Lake Hamana

Lake Hamana stretches from Hamamatsu City and Kosai City in Shizuoka Prefecture, ranked as the tenth largest lake in Japan. It is known as a brackish lake thanks to the inlet of seawater flowing in from the Pacific Ocean's Enshu Nada at its southern end. The nutrient-rich mix of freshwater and seawater supports thriving fisheries and the cultivation of eels, seaweed, and oysters. Eel, in particular, is a local specialty enjoyed by many fans at nearby restaurants.

Lake Hamana sits hugged by natural beauty, serving today as a popular resort destination with many tourist destinations to explore. The area is home to family-friendly spots such as the Hamanako PalPal amusement park and the Hamamatsu Zoological Gardens, meaning there’s something to do for everyone. As an added perk, the lake also keeps a full repertoire of water activities to try including swimming, boating, yachting, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), flyboarding, and fishing.
In the north, Mikkabi Town is renowned for its orange picking, while Benten Island offers stunning views of sunsets behind its torii gate. At the Hamamatsu Flower Park you’ll find a showcase of breathtaking, seasonal flowers, making it a picturesque spot worth visiting.

When it comes to getting around, public transport is the best way to see all that the Lake Hamana area has to offer. One savvy hack is to keep the smartphone-friendly Hamamatsu/Hamanako Marutto Pass on hand so you can enjoy unlimited rides on Enshu Railway trains and buses, the Tenryu Hamanako Line, and Lake Hamana pleasure boats. The pass also includes discounts at popular tourist facilities.