Hamamatsu

Introduction

Located in western Shizuoka Prefecture, Hamamatsu offers you a high quality of life as a major urban center. You can experience a sense of well-being in this city, which has been recognized for its high ranking on the happiness index among government-designated cities.

Before you go

Prepare for an experience in a uniquely international city where you will encounter a diverse cultural landscape. You can explore a wide array of ethnic stores, restaurants, bars, and clubs shaped by significant populations from Brazil, Peru, Indonesia, South Korea, the Philippines, China, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

As you plan your visit to this industrial hub, note that the area is known for its production of motorcycles, musical instruments, and optoelectronic sensors. You can consult the local tourist association's multilingual guide site to help prepare for your stay.

Getting there

You can reach Hamamatsu via several rail options, as the city sits on both the Tokaido Shinkansen Line and the JR Tokaido Line. From Tokyo, you can choose between faster Hikari trains or all-stopping Kodama trains; from Osaka and Kyoto, similar services are available. For those traveling from other major hubs like Nagoya, the Shinkansen offers a quick connection, while regular local trains on the Tokaido Line provide a scenic route with multiple changes. If you prefer to travel overnight, the Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto trains make stops in Hamamatsu.

If you are arriving by air, several options connect you to the city:

From Shizuoka Airport, you can take a limousine bus to Shimada Station followed by a train, or utilize shuttle buses to Kakegawa Station before catching a local train or the shinkansen.
From Chubu International Airport in Nagoya, you can take a direct E-Wing bus to Hamamatsu Station or travel via the Meitetsu Limited Express and the shinkansen.
From Kansai or Narita airports, the fastest route involves taking a JR limited express to Osaka or Tokyo respectively, then transferring to the shinkansen.

Alternatively, you can reach the city by car via the Tomei Expressway or the Shin-Tomei Expressway. For those preferring road travel, numerous day and overnight buses run from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, with a major hub located right next to Hamamatsu Station.

Getting around

You can explore the city center easily on foot, but because Hamamatsu is a sprawling area, you will need alternative transportation to reach outlying destinations such as Kanzanji Hot Springs or Fruit Park. The JR Tokaido main line features five stops within the city limits, while the JR Iida line serves the mountainous northern edge of the city with useful stops at Misakubo and Sakuma.

For local travel, you can use the bus system starting from the Hamamatsu Bus Terminal located just north of the main JR station. You can also ride the Entetsu line, known as the Aka-den for its red train cars, which runs from Shin-Hamamatsu station to Nishikajima station. The Tenryu-Hamanako line provides another way to travel through the foothills and across the scenic northern end of Lake Hamana.

Where to stay

Depending on your preferred style of accommodation, you can find a variety of stays ranging from traditional inns to modern hotels and rustic campsites. For those seeking a traditional experience, Ryokan Nakaya offers a hot spring bath with views of the lake. If you prefer a more active outdoor experience, Nagisa Park Campground provides lakeside camping with barbecue grills and bicycle rentals, while Urakawa Campground offers a retreat on a green island at the meeting point of two mountain rivers, featuring log houses and campfire pits.

For those seeking convenience near the city center or transit hubs, several options are available in the Sunayama-cho area. You can choose from larger establishments like the Grand Hotel Hamamatsu or the Hamanako Royal Hotel, which features a lakeside plaza with an outdoor pool and tennis courts. Other nearby options include the Hotel Concorde Hamamatsu, located near the castle park, and various mid-range selections such as the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hamamatsu or the APA Hotel Hamamatsu-ekiminami.

Food & drink

Explore a wide variety of flavors across the city, from local specialties to international cuisines. You can sample famous Hamamatsu gyoza at several locations, including Ishimatsu Gyoza or the long-established Kibori, which is known for its lighter, less meaty dumplings. For those seeking regional staples, visit Kunma Suisha no Sato to enjoy nihachi soba and gohei mochi near a large traditional waterwheel, or head to Yaotoku for a renowned selection of eel dishes. If you prefer international flavors, find authentic Mexican cuisine at Las Chillonas, satisfying Indonesian dishes at Ani&Ivan or Surabaya, and Brazilian feasts at Choupana or Servitu.

The local dining scene also offers diverse atmospheres for your meals. You can enjoy a sophisticated experience with coffee, pizza, and pasta at Pronto Cafe, which features an outdoor seating area and a DJ booth. For a more casual vibe, the Binchou Oogiya chain offers yakitori and beer in several convenient locations. If you prefer a traditional experience, visit Shointei Tea Ceremony House to enjoy a tea ceremony with garden views. For your evening drinks, explore the bars and pubs around Yūraku-gai, where you can find Spanish tapas at Bar Mar Espana, a large German beer hall at Mein Schloss, or specialized cocktails at Motion.

What to see and do

Explore the musical heritage of this city at Act City, where a skyscraper designed to resemble a harmonica serves as a landmark for the "City of Music." You can visit the observatory on the 45th floor to view central Hamamatsu, the nearby sand dunes, and Lake Hamana. The complex also features a rooftop park with a Chopin Monument and a sunken garden used for cultural performances. For those interested in history, the grounds of Hamamatsu Castle feature original foundations made of unhewn stones, while the Kiga Sekisho offers a glimpse into the past as a restored checkpoint along the Princess Road.

Nature and adventure await across the region's diverse landscapes:

Relax by the Keta River or the Tenryu River, which offer opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and rafting.
Explore the underground world of Ryugashi Cavern, a limestone cavern featuring an underground waterfall, or visit Washizawa Wind Cave to experience its unique horizontal ceiling.
Stroll through the Nakatajima Sand Dunes or take a hike to the ruins of Mitake Castle atop Mt. Mitake.
Experience local culture at the Hamamatsu Festival Hall, which showcases festival kites and lanterns year-round, or visit the Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments to hear various ethnic instruments.

When to go

Your experience of the local climate depends largely on which part of the region you visit. The southern areas offer a humid subtropical environment where winters are mild and characterized by dry winds from the Enshū no Karakaze monsoon, while the northern regions face much harsher conditions with snowy winters and severe foehn winds.

During the summer months, you can expect hot and humid conditions throughout the region. The northern Tenryu-ku area experiences particularly intense heat during this season.

Three days in Hamamatsu

Day one, you can arrive at Hamamatsu Station via the Tokaido Shinkansen Line or the JR Tokaido Line. If traveling from Tokyo, you can board a Hikari or Kodama train to reach your destination.

Day two, you can explore the surrounding area and take advantage of local rail connections like the JR Tokaido Line. You can also travel toward nearby cities such as Nagoya or Kyoto using the Shinkansen.

Day three, you can plan your departure from Hamamatsu Station or consider alternative routes involving the Meitetsu Limited Express if traveling from Kansai.

Hamamatsu travel guide