Hamamatsu City (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

Welcome to virtual vacation video series where we can explore destinations from the comfort of our homes.

Join us as we take a short virtual journey to Hamamatsu in Japan.

The great thing about this destination is that it is easily accessible from Tokyo within 1.5 hours via the Shinkansen bullet train, which runs up to 200 miles per hour.

Located on the Pacific coast in central Honshu, Hamamatsu is a large castle city and home to scenic Lake Hamanako, plenty of natural and historical attractions and a unique musical museum, which make the city a great getaway.

Lake Hamanako (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

Lake Hamanako (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

Some of the must-see spots in Hamamatsu include:

- Hamamatsu city Center - Get a glimpse of the samurai age by visiting majestic Hamamatsu Castle where the first Edo Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu resided for 17 years. Check out the museum in the castle tower which has many artifacts, swords and more displays depicting the area’s extensive history. Hamamatsu is also home to several of the internationally recognized musical instrument brands like Yamaha and Kawai. Stop by the City Museum of Musical Instruments where 1,500 new traditional instruments from all over the world are on display.

Hamamatsu Castle (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

Hamamatsu Castle (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

Museum of Music instruments (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

Museum of Music instruments (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

Hamamatsu City (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

- Hamamatsu Flower Park - Spend some time exploring the 300,000 square-meter-wide Hamamatsu Flower Park with its incredible seasonal blooms. Hop on the colorful flower train to enjoy the entire park, including its “mosaiculture” square, home to large mosaic figures of a bear and deer.

Mosaicultures at Hamamatsu Flower Park (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

Hamamatsu Flower Park (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

Nearby, Ryotanji, a 1,292-years-old Buddhist temple is home to dozens of important statues of Buddha and an uguisubari nightingale corridor created to emit creaking noises to warn of imminent attacks. Sit on the temple veranda and enjoy the extraordinary view of the grounds including the impressive traditional temple garden, dragon-shaped pond and unique rock formations.

Statue of Takugawa Ieyasu (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

Ryotanji Temple (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

Ryotanji Temple (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

Ryotanji Temple (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

- Nakatajima Sand Dunes - Counted one of Japan’s three major dunes, Nakatajima Sand Dunes is a famous spot to catch loggerhead turtles laying eggs every spring and summer. Regardless of when you visit, you can enjoy the beautiful dunes stretching over 600 meters

Nakatajima Sand Dune (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

While you’re there, don’t forget to sample Hamamatsu’s signature delicacy unagi eels. Cultivated in Lake Hamanako, the grilled eels in Hamamatsu are incredibly tender and savory with buttery and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

I hope you enjoyed a look at Hamamatsu through my travel photos and that it has inspired your next trip. Get ready to travel with us in our next video. Thanks for watching!