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

Among Shizuoka Prefecture, Hamamatsu, possessing Lake Hamana which combines the blessings of the sea and rivers, is a sightseeing spot with rarely-seen distinct characteristics. Featuring famous castles like Hamamatsu Castle, hot springs around Lake Hamana, and Lake Hamana’s famous “eel,” here is an introduction to 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 recommended.

Renting a Car at Hamamatsu Station

For the Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana route, traveling by car is recommended. Getting off at Hamamatsu Station, renting a car and touring around is recommended.

Strolling Through Hamamatsu Castle

At the beginning of the sightseeing route, “Hamamatsu Castle” located within Hamamatsu City is recommended. Gazing over the cityscape of Hamamatsu from the castle tower of Hamamatsu Castle, then having tea at the atmosphere-rich Starbucks next to the Hamamatsu Castle parking lot makes a wonderful start to a day.

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

Route from Hamamatsu Station to Hamamatsu Castle

Detailed sightseeing guidance for Hamamatsu Castle is here.

Head Straight to an “Eel” Restaurant at Lake Hamana

After Hamamatsu Castle, head straight by driving the car to the eel restaurant “Hamanoki” on the shore of Lake Hamana. Inside “Hamanoki” is spacious with many tables, but during high season it gets crowded, so advance reservation by phone or the like 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, making a just-right drive; also, after going up and down Hamamatsu Castle since morning, it comes at a good timing when you just get hungry.

Ropeway and Music Box Museum

The recommendation to overlook Lake Hamana is “Kanzanji Ropeway.” It is rare as the only ropeway in Japan that crosses over a lake. Ascending via the ropeway while overlooking Lake Hamana, an observation deck and a music box museum are waiting.

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

Speaking of observation decks, they are a lovers’ sanctuary; the collaboration between the bell at the observation deck and the stunning view of Lake Hamana is photo-worthy.

Music Box Museum

After the observation deck, you can enter the Music Box Museum as is. You can listen to live music box performances while listening to explanations by staff, and you can also appreciate displays of music boxes from all times and places.

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

Relaxing at Kanzanji Onsen

Getting off the ropeway, open-air baths and a 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 (temperature is somewhat hot), built like an observation deck; looking over Lake Hamana unclothed with both arms spread out feels extremely good. For families or dates with lovers, enjoying at the pool is also wonderful.

You can enter the baths on a day trip, but for those who want to enjoy Lake Hamana’s open-air baths at sunset or open-air baths with 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, close to the point of not getting lost.

Unagi Pie Factory

At the Unagi Pie Factory, you can tour the factory for “Unagi Pie.” This is unexpectedly fun! It is a spot you should definitely visit.

The small exhibitions at the Unagi Pie Factory are also heart-warming. Of course, you can also buy “Unagi Pie,” making a just-right souvenir for the trip.

Route from Kanzanji Sago Royal Hotel to Unagi Pie Factory

About 17 minutes by car, situated in a just-right location as you can drop by on the way back from Lake Hamana.

If Enjoying Hamamatsu Cuisine for a Late-Night Meal: “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.

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

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

Hamamatsu, where sea, mountains, lakes, and historic streetscapes coexist. It is an optimal area for dates with precious people, family trips, or touring around freely by yourself. 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 are making a special trip, you want to carefully select the hotel you stay at and stay at a wonderful hotel.