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City in Shizuoka prefecture, Japan
Photo: User:Texugo on Wikitravel, CC BY-SA 1.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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Hamamatsu's only skyscraper is a symbol of the city, designed to resemble a harmonica, a reminder that Hamamatsu is sometimes known as the "City of Music". The building houses shopping and a food court, the Okura Hotel, and an observatory on the 45th floor from which you can see all of central Hamamatsu. The basement floor holds two theaters at which there are frequent concerts, musicals, plays, and seminars. On the west side there is a unique rooftop park complex, and on the north there is an outdoor "Sunken Garden" used at festival times for food stalls and cultural performances.
From the observatory you can see down to the sand dunes at the shore and Lake Hamana to the west. If the weather is exceptionally clear, you can even glimpse Mount Fuji in the distance. Beneath the windows are labeled panoramic photos so you can identify the sights. Coin-operated telescopes.
Erected in the rooftop park beside the tower is an authentic two-third-scale replica of the famous Art Nouveau bronze statue of composer Frédéric Chopin by the famed artist Wacław Szymanowski. The original is in Hamamatsu's sister city, Warsaw.
二俣城跡, Futamata-jouseki
Many battles were fought over this castle in the mid-16th century between Ieyasu Tokugawa and Shingen Takeda. In 1579, Tokugawa's wife was executed here and his son committed seppuku here as well. The castle was abandoned after 1600, and today nothing but the walls remain, surrounded by a beautiful park.
浜松城, Hamamatsu-jou
Hamamatsu Castle was built by Ieyasu Tokugawa, who is considered perhaps the greatest shogun and one of the three people most important to the unification of Japan. His rule marks the beginning of the Edo Period. Tokugawa lived here from 1571 to 1588. After the Edo Period, the castle was destroyed, and was restored to the original specifications in 1958. The foundation, which is original, is unique because it uses unhewn stones carefully selected and fitted to lean inward. There is a small museum inside the castle, which costs ¥200 to enter, and which houses some Tokugawa armor and relics, a preserved well moved from elsewhere on the grounds as well as a miniature model of how the city might have looked 400 years ago.
気田川, Ketagawa
This beautiful mountain river flows for 66 km before it joins the Tenryu southwest of Haruno. It's a relaxing place for swimming or kayaking.
気賀関所
This restored checkpoint along the Princess Road was established by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1601. Now dressed with authentic props, visitors can get a glimpse of how tightly controlled travel in that era was. The gate is especially impressive.
三岳城跡, Mitake Jouseki
A somewhat strenuous hike will bring you to the ruins of a castle built atop 467-m Mt. Mitake in 1340 by the Ii Clan.
中田島砂丘
The second largest grouping of sand dunes in Japan makes a great place for a stroll or picnic. Be careful if swimming, as there is somewhat of an undertow.
竜ヶ岩洞, Ryugashidou
One of the largest and most famous caves in Japan. The first 400 m of the 1000-m limestone cavern are open to the public. Stalactites and stalagmites abound, and the centerpiece is a 30-m underground waterfall. This cave stays about 15°C year-round, making it a great place to cool off during the sweltering summer heat.
滝沢展望台, Takisawa Tenboudai
This spot offers a beautiful vista of the city from which you can see all the way to Act City and all across Lake Hamana. Popular with local couples, the view is especially good at night when the city is lit up.
天竜川
One of Japan's largest rivers flows through the mountains of north Hamamatsu and along the edge of town from Tenryu-cho down to the coast. The meandering mountain portion and wide delta provide abundant opportunities for rafting, kayaking, and fishing, and there are many parks along its banks. The god of this river, Ryujin, is the guest of honor at many area festivals.
鷲沢風穴, Washizawa Fuuketsu
A less touristy alternative to Ryugashido, this limestone cave has cool winds blowing through it during the summertime. This is the only cave in Japan with a horizontal ceiling. The cave supposedly provided a refuge for warriors during the 1300s.
秋野不矩美術館
This museum is housed in an interesting building made mostly from local cedar and other products. The permanent collection has many pieces by the late artist Akino Fuku, as well as other pieces.
浜松市楽器博物館, Hamamatsu-shi Gakki Hakubutsukan
This museum, just northeast of Act City Tower, houses a collection of over 2,000 kinds of ethnic instruments from around the world. Each instrument has a display attached, with headphones so you can listen to the sound of the instrument. The museum also has a hands-on room, where you can play many types of instruments; drums, xylophones, sitars and native Japanese instruments. This is a child friendly museum.
