Hamamatsu, Japan: travel guide
A musical-instrument city on Lake Hamana, with dunes and eel dinners
Japan's musical instrument capital — Yamaha and Roland were founded here — Hamamatsu also produces Honda motorcycles, grows Japan's finest unagi eel, and sits on the shores of Lake Hamana with views of Mt Fuji on clear days.
About Hamamatsu
Hamamatsu is a mid-sized city on the Pacific coast between Tokyo and Nagoya, known for industry and, in particular, musical instruments. Yamaha and other makers have deep roots here, and the museum of musical instruments is a good starting point.
Beyond that, you can visit Hamamatsu Castle, walk the Nakatajima sand dunes by the sea, and spend time around Lake Hamana, where there are onsen and views toward Fuji on clear days. The region is also known for unagi, grilled eel, which is served in local restaurants.
It suits travellers with a flexible schedule on the Tokaido route, music fans and those looking for a calmer break between larger cities. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons.
- Country
- Japan
- Currency
- JPY
- Time zone
- Asia/Tokyo
- Nearest airport
- FSZ
Last updated
Top places to visit in Hamamatsu
Hamamatsu Castle
Heritage · about 1 h · entry ¥200 (≈ ₹120)
Reconstructed hilltop castle once held by Tokugawa Ieyasu, nicknamed the "castle of success", set in a wooded park.
Lake Hamana
Nature · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Large brackish lake ringed by hot springs, cycling paths and eel farms, opening onto the Pacific.
Kanzanji Onsen
Cultural · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Lakeside hot-spring resort with a ropeway to an orgel museum, a flower park and sunset bay views.
Nakatajima Sand Dunes
Nature · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
One of Japan's three great dune fields on the Pacific coast, a loggerhead-turtle nesting beach and kite-festival site.
Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments
Museum · about 1.3 h · entry ¥800 (≈ ₹480)
Japan's first public museum of instruments, with over 1,300 pieces from around the world and a hands-on room.
Ryugashido Cavern
Nature · about 1 h · entry ¥1,000 (≈ ₹600)
2.5 km limestone cave north of Lake Hamana with stalactites, an underground waterfall and clear pools.
Things to do
- Lake Hamana Cycling Tour Adventure · 4 h · from JPY 5,000 per person
- Kanzanji Ropeway & Sunset Sightseeing · 1.5 h · from JPY 1,200 per person
Where to stay in Hamamatsu
- Downtown about JPY 3,000 per night
Music city with mid-range accommodation
Hotels
- Okura Act City Hotel Hamamatsu 4-star
- Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hamamatsu 3-star
Where to eat
- Unagi Fujita Hamamatsu japanese, eel · about JPY 3,500 per person
- Gyoza no Ishimatsu japanese, gyoza · about JPY 900 per person
Getting to Hamamatsu
Nearest airport: Shizuoka (FSZ), about 43 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Bus
- Train
- Walking
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Frequently asked questions about Hamamatsu
- What are the main places to visit in Hamamatsu?
- Places covered in our Hamamatsu guide include Hamamatsu Castle, Lake Hamana, Kanzanji Onsen, Nakatajima Sand Dunes, Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments.
- Where should I stay in Hamamatsu?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Hamamatsu: Downtown.
- How do I get around Hamamatsu?
- Ways to get around Hamamatsu covered in our guide: City bus, Train, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Hamamatsu?
- The nearest airport to Hamamatsu has the code FSZ.