Hamamatsu Castle Guide: Highlights & Starbucks in Hamamatsu Castle Park

One recommended tourist spot in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka—easy to reach within the city and impressive as an attraction—is “Hamamatsu Castle.”

In this article, we introduce the highlights and recommended points of “Hamamatsu Castle,” as well as a recommended Starbucks on the Hamamatsu Castle grounds.

Highlights of “Hamamatsu Castle”

Hamamatsu Cityscape from the Castle Tower

The castle tower of Hamamatsu Castle was reconstructed in the Showa era (1958), but the upper floor is an observation deck with an expansive view of the Hamamatsu cityscape. As you’d expect of a castle, the keep sits at a height like a high hill; looking out from above gives you a panorama from quite a height, well suited for a full view of the cityscape.

Telescopes are installed too, but even without one, the height and proximity are enough to thoroughly enjoy the scenery and cityscape. The sea in the distance and the bridges over it are wonderful as well, so you should definitely climb up and take a look. Thinking that everything you can see from here was once a castle town brings a strange feeling again.

Exhibits Inside the Castle Tower Are Also Rich in Atmosphere

Exhibits inside the castle tower are also rich in atmosphere. Looking around carefully seems like it would take about 30 minutes to an hour. As you’d expect of Hamamatsu, many exhibits feel tied to Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu.

There were stairs leading to the basement, and since no one was going down, I went to look—and it was a well. I see; that alone can feel a little scary. Many coins had fallen into the well. Everyone had thrown in small change with their wishes. Whether it is okay to throw them in, I do not know.

The Path Up to the Castle Tower Feels Like a Real Castle Climb—and Full of Atmosphere

Castles from the Warring States period are, after all, built for defense—so the keep sits atop a rise, and the approach feels like a light mountain hike. Along the way, climbing past the castle’s stone walls and turrets keeps things interesting. It can be a bit tough physically at times, so when climbing in the summer heat, please hydrate well.

Since Hamamatsu Castle’s keep sits quite far up at the top, approach it expecting plenty of uphill paths! If you get exhausted along the way, climbing with breaks is also important. Looking at stone walls, structures, torii gates, and the like, you will not get bored—and may even find beauty—so climbing while enjoying yourself is recommended.

Hamamatsu Castle, Where a Japanese Garden Spreads Out

For the return from the Hamamatsu Castle tower, a stroll through the Japanese garden is recommended. It is unexpectedly spacious—large enough for a walk of about 20 to 30 minutes. There is a pond, and although small, there is also a waterfall. It is a Japanese garden well worth seeing.

Relaxing at Starbucks

Where you enter the grounds from the Hamamatsu Castle parking lot, there is a big, prominent Starbucks. Buildings whose designs do not break the atmosphere of Hamamatsu Castle are delightful as well.

Inside, the Starbucks feels open with good sunlight; even in the hot summer, it is well air-conditioned and cool—just right for resting with a delicious latte at the end of sightseeing at Hamamatsu Castle. However, it gets quite crowded on Saturdays and Sundays.

Also, because quite a few people bring laptops and do nomad work, there might be a short wait for a table to free up. Since there are also many tourists, turnover is relatively fast (except for people doing nomad work…).

Location and Access for Hamamatsu Castle

Hamamatsu Castle sits within Hamamatsu City, so the location is convenient; you can go by car, bus, or—depending on where you start—even on foot, making it a very easy tourist spot to visit.

Location

From Hamamatsu Station to Hamamatsu Castle is about 10 minutes by car and about 30 minutes on foot; walking feels a bit far, as you’d expect, so taking a taxi is fine for that distance. By car, there is a rather large parking lot, which is reassuring.

Bonus: For Enjoying Hamamatsu Cuisine, “Gozarou”

If you want to enjoy delicious cuisine in Hamamatsu, “Gozarou” is a recommended shop. Located in the station’s entertainment district, the interior is calm and comfortable, with adult-oriented décor. Staff hospitality is high, and both food and alcohol are delicious.

Elaborate dishes can be enjoyed one by one. Hamamatsu has seaside seafood, and also Lake Hamana—a unique fishing ground where you can enjoy fish distinctive to brackish lakes—making it an irresistible city for gourmets; please enjoy the many delicious dishes.

location

Located between Hamamatsu Castle and Hamamatsu Station, stopping by on the way back for delicious food is nice. It is a popular shop, so a reservation is recommended.

Wonderful Hotels in Hamamatsu City

Hamamatsu City is actually a recommended sightseeing destination where you can enjoy not only Hamamatsu Castle, but also hot spring tours at Lake Hamana, gourmet food like eel, and water sports unique to Lake Hamana. It is fun whether you go as a couple, with family, or among friends.

Since you are making a special trip, you will want to carefully choose a wonderful hotel to stay at.