching west of the city, is known as a brackish lake connected to the sea.
The mixing of freshwater and seawater nurtures a diverse ecosystem, and soft light reflects off its surface. This tranquil landscape quietly soothes the hearts of visitors.
Hamamatsu is also the castle town where the young Tokugawa Ieyasu spent his youth. It boasts historical landmarks like Hamamatsu Castle and a vibrant musical culture as the birthplace of the instrument manufacturer Yamaha, offering tourism that seamlessly blends “nature × culture × experience.”
Around Lake Hamanako, there are plenty of activities like cycling, SUP, and canoeing,
perfect for beginners to enjoy with peace of mind.
Here, we introduce three especially popular experiences in Hamamatsu!
① Hamana Lake Cycling (Hamai-chi) – A loop around the lakeshore
The Hamana Lake Loop (Hamai-chi) is a cycling course spanning approximately 65km around Lake Hamana.
With minimal elevation changes and well-maintained pavement, it’s easily accessible for beginners and families.
Spring brings cherry blossoms, summer offers blue skies and fresh greenery, autumn showcases vibrant foliage, and winter delivers crisp air with distant views of Mount Fuji.
Each season reveals distinct scenery, ensuring new discoveries with every visit.
Along the route, you’ll find cafes serving local ingredients, lakeside hot springs,
and restaurants where you can savor famous dishes like “eel” and “Hamamatsu gyoza.”
Feel the breeze on your bike and enjoy a journey where you can experience both the food and the scenery.
Rental bikes are available at multiple locations including Hamamatsu Station, Bentenjima, and Kanzanji Onsen.
Electric-assist bikes are also available, costing around ¥2,000 to ¥3,000 per day.
English maps and guides are provided, making it popular with international travelers.
② “SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard)” gliding across the calm lake surface
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) on the calm waters is Lake Hamana’s most popular activity. Where lake meets sea, Lake Hamana boasts minimal waves, making it safe and easy for beginners to try.
SUP is a water sport that lets you become one with nature. Gliding quietly across the lake while maintaining your balance creates a sensation like walking on water. Around Lake Hamana, a variety of tours are available, catering to everyone from beginners to serious enthusiasts.
Early morning and dusk are especially popular times. In the morning, the sunrise reflects off the mirror-like lake surface, while in the evening, paddling under the orange-tinged sky creates a magical experience.
Participation fees range from around ¥5,000 to ¥6,000, with sessions lasting approximately 90 to 120 minutes.
Spring through autumn (March to October) is the best season.
Life jackets, paddles, and wetsuits are all available for rent,
and some plans include guides who provide thorough instruction in English.
③ Canoe Experience: Feel nature at ease on the water
For a peaceful way to experience Lake Hamana’s nature, we recommend a canoeing experience.
The sound of water, the scent of wind, the songs of birds—feel nature with all five senses
as you glide slowly across the lake. It’s truly a “healing moment.”
The inner Hamanako area is particularly known for its calm winds and gentle currents.
Using highly stable sit-on-top kayaks,
even beginners and families can participate with peace of mind.
On tours, you’ll explore Hamanako’s inlets and small islands,
observing wild birds and admiring seasonal flowers.
The scenery changes with each season—spring rapeseed blossoms, summer water lilies, autumn foliage—making it a captivating experience.
The experience lasts about 90 minutes, with prices around ¥4,000 per person.
Most plans include a guide who provides safety instructions.
Many operators offer basic guidance in English,
allowing beginners to confidently paddle out into nature.
Experience the full value of “Peace of Mind × Nature × Culture” in Hamamatsu
Hamamatsu’s activities offer the perfect combination of nature, culture, and safety.
Most experiences include guides and insurance, making them worry-free even for first timers.
From Hamamatsu Station to the Lake Hamana area, it takes about 30 minutes by train or bus.
Tourist information centers distribute brochures in English and Chinese,
creating an environment that’s easy for international travelers to navigate.
After enjoying activities, relaxing and unwind at Kanzanji Onsen,
or savor local delicacies like “Hamamatsu Gyoza” and “Lake Hamana Eel.”
You can fully enjoy both nature and culture all day long.
For the climax of your trip, don’t miss the sunset over Lake Hamana.
The golden reflection on the water’s surface is a timeless “original Japanese landscape” that stays in everyone’s heart.
Calm waters, lush greenery, and the warmth of its people.
This is the charm of Hamamatsu, a city the world can be proud of as a “place of healing and experience.”