浜松市博物館, Hamamatsu-shi Hakubutsukan
This museum, which is on the grounds of a pleasant park, is dedicated to the history of Hamamatsu and the surrounding area. Exhibits include locally-found pre-historic fossils, ancient pottery, old maps, and farming and domestic implements up through the Edo era. Also on the grounds are some shell mounds, evidence of pre-historic human life in the area. A reconstruction of a Jomon village has been installed among the mounds, giving the visitor an idea of what life was like here three to four thousand years ago. The name of the park and also the neighborhood, Shijimizuka, means "shell mound".
浜松まつり会館, Hamamatsu Matsuri Kaikan
This museum gives visitors a taste of the famous Hamamatsu Festival year round, with its huge kites, festival clothing, lanterns, and banners. Videos show how the kites are made, flown and fought.
航空自衛隊 浜松広報館, Koukuu Jieitai Hamamatsu Kouhoukan
This museum displays many aircraft used or in former use by JASDF, and many other aviation-related items. It also has a flight simulator and a theater which runs informative documentaries every 30 minutes (Japanese only).
浜松市美術館, Hamamatsu-shi Bijutsukan
Just one stop up the road from city hall is Hamamatsu's art museum. Exhibits vary.
浜松科学館, Hamamatsu Kagakukan
A range of interactive exhibits divided into five zones: nature, space, sound, light, and electricity. The third floor holds a planetarium.
浜名湖オルゴールミュージアム, Hamanako Orugoru Myujiamu
The collection includes dozens of self-playing orgels and music boxes from around the world. Performances begin hourly at 20 after the hour, and there is also a special hands-on exhibit. The view of Lake Hamana from outside the museum is spectacular as well.
長楽寺
This temple, built at the start of the Heian era, has a charming garden with plum trees, and is especially beautiful with the change of the leaves in the fall.
大福寺
Mountain temple overlooking the small Inohana lake. Check out the Deva statues at the gate. This is an excellent place if you're in town during cherry blossom time, and if you miss it, check out the Hantoshi-zakura cherry blossoms which are in bloom from mid-autumn to early spring.
五社神社, Gosha-jinja, and 諏訪神社, Suwa-jinja
Built in 1580 and 1556 respectively, these side-by-side shrines were reconstructed in the 1940s and serve downtown locals. Especially interesting at the shrine festival on May 4 or at Shichigosan on November 15 when local families wrap their small children in kimono and come here to pray.
寶林寺
Established by an invited Chinese Zen master in 1667, this temple is a fine example of late Ming Dynasty Chinese architecture. The Buddha hall and the priest's residence are designated National Important Cultural Properties.
鴨江観音
This bright-orange-and-white modern temple is one of the most important downtown temples. It is a good place to see the locals all dressed in kimono on holidays such as New Year's Day.
摩訶耶寺
Here you will find the oldest garden in the prefecture, reminiscent of Kyoto's Koke-dera. The temple was built in 726 and contains some important cultural artifacts. Especially impressive is the wooden statue of Senju-Kannon with one thousand arms.
方広寺
This Zen temple, nestled among pines, sakura, peach, and other things, was established in 1377 and is the home of the Rinsai Sect, housing three much-revered Buddha statues. With over sixty halls, it is one of the biggest temples in the Tokai area. The small Shichison Bosatsudo is the oldest wooden building in the prefecture and a fine example of 14th century Japanese architecture. Visitors can walk through the buildings- no shoes allowed.
龍潭寺
The main hall here has "nightingale flooring" much like Nijo castle in Kyoto. When walked on, the flooring makes subtle bird sounds to warn of intruders. The garden here is a nationally designated scenic beauty. On the south side of the temple is a well which belonged to the founder of the Ii clan in the early 11th century.
山住神社, Yamazumi-jinja
This mountain shrine was built in 709 and is well-known for its cult of wolf-worship. The grounds also have two ancient cedars over 1200 years old.
弁天島海浜公園, Bentenjima Kaihin Kōen
This beautiful spot has a beach and boardwalk, with a lovely view of a torii perched on an island in the middle of the bay. The fireworks display in late June is extremely popular, bringing in dozens of food stalls, and thousands of people.
浜松城公園, Hamamatsu-jō Kōen
North of the castle is a very big park with a Japanese garden, a koi pond, a ceremonial teahouse (see Drink below), and some commons areas. This is the best downtown location to go to see cherry blossoms in the spring.
浜松フラワーパーク
This beautiful park has many gardens full of 3000 types of flowers, with over 100,000 plants in all. There is also a restaurant and shopping area.
浜松フルーツパーク
This unique amusement park is a working fruit farm where you can see, touch, taste, and pick a variety of fruits.
