What Is Lake Hamana (Hamanako)?
Lake Hamana (Hamanako) is a lake in western Shizuoka Prefecture, spanning Hamamatsu City and Kosai City.
It is also known as a brackish lake connected to the sea.
With a shoreline of about 114 kilometers, it’s loved for its rich natural environment and calm scenery, making it a popular destination for travelers from Japan and abroad.
This unique environment nurtures many local specialties—including eel—and Lake Hamana is widely known nationwide as a famous place for unagi (eel).
Lake Hamana Things to Do and Highlights
1. Scenic viewpoints
Beautiful lakeside views spread out around Lake Hamana.
Sunset is especially magical, as the water can glow orange, making it a dream location for photography lovers.
Recommended spots:
- Ōkusayama Observatory (Kanzanji Ropeway summit)
- You can look out over Lake Hamana, and the sunset hours are particularly spectacular. Access the summit by ropeway from Kanzanji Onsen.
- Kanzanji Onsen area
- A hot spring district facing the lake, where you can relax while enjoying the scenery. It’s also a convenient base for Lake Hamana sightseeing.
2. Lots of activities
Lake Hamana offers plenty of water activities.
Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and sailing are available, with programs for both beginners and experienced visitors.
The lake’s calm surface is reassuring for first-timers, and experience tours lasting about 1 to 2 hours may be offered.
The cycling route that loops around the lake, Hamaichi, is about 70 kilometers, letting you ride while enjoying lakeside scenery.
3. Lake Hamana food and local specialties
The signature specialty of Lake Hamana is eel (unagi).
Many local restaurants serve eel dishes such as shirayaki and kabayaki.
In addition, you can enjoy dishes using local ingredients like shirasu (whitebait) and oysters, making the most of blessings from both the sea and the lake.
In winter, oyster huts may open, allowing you to enjoy grilled oysters on the spot.
In Hamamatsu City, Hamamatsu gyoza is another must-try specialty, known for its distinctive circular arrangement with bean sprouts in the center.
4. Nearby attractions
If you visit Lake Hamana, be sure to check nearby attractions too.
- Kanzanji Onsen
- The onsen town has relaxation facilities and open-air baths with lake views. Many places also offer day-use bathing.
- Hamanako Garden Park
- A large park (560,000 square meters) filled with seasonal flowers and free admission. From the observation tower, you can see Lake Hamana, and it’s also recommended for families with children.
- Hamamatsu Flower Park
- A spot where you can enjoy flowers throughout the year, especially popular during spring bloom seasons.
How to Get to Lake Hamana
By train
- Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen or JR Tokaido Main Line to Hamamatsu Station. From Tokyo, it’s about 1 hour 30 minutes by Shinkansen Hikari; from Nagoya, about 30 minutes.
- From Hamamatsu Station, take an Entetsu bus bound for Kanzanji Onsen (about 45 minutes) to reach the Kanzanji Onsen area and other parts around Lake Hamana.
By car
- From the Tokyo area
- Use the Tomei Expressway and exit at Hamamatsu-Nishi IC or Kanzanji Smart IC.
- Travel time is about 2.5 to 3 hours.
- From the Nagoya area
- About 1 to 1.5 hours via the Tomei Expressway.
There are many free and paid parking lots around Lake Hamana, making it convenient for a road trip.
How to Enjoy Lake Hamana
1. Try water activities
Renting a kayak or SUP and enjoying the lake’s scenery from the water is a top activity.
Because there are beginner-friendly guided tours, you can take on the challenge even without bringing your own gear.
The lake’s surface is generally calm, making it reassuring even for families with small children.
2. Relax in hot springs
At Kanzanji Onsen and lakeside onsen lodgings, you can unwind while looking out over Lake Hamana.
In particular, accommodations with private open-air baths offer a luxurious way to spend your time.
3. Enjoy local food
Lakeside restaurants and diners serve eel kabayaki and oyster dishes.
Hamamatsu gyoza is also popular in Hamamatsu City, so consider trying it for lunch.
4. Enjoy nature and flowers
At Hamanako Garden Park and Hamamatsu Flower Park, you can enjoy seasonal flowers and nature.
They’re also great as date spots for couples and family outings with children.
5. Ride the Tenryū Hamanako Railroad
The Tenryū Hamanako Railroad (Tenhama Line), a local line running along the northern shore of the lake, lets you enjoy lakeside scenery from retro train cars.
With many station buildings designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties, it’s popular not only with rail fans but also with tourists.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Best time to visit
- Spring (March to May): cherry blossoms and fresh greenery.
- Autumn (October to November): beautiful fall colors and comfortable weather for sightseeing.
- Winter (November to March): known as the oyster hut season.
- Notes
- If you enjoy water activities, be sure to wear a life jacket.
- Lakeside paths can be windy, so bringing a windbreaker is convenient.
- Access tips
- To avoid crowds, especially during Golden Week, summer vacation, and long holidays, plan early.
- The Tenryū Hamanako Railroad offers a great-value 1-day free pass (1,950 yen) for enjoying sightseeing along the line.
Summary
Lake Hamana is one of Shizuoka’s top destinations for enjoying beautiful lakeside scenery and rich nature.
From water activities and Kanzanji Onsen to outstanding eel and oyster dishes, it offers a wide range of experiences.
With convenient access from both Tokyo and Nagoya, it’s also ideal for day trips and weekend escapes.
Why not spend a special time at Lake Hamana, where every visit brings new discoveries?
