Hamamatsu

hamamatsu castle - Hamamatsu Castle

Hamamatsu (浜松・はままつ is the largest city in Shizuoka (prefecture) | Shizuoka, Japan.

Hamamatsu Halal Travel Guide

An important industrial hub and the city is home to many companies, including Honda Motor Company, Roland Corporation, Kawai Pianos, Yamaha, Sony, Suzuki Motor Company and Hamamatsu Photonics as well as a large air base for Japan's defense force. Consequently and the city is well known for producing motorcycles, musical instruments and optoelectronic sensors among other things.

For its population of just under a million people, Hamamatsu is a uniquely international city. It is home to almost 16,000 Brazilians, mostly from São Paulo (state) | São Paulo, Paraná, and Belém, as well as 3000 immigrants from Peru, giving it the highest per-capita concentration of South Americans in Japan. The city also has sizable immigrant populations from Indonesia, South Korea and the Philippines, China, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The ethnic diversity here provides the city with a wide array of ethnic stores, restaurants, restaurants.

Travel to Hamamatsu

Central hamamatsu map - Map of Central Hamamatsu

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Hamamatsu

Geographically and the closest airport to Hamamatsu is in Shizuoka, 45 kilometers away. However, flights there are very limited: Domestic services are operated by ANA and low-cost carrier Fuji Dream Airlines to destinations including Sapporo, Fukuoka and Okinawa, and international flights serve Seoul, Taipei and several destinations in China.

• You can reach Hamamatsu by taking a limousine bus to Shimada Station (25 min, ¥700) and then taking the JR Tokaido Line (45 min, ¥840).
• Fuji Dream Airlines passengers have access to a free shuttle bus to Kakegawa Station (35 min away), otherwise a shuttle to Kakegawa costs ¥2000. From Kakegawa, Hamamatsu is 30 min away by local JR train (¥700) or - if the connection is convenient - 11 minutes by shinkansen (¥2360).
• It's also feasible to take shuttle taxis all the way to Hamamatsu for ¥2500, but these must be reserved at least one day in advance and bookings can only be done in (Japanese).

The closest international airport is Chubu International Airport in Nagoya. Entetsu operates a bus called E-Wing which runs directly to Hamamatsu Station every 45-60 min. The trip takes 2 hours 10 min and costs ¥7100. The fastest option by train is to take the Meitetsu Limited Express to Nagoya and change to the shinkansen (90-100 min, ¥7650, shinkansen is free with the Japan Railway Pass).

If coming from the other major international airports, Kansai International Airport|Kansai or Narita International Airport|Narita and the quickest way to reach Hamamatsu is to take the JR limited express to Osaka or Tokyo, respectively, and change to the shinkansen. These trips are free for Japan Railway Pass holders.

Travel by train to Hamamatsu

Hamamatsu is on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line, and the JR Tokaido Line, which serve major cities like Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.

There are a handful of Hikari and Kodama services that stop in Hamamatsu. From Tokyo and there are two all-stopping Kodama trains that depart every hour, making the run to Hamamatsu in about 2 hours. Faster Hikari trains depart once per hour, running to Hamamatsu in 90 min. The fare is the same for both, at ¥8290 for a reserved seat. Kodama trains have more unreserved seats than the Hikari; an unreserved seat costs ¥7770.

There are hourly departures to Hamamatsu from Osaka and Kyoto on either a Hikari (90 min from Osaka) or Kodama (2 hours from Osaka). The reserved seat fare is ¥8940 from Shin-Osaka and ¥8290 from Kyoto.

Discount bullet train tickets include the Puratto Kodama Ticket, which offers a discount for Kodama trains if you purchase at least one day in advance. You get a reserved seat, and a coupon for a free drink to purchase before you board the train. With this ticket a trip to Hamamatsu costs ¥6600 from Tokyo (2 hr), ¥7700 from Nagoya (50 min), ¥6600 from Kyoto (1 hours 45 min) and ¥7100 from Shin-Osaka (2 hr). In addition, discounted tickets can be purchased in advance through Japan Railways' official SmartEX App, available in English and other languages - look for Hayatoku fares.

Regular local train services on the Tokaido Line will get you from Tokyo to Hamamatsu in roughly 4–5 hours for ¥6430, while from Osaka it takes around the same amount of time for ¥7080. Several train changes are required along the way.

