Hamamatsu Travel Guide

Introduction

While it is known as an industrial city that gave birth to the Suzuki Corporation (among others), Hamamatsu is home to plenty of attractions that will entertain travellers passing through.

From museums that profile the exploits of its hometown company to ocean and flower parks that will impress nature-minded visitors, it is a worthwhile stop on an intensive tour of Japan.

Come check out our Hamamatsu travel guide as we cover the best things to do in Hamamatsu, Japan.

Top Attractions

Start your tour of the Hamamatsu area by discovering Hamamatsu Air Park. Here, you’ll get to check out vintage and modern airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft used by the Japanese Self-Defence Force.

The fighter jets are especially impressive, as you can climb into the cockpit of some of the ones on display. What’s more, there is a flight simulator you can use to see if you have what it takes to pilot one of these super-powered birds.

Best of all, there is no charge for visitors, making it a great activity if you are travelling as a family. There is also a gift shop on the premises if you wish to take home a memento of your time here.

Hamamatsu is home to Suzuki, one of Japan’s most famous corporations. Take a look at the products they have made throughout the years by dropping by Suzuki Plaza during your visit. Like Toyota, this company started off in the textile business, weaving fabrics for its customers.

However, as the years went by, it started to get into manufacturing vehicles like cars and motorized bikes. To this day, these products remain the most important contribution it has made to the world. As you make your way through the museum, you’ll get to see the older models of its vehicles, how they are manufactured, and other fun facts about how they have impacted life in Japan.

Like the Air Park, Suzuki Plaza has no admission fee, and it also has a gift shop. Stocked with collectables that can’t be found anywhere else, it’s worth a look inside if you or someone you know is a fan of this brand.

This city is also home to a rather unique attraction – the Hamamatsu Musical Instrument Museum. Surprisingly, it is the only institution of its kind in Japan, making it an especially worthwhile place to visit while in the area.

Since this city is where companies like Yamaha and Kawai produce musical instruments, it is understandable why public funds have been invested to bring more than 1,000 unique artifacts from every populated continent on Earth.

In addition to standard pieces like violins and pianos, exotic specimens like angklungs (a bamboo pipe instrument from Indonesia) and mbiras (an African invention often known as a thumb piano) can also be found here, making it an attraction that any fan of music won’t want to miss.

Want to check out a religious landmark before moving on from Hamamatsu? Make time in your schedule to check out the Ryotanji Temple. Around since the 8th century, this institution contains many of the typical trappings of a Zen Buddhist temple.

However, it is notable for the ‘singing’ floors in contains. Built in this fashion to alert sleeping occupants of intruders, it served as an alarm system during Japan’s medieval age.

Other Attractions

If you aren’t a huge stickler for authenticity, then a visit to Hamamatsu Castle will prove to be a worthwhile use of your time while in Hamamatsu. The original structure was bombed flat during Allied air raids during the Second World War, meaning that the castle that stands today was rebuilt completely in modern times.

Within, you’ll find original swords, armour, and other artifacts salvaged from the ruins, and with numerous cherry trees on the property, the castle is the place to be when sakura blossoms are blooming during the spring months.

Need a break from the urban landscapes which can be found throughout Japan? While in Hamamatsu, a visit to Nakatajima Dune will help you if you need to spend time in nature. Located 15 minutes outside the city centre, it is truly off the grid – with no vending machines, shops, or facilities of any kind, you’ll have nothing to distract you from the sandy beach and the sea.

Love the idea of spelunking, but not in a mood to get your clothes dirty? Pay a visit to Ryugashido Cavern. With rooms that are well lit, you’ll be able to appreciate the stalagmites and stalactites inside without having to fumble around with a flashlight. Boasting a year-round temperature within of 19 degrees Celsius, it is a great escape from the heat of summer and the chill of winter.

End your time in this unique corner of Japan by spending an hour or two at the Hamamatsu Flower Park. While it is best known for its collection of tulips, it has more than 3,000 different types of flora, making it a great place to go during the spring.