Hamamatsu & Lake Hamana: Best Sightseeing Itinerary (Eel, Ropeway, Music Box Museum & Hot Springs)

In Shizuoka Prefecture, Hamamatsu—home to Lake Hamana, which brings together the blessings of the sea and rivers—is a sightseeing area with a character you do not often find elsewhere. With famous castles like Hamamatsu Castle, hot springs around Lake Hamana, and Lake Hamana’s famous eel, here is a recommended sightseeing route around Lake Hamana.

Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana Recommended Sightseeing Route

For the Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana recommended sightseeing route, renting a car at the station and traveling by car is the way to go.

Renting a Car at Hamamatsu Station

For the Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana route, traveling by car is recommended. Get off at Hamamatsu Station, rent a car, and tour around.

Strolling Through Hamamatsu Castle

Start the sightseeing route at Hamamatsu Castle in Hamamatsu City. Taking in the cityscape of Hamamatsu from the castle tower, then having tea at the atmospheric Starbucks next to the Hamamatsu Castle parking lot, makes a wonderful start to the day.

From Hamamatsu Station to Hamamatsu Castle takes just minutes by car—first, build up excitement at a sightseeing spot you can visit right after renting a car.

Route from Hamamatsu Station to Hamamatsu Castle

Detailed sightseeing guidance for Hamamatsu Castle is right here.

Head Straight to an “Eel” Restaurant at Lake Hamana

After Hamamatsu Castle, drive straight to the eel restaurant Hamanoki on the shore of Lake Hamana. Inside, Hamanoki is spacious with many tables, but it gets crowded in high season, so reserving ahead by phone or similar is recommended.

Plump eel eaten while gazing at the stunning view of Lake Hamana is truly exquisite.

Route from Hamamatsu Castle to Hamanoki

From Hamamatsu Castle to Hamanoki takes about 25 minutes by car—just the right drive. After climbing up and down Hamamatsu Castle since morning, it also comes at a good time when you’re just getting hungry.

Ropeway and Music Box Museum

To take in views over Lake Hamana, Kanzanji Ropeway is the recommendation. It is rare as the only ropeway in Japan that crosses over a lake. As you ride up overlooking Lake Hamana, an observation deck and a music box museum await.

It is a ropeway trip of about 5 minutes. The view of Lake Hamana is beautiful.

Route from Hamanoki to Kanzanji Ropeway

From Hamanoki to the Kanzanji Ropeway station is 2 minutes by car. Extremely close.

Observation Deck

Observation decks are a lovers’ sanctuary; the pairing of the bell at the observation deck with the stunning view of Lake Hamana is photo-worthy.

Music Box Museum

After the observation deck, you can go straight into the Music Box Museum. You can listen to live music box performances along with staff explanations, and also take in displays of music boxes from all eras and places.

Many wonderful souvenir music boxes are also sold, so shopping for souvenirs—or a music box for yourself—is fun too.

Relaxing at Kanzanji Onsen

After getting off the ropeway, the open-air baths and pool with stunning views overlooking Lake Hamana at Lake Hamana Kanzanji Onsen Kanzanji Sago Royal Hotel are recommended.

The rooftop open-air bath overlooking Lake Hamana is a hexagonal bath (the water is fairly hot), built like an observation deck; looking out over Lake Hamana unclothed, with both arms spread, feels extremely good. For families or couples on a date, enjoying the pool is also wonderful.

You can use the baths on a day trip, but for those who want to enjoy Lake Hamana’s open-air baths at sunset or under beautiful night lights, staying overnight to relax is also recommended.

Route from Kanzanji Ropeway to Kanzanji Sago Royal Hotel

This is also about 2 minutes by car—so close you won’t get lost.

Unagi Pie Factory

At the Unagi Pie Factory, you can take a factory tour for Unagi Pie. It’s surprisingly fun—a spot you should definitely visit.

The small exhibits at the Unagi Pie Factory are also heartwarming. Of course, you can also buy Unagi Pie—just the right souvenir for the trip.

Route from Kanzanji Sago Royal Hotel to Unagi Pie Factory

About 17 minutes by car, and conveniently placed so you can drop by on the way back from Lake Hamana.

For Late-Night Hamamatsu Cuisine: Gozarou

If you want delicious cuisine in Hamamatsu, Gozarou is a recommended spot. Located in the station entertainment district, the interior is calm and comfortable, with an adult atmosphere. Staff hospitality is excellent, and both the food and drinks are delicious.

You can enjoy elaborate dishes one by one. Hamamatsu has seafood unique to the seaside and also Lake Hamana—a distinctive fishing ground where you can enjoy fish unique 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 a delicious meal is nice. It is a popular spot, so a reservation is recommended.

Summary: Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana Recommended Sightseeing Route Guidance and Model Course

The Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana area is a sightseeing destination packed with diverse charms, from historical spots tied to Tokugawa Ieyasu to stunning views over the lake and eel known nationwide. By car, you can enjoy these scattered famous spots efficiently and freely.

Hamamatsu, where sea, mountains, lakes, and historic streetscapes coexist, is an ideal area for dates with someone special, family trips, or touring freely on your own. Please try finding your own favorite spots and thoroughly enjoy the rich charms of Lake Hamana.

For a Wonderful Hotel in Hamamatsu City: “Okura Act City Hotel Hamamatsu”

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’re making a special trip, you’ll want to carefully choose a wonderful hotel to stay at.