Hamamatsu is well-known for its industrial production, particularly musical instruments, motorcycles, and textiles. In this area, there are plant and flower theme parks, history museums, and industrial tourism facilities where you can visit local factories.
Hamakita Area, which leads to central Hamamatsu by Enshu Railway, provides many tourist attractions including Shizuoka Prefectural Forest Park and Manyo no Mori Park. Found on the outskirts of Hamamatsu is the splendid Japanese garden of the Ryotanji Temple, the mysterious caverns of Ryugashido, the appealing natural beauty of the Hamakita Shinrin Forest Park and many other worthwhile spots. It is also possible to play golf all year long at golf courses.
Shizuoka Prefectural Forest Park
Some of the attractions include a 150m suspension bridge, called “Sora no Sanpomichi” (Pass in the sky), a visitor center, “Birdpia Hamakita”, an accommodation and training facility, “Mori no le” (House in the forest), a camp site, and promenades.
Contact – Shizuoka Prefectural Forest Park (Birdpia Hamakita)
TEL: 053-583-0443 FAX: 053-583-2700
E-mail: bird…@mbr.nifty.com
Website: http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/kankyou/ka-080/forestpark/index.html
Birdpia Hamakita
A core part of the Shizuoka Prefectural Forest Park, this visitor center offers information on nature, specifically birds. Depending on the season, various activities such as bird watching, tree climbing and guided forest walks are also provided.
Contact – Shizuoka Prefectural Forest Park (Birdpia Hamakita)
Entrance: Free Closed: Wednesdays (Thursday if Wednesday is a national holiday), and Dec.29~Jan.3 Hour: 9:00-16:30 TEL: 053-583-0443 FAX: 053-583-2700
E-mail: bird…@mbr.nifty.com
Website: http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/kankyou/ka-080/forestpark/birdpia/index.html
Manyo no Mori Park
This tranquil park is surrounded by 300 different types of plants from the Manyo cultural era. The museum in the park exhibits informational materials about these plants. Visitors can enjoy Manyo literature and Manyo culture.
Contact – Hamamatsu Park & Green Association, Manyo no Mori Park
Entrance: Free Closed: Park – open throughout the year. Museum – Mondays (Tuesday instead if Monday is a national holiday), and New Year’s holidays Hour: 9:00-17:00 Tel: 053-586-8700 Fax: 053-586-8700
Website: http://www.hama-park.or.jp/f-kanri/f-manyo/manyo.html
Hamakita Shinrin Athletic Park
Visitors can enjoy miniature golf and go-cart racing as well as athletics authorized by the Japan Field Athletic Association N.179.
Contact – Hamakita Shinrin Athletic Park
Entrance: Adults ¥800, children ¥500 ©Dec.31, Jan.1, and 3rd Tuesday of each month Hour: 9:00~Sunset Tel: 053-582-2211 Fax: 053-582-3032
Website: http://www.hamakita-shinrin.com/add/1225251068133/
JA Topia Hamamatsu – Hamakita Plant Center
The Hamakita area is famous for plant cultivation. This is the center where seedlings and garden plants are sold. A relaxing time can be spent shopping, dining in the restaurant or exploring the garden.
Contact – JA Topia Hamamatsu – Hamakita Plant Center
Entrance: Free Closed: Jan.1 Hour: 9:00-17:00 Tel: 053-587-8728
Website: http://www.ja-shizuoka.or.jp/topia/
Hamakita Hot Springs “Aratama no Yu”
This natural hot spring facility makes an ideal one day trip. The hot springs naturally contain sodium, carbonic acid, and other minerals, which are beneficial to overall health and beauty. Visitors can relax in an open-air bath and a bath fed directly by the hot spring. The facility also offers a restaurant and a foot bath area.
Contact – Hamakita Hot Springs “Aratama no Yu”
Entrance: Adults (jr. high school students and older)¥600, elementary school students, and those aged 70 and older ¥300, free for children under elementary school age Closed: 1st Monday of each month, and New Year’s holidays Hour: Weekdays – 9:00-21:00. Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays – 8:00-21:00 (No admission alter 20:00) Tel: 053-582-1126
Website: http://aratamanoyu.jp/
Figure: Hamakita Area Map of Hamamatsu
Transportation – Getting Around Hamakita Area By Bus and Train [See Hamakita Area Map Above]:
- [Shizuoka Prefectural Forest Park and Birdpia Hamakita] Tenryu Hamanako Line Gansuiji Station, Enshu Railway Nisikajima Line Gansuiji Station
- 40min. walk; [Manyo no Mori Park] Entetsu Line Hamakita Station → get on the Hamamatsu Bus Hamakita Chunanbu Junkan Line Nishimawari, and get off at Manyo no Mori Koen
- 15min.; [JA Topia Hamamatsu Hamakita Plant Center] Enshu Railway Nisikajima Line – Kobayashi station
- 10min. walk; [Hamakita Hot Springs Aratama no Yu] Enshu Railway Nisikajima Line – Hamakita Station → Hamamatsu Bus “Aratama no Yu Iki”
- 35min. get off at [Aratama no Yu]
