Hamamatsu Eel | Plump and Fragrant Shizuoka Specialty Nurtured by Lake Hamana

Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka, is a nationally known home of fine eel. Behind this lies Lake Hamana, a brackish lake, and eel farming that began in the Meiji era grew greatly, supported by a mild climate and abundant water resources. The fragrant, plump-grilled kabayaki is a delicacy worth trying at least once when you visit Hamamatsu.

Hamamatsu and the History of Eel Farming

Eel farming around Lake Hamana is said to have begun in the Meiji era. Where fresh and sea water mix, Lake Hamana is a good fishing ground where young glass eels gather, offering conditions well suited to aquaculture. Taking advantage of the mild climate and rich water resources, Hamamatsu developed as one of the birthplaces of eel farming in Japan. Today it enjoys such fame that eel is often said to mean Hamamatsu.

Kabayaki Where Kanto and Kansai Styles Meet

Because Hamamatsu sits geographically at the boundary of eastern and western culture, it is an interesting feature that both cooking methods appear here: the Kanto style, split down the back, steamed, then grilled, and the Kansai style, split down the belly and grilled without steaming. Plump, well-marbled flesh glazed with a sweet-savory sauce makes for exquisite kabayaki. Dishes such as unaju and hitsumabushi let you enjoy each shop own creative take.

Unagi Pie and Lake Hamana Sightseeing

Nationally known as a Hamamatsu specialty, the Unagi Pie is a Western-style baked sweet kneaded with eel extract and a standard souvenir. Around Lake Hamana, sightseeing spots such as Kanzanji Onsen, a ropeway, and sightseeing boats are well provided, letting you enjoy fine food and scenery together.

Practical Travel Notes

• Even within Hamamatsu, grilling methods differ by shop, such as Kanto and Kansai styles. Comparing them lets you enjoy each character.
• Popular eel shops often have lines at the lunch peak, so reservations or an early visit are recommended. Check closed days and hours on official sources.
• Unagi Pie can be bought at shops in the city, at the station, and around Lake Hamana. There is also a facility offering factory tours, which should be confirmed in advance.
• Sightseeing facilities are scattered around Lake Hamana, so a car makes the area easier to tour.

Access and Basics

• Location: Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
• Train: the gateway is Hamamatsu Station, served by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. Famous eel shops are also scattered around the station, within walking distance.
• Toward Lake Hamana: reach the Kanzanji Onsen area on the lakeshore by bus and other means from Hamamatsu Station. Many restaurants let you dine with lake views.
• Car: reach the city center and Lake Hamana from interchanges on the Tomei and Shin-Tomei Expressways.
• Hours and prices: vary by shop. Check official websites before visiting.

One Piece of Advice

Hamamatsu eel can be enjoyed casually near the station or savored slowly with Lake Hamana views. Summer, which includes the Day of the Ox, is especially busy, so visit with time to spare. Combined with souvenirs such as Unagi Pie and a visit to Kanzanji Onsen, it makes a day of fine food and scenery.

📚 Sources

This article is based on information published by Hamamatsu City and the local tourism association, guidance on well-known eel restaurants in the city, and introductions to Kanzanji Onsen and tourist facilities around Lake Hamana. Business hours and closed days for eel restaurants, and the status of factory tours, may change, so please check each facility's official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: 1 to 2 hours for a meal, or half a day to a full day including Lake Hamana sightseeing
• Transport: A car is easy for getting around, as attractions are scattered near Lake Hamana
• How to get around: Compare Kanto and Kansai styles to enjoy each shop's character
• Good to check: Popular shops form lines at midday, so reserve or arrive early
• Also enjoy: Eel Pie, Kanzanji Onsen, and the ropeway or sightseeing boats
• Seasonal notes: Summer, with its Day of the Ox, is especially crowded