Located on the Pacific coast in central Honshu and within a 3.5-hour drive from most military bases in the Kanto Plain, Hamamatsu is the largest city of Shizuoka Prefecture with over 776,118 people.

The castle city is home to a scenic lake and accommodates plenty of natural and historical attractions. Hamamatsu was also where the first Edo Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542 – 1616), grew up, so there are many buildings and monuments related to this important figure. Other attractions like shrines, temples and the Sekishio Checkpoint are popular sights for visitors.

My wife and I recently visited Hamamatsu to check out the unique townscape made up of new and old tourist attractions while driving around scenic Lake Hamanako.

In the Hamamatsu city center – Though the castle is majestic, it seemed rather small considering it was where the first Tokugawa Shogun resided for 17 years. Upon closer inspection, we learned the castle is a replica because the original castle was destroyed during World War II air raids. The replica, constructed in 1959, is only three quarters the size of the original. Today, the castle tower is a museum with many artifacts, swords and more displaying the extensive history of the castle and area.

West of Lake Hamanako- To regulate trade and movements of residents, the Arai Sekisho checkpoint was built in 1858 on the Tokaido Highway. This is the only building of its kind that still exists in Japan today. Here, visitors can get a glimpse of the traditional wooden building, main gate and original signboards for a taste of how locals traveled during the feudal period.

East of Lake Hamanako – This side of the lake is where you’ll find Hamamatsu Flower Park, a 300,000-square-meter-wide space with hundreds of beautiful seasonal blooms. We felt like we’d strayed into a scene out of a Ghibli animated film. We hopped on the colorful flower train to enjoy the entire park, including its “mosaiculture” square, home to large mosaic figures of a bear and deer.

North of Lake Hamanako – On the north side of the beautiful lake, we stopped at Ryotanji, a 1,292-years-old Buddhist temple. The temple accommodates dozens of important statues of Buddha and an uguisubari nightingale corridor created to emit creaking noise to warn of eminent attacks, which was useful during the samurai era.

The wooden halls with many Buddhas lead to an impressive traditional Japanese garden, which was designated as a National Site of Scenic Beauty. The garden’s centerpiece is a dragon-shaped pond and unique rock formations. We sat on the veranda facing the garden and enjoyed the extraordinary view while we took a rest.  

Southeast of Lake Hamanako - Hamamatsu is also home to a topographical wonder— the Nakatajima Sand Dunes. These dunes one of three major ones in Japan and stretch over 600 meters. It is a famous spot to catch loggerhead turtles laying eggs every spring and summer. Although we didn’t meet turtles during our visit, we enjoyed walking on the beautiful dunes reflected in golden colors.

Hamamatsu is an attractive city filled with both modern and traditional beauties, an ideal location for a great day trip. So, make plans for your own visit!

Things to know

Arai Sekisho checkpoint 

• Location: 1227-5 Arai, Arai Town, Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture (Hamamatsu City Hall)

• Hours: Tue. – Sun., 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Admission: Adults (middle schooler or older) 400 yen, elementary schoolers or younger 150 yen

• URL

• Tel: 053-594-3615

Hamamatsu Flower Park 

• Location: 195 Kanzanjicho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture

• Hours: Mar. – Sep., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Oct. – Nov., -4:30 p.m.; Dec. – Feb., 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Admission: Adults 500 yen, middle schoolers or younger free

• URL

• Tel: 053-487-0511

Ryotanji (Buddhist temple) 

• Location: 1989 Iidani, Isacho, Hamana-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture

• Hours: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Admission: Adults 500 yen, elementary and middle schoolers 200 yen

• URL

• Tel: 053-542-0901

Hamamatsu Castle 

• Location: 100-2 Motoshiromachi, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture

• Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Admission: Adults 200 yen, middle schooler or younger free

• URL

• Tel: 053-453-3872

Nakatajima Sakyu (sand dunes)  

• Location: 1313 Nakatajima, Minato-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture)

• URL

• Tel: 053-452-1634

Tasty note: While in the area, be sure to sample unagi (eel) cultivated in Lake Hamanako, as they have extremely tender, sweet and savory flavors with pleasant crispy textures.

Camp Fuji

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