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Hamamatsu in Shizuoka has it all—music, history, nature, and food. With its castle, sand dunes, and famous gyoza, it’s a family-friendly stop on the Tokaido route.
Why Visit Hamamatsu?
Hamamatsu may sit between Tokyo and Osaka on the Shinkansen line, but it’s more than just a stopover. The city is home to world-famous musical instrument makers like Yamaha, Kawai, and Roland, and its creative spirit shows in everything from museums to architecture. Families will also find plenty of outdoor and cultural attractions to fill a trip.
Highlights include:
- Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments – The largest of its kind in Japan, with instruments from around the world.
- Hamamatsu Castle – Once ruled by Tokugawa Ieyasu, offering history and garden views.
- Nakatajima Sand Dunes – One of Japan’s largest sand dune areas, with striking Pacific Ocean scenery.
- Lake Hamana – A coastal lake where you can stroll, cruise, or visit nearby gardens.
- Act Tower – A harmonica-shaped skyscraper symbolizing the city’s musical roots.
- Local Cuisine – Don’t miss Hamamatsu gyoza, often served in a circular pattern with bean sprouts, or creative dishes made with unagi (eel).
Family-Friendly Things to Do
We found Hamamatsu surprisingly fun for kids. Attractions balance education with play, and many are easy to reach from central Hamamatsu.
- Hamamatsu Air Park (航空自衛隊浜松広報館) – A Japan Air Self-Defense Force museum where you can see fighter jets up close.
- Hamamatsu Flower Park – Seasonal blooms, themed gardens, and a Ferris wheel.
- Hamanako Palpal – A lakeside amusement park with rides for younger children.
These spots gave us a good mix of active exploration and downtime, and our kids enjoyed them all.
How to Get to Hamamatsu
By Shinkansen: Hamamatsu Station sits on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. It is about 90 minutes from Tokyo. It is 35 minutes from Nagoya, and 90 minutes from Osaka on Hikari trains. Kodama trains also stop but are slower.
By Highway Bus: The Tomei Highway Bus connects Tokyo and Hamamatsu in about 4 hours. It is a budget-friendly option.
Is Hamamatsu Worth Visiting?
Hamamatsu may not have the name recognition of Kyoto or Tokyo, but that’s part of its charm. The city brings together history, creativity, and nature in a way that feels both approachable and fun. We loved how it offered cultural highlights while still keeping things family-friendly—and the food alone, especially the unagi, left a lasting impression.
If you’re traveling the Tokaido route, Hamamatsu is well worth adding to your itinerary.
More to Explore Nearby
Hamamatsu, as Shizuoka Prefecture’s largest city, offers a vibrant mix of history, unique regional cuisine, natural lakeside scenery, and family-friendly entertainment to explore.
- Hamamatsu Castle – Explore this historically significant castle, a former home of Tokugawa Ieyasu and a symbol of the city’s past.
- Lake Hamana – Discover the vast saltwater lake nearby, offering beautiful scenery and opportunities for marine recreation.
- Unagi Pie Factory – Take a tour of this unique factory that produces Hamamatsu’s famous “nighttime confection,” a crunchy eel-flavored snack.
- Hamamatsu Gyoza – Dive into the local culinary scene by learning more about this famous regional specialty, often cooked in a distinctive circular presentation.