浜松市動物園
Well worth stopping if you are in Kanzanji. In the autumn, special evening hours allow to you visit the zoo after dark.
浜名湖ガーデンパーク
A big green park at the end of a peninsula on Lake Hamana. Features include a 5-hectare lawn, a waterworks plaza that encourages you to get wet, an exhibit hall, an observation tower, children's playground, a restaurant, and diverse flower gardens.
This 50-meter tower has a covered observation deck with a nice view of the park and lake.
浜名湖パルパル
Rollercoasters, Japan's longest raft ride, and a cable car ride over Lake Hamana are among the attractions at this park in Kanzanji.
Takiya-ryo
This method of spear fishing at night is unique to the Lake Hamana area. You can rent a boat for up to 4 people, including an experienced fisherman, for ¥27,000. For a little extra you can have your catch cooked and served.
浜名湖体験学習施設ウォット, Hamanako Taiken Gakushuu Shisetsu Wotto
At this hands-on aquarium, you can see, touch, and learn about aquatic life in Lake Hamana.
浜名湖遊覧船, Hamanako Yūransen
This ferry runs between Kanzanji Hot Spring and Mikkabi-cho, giving some nice views of Lake Hamana. The round trip takes about an hour.
都田 ハイキング コース
This "19-km hiking trail" is actually a route on the roads through the area. While quite confusing to the non-Japanese speaker, it does take one past Washizawa Cave, winds up in the mountains a temple, bridges, a waterfall, and finally to Takisawa Observation Platform. A new highway being built across this area seems to have altered some roads and creates for a challenge in route-finding. Be prepared to trek 25–30 km as the 19-km length assumes one does not get lost.
湯風景しおり
A nice bathhouse not so far from the city center.
浜松オートレース場, Hamamatsu Ootoresuba
National auto and motorcycle racing events.
昇竜しだれ梅まつり, Shoryuu Shidare-ume Matsuri
Trees are pruned to look like dragons on clouds in the sky.
姫様道中, Hime-sama Dōchū
During the Edo Period this road was a popular excursion spot for princesses. This matsuri re-enacts what the procession was like, with actors in full authentic dress of samurai, maids, servants and, of course, the princess with her palanquin.
浜松祭り, Hamamatsu Matsuri
This 450-year-old festival is one of the most famous Golden Week festivals in Japan. In what is known as the Takoage Gassen, every neighborhood in the city and even some from other cities design and make their own kites to fly and to fight near at the festival grounds near Nakatajima Sand Dunes, with each kite representing a son born to a family of the neighborhood within the last year. The kite-fighting takes place on the third day of the 3-day festival and results entertainingly in downed kites in trees and on rooftops all over the neighborhood. In the Sunken Garden space on the north side of Act City, there is an international food court with many exotic stalls, and a stage for all kinds of music and cultural performances from around the world, including taiko drumming, local yaramaika music, Thai kickboxing, Brazilian batucada and samba dancing performances, jazz acts, jugglers, and traditional dances. There are also parades all over the city well into the night, in which children playing various instruments are carried in 70 large ornate parade floats. Everywhere there are groups marching and chanting to the sound of trumpets, and the sake flows freely.
浜北飛龍まつり, Hamakita Hiryū Matsuri
In honor of Ryūjin, god of the Tenryuu River, various events are held including kite-flying, a gyoza competition, and a special event celebrating fire, water, and sound.
Hamamatsu is one of Japan's leading producers of the patterned, dyed fabric used to make yukata, and this small festival celebrates the beauty of this colored "summer kimono" with musical performances, food stalls, a yukata contest, and other exhibitions.
遠州大念仏, Enshuu Dainenbutsu
In this local traditional performance, a procession of chanters and people with flutes, drums, cymbals and lanterns visit the homes of families who have lost a loved one in the last year.
水窪祭り, Misakubo Matsuri
This mountain festival features a costume contest in the afternoon and parades of costumed men carrying elaborate floats in the evening.
浜北万葉まつり, hamakita man'yō matsuri
Features re-enactments of life in the Nara and early Heian periods with people dressed in authentic period clothing and dramatic Manyo poetry readings.
佐久間ダムまつり, Sakuma Damu Matsuri
This festival pays tribute to Ryujin, god of the Tenryu River, and commemorates the 1956 opening of Sakuma Dam, a great engineering feat of its time. Highlights include a colorful dragon god dance, taiko drumming, fireworks over the lake, and many vendors displaying local products.
いなさ人形劇まつり, Inasa ningyōgeki Matsuri
A rarity in Japan, this festival brings puppeteers from across the country for three full days of over 60 performances. Great for kids.
