Hamamatsu Castle Guide: Highlights & Starbucks in Hamamatsu Castle Park

A recommended tourist spot in Shizuoka’s Hamamatsu City that is located within Hamamatsu City, easy to access, and grand as a tourist attraction is “Hamamatsu Castle.”

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

Charms of “Hamamatsu Castle”

Hamamatsu Cityscape Seen from the Castle Tower

The castle tower of Hamamatsu Castle is a castle reconstructed in the Showa era (1958), but the upper floor is an observation deck, allowing an expansive view of the Hamamatsu cityscape. Truly because it is a castle, the castle tower is built at a height akin to a high hill; viewing from above offers a panorama from quite a height, making it suited for a full view of the cityscape.

Telescopes are also installed, but even without a telescope, the height and closeness are sufficient to thoroughly enjoy the scenery and cityscape. The sea visible in the distance and the bridges appearing over the sea are also wonderful, so you should definitely climb up and take a look. Thinking that the whole area visible from here used to be a castle town in the past brings a strange feeling again.

Exhibits Inside the Castle Tower Are Also Deeply Quaint

Exhibits inside the castle tower also include deeply quaint displays. Looking around carefully seems like it would take about 30 minutes to 1 hour. As expected of Hamamatsu, there is an impression of many exhibits associated with Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu.

There were stairs leading to the basement, and since no one was going down, I went down to see, and it was a well. I see, this in itself might be a little scary. Many coins were fallen inside the well. Everyone threw in small change with their wishes. Whether it is okay to throw them in, I do not know.

The Path Heading to the Castle Tower is Truly Castle-Climbing and Quaint

Castles from the Warring States period are, after all, castles for defense, giving a feel where the castle tower comes on top of a mountain, making it a mountain climb at a light hiking level. Among that, because you climb while looking at the castle’s stone walls and turrets, you will not get bored. There are times when it is a bit tough physically, so when climbing in the summer heat, please hydrate well.

Since the castle tower of Hamamatsu Castle is quite far up on the top, let’s approach it expecting “there are many uphill paths”! If you get exhausted along the way, the mindset of climbing while taking breaks is also important. Looking at stone walls, structures, torii gates, and the like, you will not get bored and even feel beauty, so climbing while enjoying yourself is recommended.

Hamamatsu Castle Where a Japanese Garden Spreads Out

For the return route from the Hamamatsu Castle tower, strolling through the Japanese garden is recommended. It is unexpectedly spacious, with a size allowing a stroll of about 20 to 30 minutes by walking. There is a pond, and although small, there is also a waterfall. It is a Japanese garden well worth seeing.

Relaxing at Starbucks

At the place entering the grounds from the Hamamatsu Castle parking lot, there is a big, prominent Starbucks. Buildings with designs that do not break the atmosphere of Hamamatsu Castle are also delightful.

The inside of the Starbucks has an open feel with good sunlight; even in the hot summer, the inside is well air-conditioned and cool, making it just right for resting while drinking a delicious latte at the end of sightseeing at Hamamatsu Castle. However, it gets quite crowded on Saturdays and Sundays.

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

Location and Access of Hamamatsu Castle

Hamamatsu Castle is located within Hamamatsu City, so its location is good; you can go by car, bus, or depending on the location, even on foot, making it a very easy-to-visit tourist spot.

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 expected, so it is a distance where taking a taxi is fine. Even in the case of cars, there is a rather large parking lot, providing peace of mind.

Bonus: If 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 inside of the shop is calm, comfortable with adult-oriented interior décor. Staff hospitality is high, and both food and alcohol are delicious.

Elaborate dishes can be enjoyed one by one. Hamamatsu, while having seafood unique to the seaside, also has a unique fishing ground called Lake Hamana where fish unique to brackish lakes can be enjoyed, 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 to eat delicious food is nice. It is a popular shop, so 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 going as a couple, with family, or among friends.

Since you are making a special trip, you want to carefully select the hotel you stay at and stay at a wonderful hotel.