Lake Hamana (浜名湖) or Hamanako is a large brackish lake located in the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is the tenth largest lake in Japan, with a surface area of approximately 65 square kilometers.
The lake is surrounded by mountains and has a number of small islands, making it a popular destination for boating and fishing. It is also known for its scenic beauty, particularly during the cherry blossom season in the spring and the autumn foliage season in the fall.
There are several tourist attractions around the lake, including Hamamatsu Flower Park, which features a variety of flowers and plants, and many hot spring resorts such as Kanzanji Onsen. The lake is also famous for its seafood, particularly eel and shrimp. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood dishes at local restaurants or purchase seafood products to take home as souvenirs. Other attractions include Bentenjima Island with its beach park, and Hamamatsu Garden Park.
Getting there
By Train and Bus
From Tokyo:
- Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Hamamatsu Station (85 minutes, about 8500 yen)
- From Hamamatsu Station, take a bus to Kanzanji Onsen (40 minutes, 660 yen)
- Buses depart at least twice per hour
By Car
- Exit the Tomei Expressway at Hamamatsu-Nishi Interchange
From Hamamatsu Station
- Take bus #30 from bay one of the Hamamatsu bus terminal
- Journey time: 40-50 minutes
- Cost: Around 580 yen (depending on destination)
Hamanako Pal Pal
| Hours | Hours of operation vary by day. |
| Admission | Adults: 1,300 yen Age 65 and above: 800 yen Elementary school students: 900 yen Infants: 800 yen |
| Phone | 0534872121 |
| Address | 1891 Kanzanjicho, Chuo Ward, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-1209 |
| Official Website | https://pal2.co.jp/ |