秋葉山火祭り, Akiba-san Hi-matsuri
Celebrating the supposed fire-prevention powers of Mt. Akiba, this festival is held at Akiba Temple and Shrine atop the famous mountain, with fire-walking, fire dances, and various weapon dances.
阿里山
Taiwanese restaurant with a fairly wide selection of tasty dishes with good portion sizes for the price.
シャンボール
This bakery chain serves a variety of fresh-baked breads and pastries. There is a location with a deli inside the JR station, and another bakery is across the street from Shin-Hamamatsu station.
餃子のきよ
Famous gyoza not far from downtown.
石松餃子店, Ishimatsu Gyouza-ten
This may be the most famous place to get Hamamatsu gyoza. Some of the area's other famous shops are owned by former pupils of the head chef here.
喜慕里
A very old establishment known for its lighter, less meaty gyoza. Ramen is also served.
くんま水車の里
Named after the large old-fashioned waterwheel that turns outside, this spot serves the local specialties nihachi soba (buckwheat noodles) and gohei mochi. Visitors can also try making their own soba or konyaku.
The only full-fledged Mexican restaurant in town, run by a hard-working Mexican woman and her daughter. The chimichangas are spectacular, but the menu also includes a variety of appetizers, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and even a chicken molé. They also serve Mexican beer and frequently have cheap margarita specials.
お好み焼き本舗
Very large and popular Kansai-style chain okonomiyaki restaurant.
Good coffee, pizza and pasta in a sophisticated atmosphere. Full bar. There is plenty of outdoor seating, and the inside shares space with the DJ booth for FM Haro, a popular local radio station.
とらや
On the second floor above a fruit stand at Daiichi-dori and Yūraku-gai, this mom-and-pop shop has some of the best cook-it-yourself okonomiyaki in town.
Satisfying yet cheap Indonesian food, including Halal. The ¥1000 set is a surprisingly good deal for a lunch set—try the Gurame. Indonesian, Japanese, and limited English is spoken.
備長扇屋
A chain of yakitori shops, with some of the cheapest beer in town. Of the 7 stores, there are three within walking distance of the central JR station:.
ショウパーナ
Popular Brazilian all-you-can-eat rodizio with salad bar, rice and beans, salgados, feijoada and a wide selection of cuts served tableside, including various beef cuts, chicken, chicken hearts, lamb, and pork.
ガルーダ
The menu here is about half Indonesian and half Nepalese. There is also an import grocery store attached, with items from various Asian countries.
Good selection of local dishes. Basic décor.
Excellent selection of eel dishes. Need someone with knowledge of Japanese to order.
パヤカ
Mixture of Indonesian, and Thai food. Theme is "island life". Located a little bit out of the center (5 minutes by taxi), but truly a hidden pearl. Large terrace for summer nights, and very cozy/loungy interior. There is also a little shop selling jewelry and the like.
Servitu is part Brazilian buffet restaurant and part import grocery store.
スラバヤ
Slightly over-priced but satisfying Indonesian cuisine.
八百徳
Hamamatsu's most famous unagi restaurant, this place has been featured on national television programs many times in the past.
Chez Moriya features a chef who has worked in several top restaurants in Europe (including Belgian Comme Chez Soi" and Paris L'Arpege). The chef who is by the way very friendly, speaks French plus English.
Overlooking Lake Sanaru. Well layout out and decorated building, suited for small functions.
食道園
This somewhat upscale Korean-style barbecue restaurant is very popular. Try the ishiyaki bibimbap.
松韻亭
At this pleasant teahouse you can experience a traditional tea ceremony while taking in a nice garden view.
バルマル
Spanish tapas bar with a decent wine selection. Mostly Japanese clientèle.
A fairly standard Japanese-style beer garden: mediocre food, cold beer, fresh air. June through the end of August.
マインシュロス
A very large German beer hall which brews its own beer. A good spot if you have a big group.
モーション
Specializes in premium alcohols, liquors, beers and juices. Ask the bartender to make you one of his original cocktails. Also serves some light foods. Bartender speaks English, Japanese, Tagalog and Cebuano. The DJ plays various kinds of music. No table charge.
An interesting mix of Japanese and foreigners come here to drink, but they also offer authentic kebabs and other Turkish cuisine. Televised sports events on occasion. Free darts upstairs.
This club plays a mix of Brazilian music, rock, and house. Drinks are in the ¥500 range. This place can be quite happening on weekends.
Medium-sized Peruvian-owned club. The music ranges from salsa and forró to rock to house, sometimes all in one night. This place can get very crowded on weekend nights. The crowd is typically about half Peruvian and half Brazilian. To find it, go south of the JR station and take a left on the first main street.
