Hamamatsu One Day Course Lake Hamana and Kanzanji Onsen

Lake Hamana is a waterside resort you can enjoy all day, with sightseeing boats, a ropeway, hot springs and food. Take in a three hundred sixty degree view from the Kanzanji Ropeway, the only ropeway in Japan that crosses over a lake, and savor the local eel at Kanzanji Onsen in this indulgent course of play, food and relaxation.

Course Route

9:30 Start at JR Hamamatsu Station Board a bus for Kanzanji Onsen from the station bus terminal.

10:30 Arrive in the Kanzanji Onsen area A hot spring resort along the shore of Lake Hamana. Enjoy the scenery while walking the lakeside path.

11:00 Kanzanji Ropeway From the station next to the Hamanako Pal Pal amusement park, cross over the lake to the summit of Mount Okusa. The roughly four minute aerial ride leads to an observation deck with a full view of the lake.

11:40 Hamanako Music Box Museum A museum of sound on the summit of Mount Okusa. Rest while listening to antique music boxes play.

12:30 Lunch with the famous eel Lake Hamana is one of the birthplaces of eel farming. Enjoy a fragrant, fluffy grilled eel rice box.

14:00 Cruise Lake Hamana Take a sightseeing boat around the lake or enjoy seasonal flowers at the lakeside flower park.

15:30 Buy Hamamatsu gyoza and eel pie as souvenirs Stock up on local food and gifts unique to Hamamatsu.

17:00 Return to Hamamatsu Station to finish

Highlights

The Kanzanji Ropeway is a rare line crossing over a lake, and on clear days Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance. Kanzanji Onsen water contains salt that warms the body, and the sunset over the lake is romantic.

Access and Tips

It is about 45 minutes by bus from Hamamatsu Station, or about 15 minutes by car from the Hamamatsu Nishi interchange. The area can be covered on foot, but a bus or car is handy for slightly distant spots like the flower park. Weekends get busy, so start early.

A Quick Tip

The lakeside can be windy, so bring an extra layer. Popular eel restaurants fill up at midday, so arriving right at opening is smoother.