Located in western Shizuoka Prefecture, Hamamatsu is a vibrant city that blends nature, culture, and innovation. If you love the outdoors, history, or great food, Hamamatsu has something for everyone！
Beautiful Nature by the Sea and Lake
What to see in Hamamatsu
Lake Hamana
Lake Hamana is one of the largest lakes in Japan and one of the most popular attractions in Hamamatsu. What makes it unique is that it is connected to the Pacific Ocean, creating a mix of fresh and salt water.
Because of this rare environment, the lake is famous for its rich ecosystem and high-quality seafood, especially eel (unagi).
The nearby area, known as Kanzanji Onsen, is perfect for relaxing in a hot spring while enjoying views of the lake.
Nakatajima sand Dunes
A rare natural landscape in Japan. Don’t miss the sunset—it’s breathtaking!
it is one of the largest sand dune areas in Japan, located along the coast of Hamamatsu city. It stretches for about 4 kilometers and offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
This place is famous for its wide sandy landscape, strong coastal winds, and stunning sunsets. When you walk across the dunes, you can feel like you are in a desert, which is quite unique in Japan.
Another highlight is the Hamamatsu Kite Festival, held during Golden week. (Japanese holiday in May. May 3rd-5th.) Huge traditional kites are flown over the dunes, creating an exciting and colorful scene.
If you visit, you can enjoy walking, taking photos, and relaxing while listening to the sound of the ocean. It’s a great spot to experience nature and a different side of Japan.
Hamamatsu Castle
Hamamatsu Castle is a historic castle located in the center of Hamamatsu city. It is well known as the place where Ieyasu Tokugawa,（Japanese only. Please use your browser to translate) one of Japan’s most famous samurai leaders, spent about 17 years of his life before becoming shogun.
The castle is often called the “Castle of Success” because many people believe that Tokugawa Ieyasu’s time here helped him achieve great success later in life. Today, it is a popular spot for visitors who are interested in Japanese history and samurai culture.
The current castle tower has been reconstructed, and inside you can find exhibits about Ieyasu and the history of the castle. From the top floor, you can enjoy a nice view of the city.
Around the castle, there is a beautiful park filled with seasonal flowers. It is especially popular during 桜の季節, when many cherry trees bloom and create a picturesque scene.
Hamamatsu Castle is a great place to learn about Japan’s history while enjoying a relaxing walk in nature.
Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments
Explore instruments from around the world in this unique museum. Perfect for music lovers. It opened in 1995 as Japan’s first public museum dedicated to musical instruments. The museum displays around 1,500 instruments from all over the world, making it one of the largest collections of its kind.
One of the main features of the museum is its concept: all musical instruments are treated equally, regardless of their origin. You can explore instruments from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Japan, learning about different cultures through music.
Visitors can not only see instruments but also hear and experience them. There are headphones and video displays to listen to the sounds, and even hands-on areas where you can try playing instruments yourself.
The museum also hosts concerts, workshops, and special exhibitions, making it enjoyable for both adults and children.
Overall, it’s a great place to travel around the world through music and discover how instruments reflect different cultures and histories.
The official Website for Hamamatsu museum of musical instruments
Hamamatsu Matsuri (Festival)
The Hamamatsu Festival is one of the most famous events in Hamamatsu, held every year from May 3rd to May 5th during Japan’s Golden Week.
This festival has a history of over 450 years and is known as a celebration of children’s birth, especially for a family’s first child.
Highlights of the Festival
1.Giant Kite Flying Battle (Daytime)
The main event takes place at Nakatajima Sand Dunes.
- Huge kites are flown in the sky
- Families celebrate newborn babies with special kites called “Hatsu-dako” (first kites)
- The most exciting part is the kite battle, where teams try to cut each other’s strings
Around 170 local teams participate, making it a powerful and energetic event.
2. Floats Parade (Night)
At night, the city transforms with beautiful traditional floats called “Gotenyatai.”
- Floats are decorated with lanterns
- Traditional music fills the streets
- The atmosphere becomes magical and festive
It’s a perfect mix of culture, history, and nightlife.
3. Festival Atmosphere
- Street food and local specialties
- Parades and performances
- Over 1 million visitors during the 3 days
The entire city becomes lively and full of energy.
Visit the official Home page for Hamamatsu Matsuri (Festival)
A City of Music
Hamamatsu is known as the “City of Music.” It is the birthplace of global companies like Yamaha Corporation and Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing.
You can explore this musical heritage at the Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments, where instruments from around the world are displayed.
Delicious Local Food
Hamamatsu Gyoza
Enjoy Hamamatsu’s famous Hamamatsu Gyoza. It’s cooked in a round circular shape in a pan. This makes it visually appealing and easy to share. A signature feature is the fresh bean sprouts placed in the middle. They add a light, refreshing contrast to the rich flavor of the gyoza. Unlike heavier gyoza, Hamamatsu gyoza contains plenty of vegetables like cabbage and onions, making it lighter and easy to eat more. The bottom is crispy and golden, while the inside stays juicy and flavorful—creating a perfect texture balance.
Recommended places are:
- Fukumitsu– Classic local favorite with a strong reputation. Crispy on the outside and Juicy inside.
- Hamamatsu Gyoza no Yokohama Hanten– simple but rich flavor. Perfect place if you want a more authentic, local experience
- Gyoza man– Trendy Izakaya style Gyoza shops. Nice place for a night out for a drink with Gyoza!
Unagi (Eel)
Another must-try is grilled eel (unagi), thanks to the city’s location near Lake Hamana. The area has ideal conditions for raising eel, resulting in high-quality, flavorful unagi. The eel is grilled to perfection—crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside. It is coated with a rich soy-based sauce that adds a sweet and savory flavor, enhancing the taste of the eel. The eel is carefully grilled over charcoal, which brings out a smoky aroma and deep flavor. Hamamatsu has a long history of eel farming and is one of Japan’s top unagi-producing regions.
Recommended places are:
- Unagi Yaotoku Honten– Perfect if you want a more authentic, local experience
- Unagi Fujita– Highly rated by locals. Perfectly grilled, soft and flavorful eel. Calm and traditional atmosphere
Easy Access and Relaxed Atmosphere
Hamamatsu is easily accessible via the Shinkansen, making it a convenient stop between Tokyo and Osaka. Compared to bigger cities, it offers a more relaxed and local experience.
If you’re looking for a place that combines nature, culture, and amazing food without the crowds, Hamamatsu is a perfect choice. Add it to your Japan itinerary and discover something different!
