Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Lake Hamana is a brackish lake (a lake where freshwater and seawater mix) located in western Shizuoka Prefecture, centered around Hamamatsu City. Its eastern shore is connected to the Enshu Nada (Pacific Ocean) by a narrow mouth. It has long developed as a fishing and aquaculture ground, benefiting from the bounty of the sea and rivers, and is particularly famous for its eels (Lake Hamana eels) and aquaculture. The surrounding area is dotted with hot springs, amusement parks, and observation spots, and is attractive for its scenic views, the ambiance created by the sea and lake, and seasonal leisure activities (cruises, fishing, canoeing, cycling, etc.). It is a tourist destination where you can enjoy the sunsets and morning mist on the lake's surface, as well as the ecosystem of the small islands and tidal flats. You can also relax in the hot springs and enjoy gourmet food (eel dishes, seafood).
Highlights
- Kanzanji Onsen area: There are plenty of hotels, inns, foot baths, and other tourist facilities in the surrounding area. The lake view from the hot spring town is popular. Take the Kanzanji Ropeway to the observation deck and enjoy a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding area.
- Lake Cruise: Cruise around Lake Hamana on a pleasure boat or sightseeing boat, and see the tidal flats, small islands, and the boundary between the lake and the sea from the boat (operates seasonally; duration varies depending on the course).
- Lake Hamana Garden Park and other parks: Large parks where you can enjoy flowers and the sea are scattered around. Perfect for strolls and picnics.
- Amusement parks and leisure facilities: There are family-friendly amusement parks, attractions, and experience facilities such as Hamanako Palpal.
- Food: There are many restaurants serving eel from Lake Hamana and other local seafood. Grilled eel and unaju are especially popular.
- Cycling, fishing, and marine sports: You can enjoy cycling paths and fishing spots along the lake, as well as canoeing and windsurfing (please be aware of the season and weather).
– Bird and nature observation: There are also places where you can observe wild birds gathering in the tidal flats and reed beds.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Shinkansen/Conventional trains: The nearest major station is JR Hamamatsu Station (Tokaido Shinkansen/Tokaido Main Line). From Hamamatsu Station, you can travel to various spots around Lake Hamana by local bus or rental car.
- JR conventional line stations near the lakeshore: Maisaka Station and Bentenjima Station on the Tokaido Main Line are located near the lake, providing easy access to Bentenjima and the eastern shore of the lake (the nearest station will vary depending on the spot you are visiting).
- Bus: Local buses run from Hamamatsu Station to destinations such as Tateyamadera Onsen. Some routes connect tourist spots, so please check the bus schedule in advance depending on your destination.
- By car: Accessible from the interchanges of the Tomei Expressway and Shin-Tomei Expressway. It takes about 30-60 minutes by car from central Hamamatsu City, and about 2.5-3 hours from Tokyo (depending on traffic). Many facilities have parking lots on the lakeshore, but they may be full during peak seasons.
- By air: The nearest airports are Chubu Centrair International Airport and Shizuoka Airport, and the most common route to Hamamatsu is via JR trains between Nagoya and Hamamatsu.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Half-day to full-day trips: Walking along the lakeshore, strolling around Bentenjima, having lunch, taking a short sightseeing boat ride, visiting the park, etc. are all possible on half-day to full-day trips.
- 2 days and 1 night: Stay overnight at Tateyamadera Onsen to enjoy the hot springs and the sunset and sunrise views, and take your time to explore the area (amusement park, garden park, cruise), so a night is plenty of time.
- Two nights or more: If you plan to combine marine sports, fishing, and sightseeing in the surrounding area (including sightseeing in Hamamatsu city and surrounding cities and towns), we recommend a stay of two nights or more.
Nearby spots
- Hamamatsu Castle: The ruins of a castle associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu. Convenient for sightseeing from Hamamatsu Station.
- Hamamatsu City Museum of Musical Instruments/Act City: Exhibition and observation facility for the city of music.
– Bentenjima Seaside Park: Bentenjima's swimming beach and sunset spot. Bentenjima Shrine is also located here.
- Lake Hamana Garden Park, Flower Park, and other parks: Enjoy seasonal flowers and events.
- Lake Hamana Palpal (Amusement Park) and Experience Facility: A variety of attractions and events for the whole family.
- Nearby hot spring towns and food towns: There is also a great restaurant area where you can enjoy Hamamatsu gyoza and local cuisine.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: Popular lakeside spots and parking lots will be crowded during summer (swimming season), Golden Week, Obon, and weekends. Please consider making reservations in advance for accommodation, sightseeing boats, and experience facilities.
- Manners: This is an area with a thriving fishing and aquaculture industry. Please do not trespass on private property or aquaculture sites, and strictly adhere to fishing rules and take your trash with you. When bird watching or observing nature, please keep quiet and maintain a distance.
- Weather and sea conditions: Lake Hamana is directly connected to the ocean, so it is affected by the tides and wind. When engaging in marine sports or boating, please pay attention to the weather and wave height, and always wear safety gear such as a life jacket. There are days with strong winds in winter, which may result in the suspension of operations or the cancellation of activities.
- Seasonal precautions: Take precautions against heatstroke in summer, and strong winds and cold in winter and spring. There are more attractions during cherry blossom viewing season and autumn foliage season, but crowds are expected.
- Transportation: Beware of narrow roads around the lake and traffic jams during the tourist season. Public transportation may have limited service, so be sure to check the timetable in advance.
If necessary, we will create a model itinerary (half day/full day/two days and one night) that matches the purpose of your visit (hot springs/food/activity) and seasonal recommendations (cherry blossom viewing in spring, the sea and fireworks in summer, evening views and fishing in autumn, hot springs and winter flavors in winter). Which type of plan would you like?