プラネットカフェ
A medium-sized club with a mostly Japanese crowd which has DJ events that are often really good.
A small Japanese dance club on an upper floor across from the Toys'R'Us store in ZaZa City. Plays house or hip-hop. Cover is usually ¥2000.
A good ol' rock-n-roll venue that features rock and punk bands, both Japanese and Brazilian, with the occasional road show coming through. Open at least every F Sa, sometimes other days.
Local and national acts.
窓枠
This venue attracts a primarily young Japanese indie crowd for local, national, and occasional international acts.
A tiny hole-in-the-wall live venue with mostly ska bands.
ビジネスホテル辻梅
ホテル・ヴィラくれたけ
Relatively spacious rooms with room service from 5 on-site restaurants, a laundry service and in-room broadband connections.
渚園キャンプ場, Nagisa-en Kyampu-jou
Lakeside camping with barbecue grill rental, bicycle rentals and sporting facilities.
旅館仲屋
A small ryokan with a hot spring bath with a lake view. Breakfast is included—note that dinner is not included here.
東横イン浜松駅北口
Part of the popular no-frills Toyoko Inn chain of hotels. Toyoko Inn Club members can check in from 15:00.
浦川キャンプ場村, Urakawa Kyampumura
Campsites and simple lodgings on a beautiful green island at the convergence of two mountain rivers. Campfire pits, showers, and shared toilets. The locale is good for swimming in summertime.
ホテルアセント浜松
浜名湖ロイヤルホテル
Part of Hamanako Lakeside Plaza, which includes Yuto onsen, outdoor pool, tennis courts, gym, park, and several restaurants. Most rooms have a good view of Lake Hamana.
ホテルコンコルド浜松
Formerly the city's main conference venue, this older hotel is now a fairly good bargain for good sized rooms with a nice view of the castle park. 6 on-site restaurants, broadband service, and on-site car rentals are available.
ホテルセレクトイン浜松駅前
ホテルレオン浜松
ホテル明治屋
ダイワロイネットホテル浜松
This hotel is 2 minutes walk from city hall and Hamamatsu Castle Park. Excellent breakfast buffet.
アパホテル浜松駅南
浜松ターミナルホテル本館
ホテルサウスガーデン浜松
Just south of the central train station on the left.
グランドホテル浜松
A large hotel with restaurants, bars and function rooms. Some rooms starting to show their age.
遠鉄百貨店
High quality clothing and other items. The basement contains a wonderful grocery and deli.
イオンモール浜松市野
The largest shopping mall in the area. A free shuttle bus runs to the mall from Kamijima and Saginomiya stations on the Akaden line.
イオン浜松西店
Smallest yet closer to downtown, this location is bit more like a large department store.
イオンモール浜松志都呂
Clothing shops, Animate, a bookstore and an import store called Plaza, among other things. In addition to some restaurants, there is a high-quality grocery section in the basement.
サンストリート浜北
This shopping center contains a bathhouse, a Toho Cinema, arcades, a food court, a 24-hour Seiyu, and dozens of clothing stores.
ザザシティ浜松
Amongst varied clothing shops, ZaZa City has a musical instrument store, a movie theater, a supermarket, a manga store, a video arcade, Starbucks, MosBurger and more. The bookstore in the basement has a decent selection of English books.
浜松プラザ
Another large shopping mall complex consisted of five buildings: Xebio, Costco, Frespo, FitnessRelaxation ZEN, and Hamamatsu Plaza West. A tourist may be interested in Frespo and Hamamatsu Plaza West the most. The former is itself a shopping mall that consists of daily goods stores, restaurants, and a supermarket, while the latter are retail chains such as Mont-Bell, Uniqlo, GU and ABC. Xebio provide sports goods and children's goods, FitnessRelaxation ZEN is a gym with an onsen, and Costco - just Costco. If you want, you can visit it in a day, especially if you have a Costco membership. Visiting the complex by car is recommended.
By train
Hamamatsu is on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line, and the JR Tokaido Line, which serve major cities like Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.
By car
Hamamatsu gets little snow in winter, but it often feels much colder than it really is, thanks to what is known as the enshu-no-karakkaze, a very strong and dry wind which blows across Lake Hamana…
By bus
Hamamatsu serves as a major stop for bus travel throughout the country, thanks in large part to its location near the Tomei Expressway.
By car
By bus
Hamamatsu Bus Terminal is just north of the main JR train station. Take a ticket from the machine inside the bus when you enter.
By train
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Makinohara / Shimada · International · FSZ
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