Train service from Nagoya take as little as 1 hours 40 min on the regular Tokaido Line (¥2940), changing at Toyohashi, or as little as 30 min on the Shinkansen (¥6420 unreserved seat).

All of the above train services are free with a Japan Railway Pass.

The Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto trains make overnight stops in Hamamatsu on runs to Izumo and Takamatsu, respectively.

By car

Japan's Windy City|Hamamatsu gets little sin winter, but it often feels much colder than it really is, thanks to what is known as the enshu-no-karakkaze, a very strong and dry wind which blows across Lake Hamana and into the city. If you come here in winter, hold onto your hat because the enshuu-karakkaze is one of the strongest urban winds in the world.

The Tomei Expressway and the main artery through the Chubu region, bisects Hamamatsu. The city is served by the Hamamatsu and Hamamatsu-Nishi interchanges. It is around 8 kilometers from Hamamatsu Interchange to Hamamatsu station.

Further to the north and the Shin-Tomei Expressway serves Hamamatsu through the Hamamatsu Hamakita Interchange. It's about 17 kilometers from there to Hamamatsu station.

Travel on a Bus in Hamamatsu

Hamamatsu serves as a major stop for bus travel throughout the nation, thanks in large part to its location near the Tomei Expressway. The main stop for buses is Hamamatsu Bus Terminal, next to Hamamatsu Station. This is not to be confused with Hamamatsu-cho Bus Terminal, which is located in Tokyo.

Through buses may stop at the Hamamatsu Kita bus stop of the expressway, a good distance from Hamamatsu station.

From Tokyo

Daytime buses from Tokyo take around 4 hours 30 min, with most runs to Tokyo in the morning and from Tokyo in the evening.

• There are five daily JR Tomei Liner buses that run from Tokyo Station to Hamamatsu Station (¥7880).
• Other buses operate a route from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (¥7880) and Tokyo/Shibuya (¥7810) to Hamamatsu, with four round-trips per day.

Entetsu operates an overnight bus from Shinagawa Bus Terminal (6 hr, ¥7800), while Willer Express runs an overnight service from JR Osaki Station (5 hours 10 min, ¥7900).

From Kansai and Hyogo

Two round-trip buses between Osaka Station and Hamamatsu are operated during the day by JR Bus and Entetsu Bus (4 hours 45 min, from ¥7900).

JR Bus runs an overnight service from Kobe (Sannomiya Bus Terminal), Osaka (JR Namba and Osaka Stations) and Kyoto Station to Hamamatsu (6 hours 30 min from Osaka Station, starting at ¥6200). Willer Express' overnight bus runs from Osaka (Universal Studios Japan and the Willer Bus Terminal in Umeda) and Kyoto Station (5 hours 10 min from Umeda, starting at ¥6200).

How to get around in Hamamatsu

GPS 34.77|137.71225 Akaden - 275px|Hamamatsu's AkadenThe downtown is easily explored on foot, but Hamamatsu is a very sprawling place, and to visit places further out such as the Fruit Park or Kanzanji Hot Springs, you will need another form of transportation.

By car

• Times Car Rental, (south of Hamamatsu station), tel. +81 53-454-5656.

Travel on a Bus in Hamamatsu

Hamamatsu Bus Terminal is just north of the main JR train station. Take a ticket from the machine inside the bus when you enter. The number on the ticket corresponds to the number lit up at the front of the bus, which displays the fare amount for the upcoming stop.

Travel by train to Hamamatsu

• The JR Tokaido main line has five stops within Hamamatsu city limits. They are, from west to east:

• Bentenjima (弁天島)
• Maisaka (舞阪)
• Takatsuka (高塚)
• Hamamatsu (浜松)
• Tenryugawa (天竜川)

• The JR Iida line cuts across the mountainous far northern edge of the city on its path between Toyohashi, Aichi and Tatsuno, Nagano (prefecture) | Nagano. Useful stops include Misakubo and Sakuma.
• Entetsu runs a line popularly known as the Aka-den, after the red color of the train cars. It runs from Shin-Hamamatsu station (新浜松駅) northward to Nishikajima station (西鹿島), where it connects with the Tenryu-Hamanako line.　To find Shin-Hamamatsu station from the regular JR station, walk westward from the JR North Exit about two minutes and you will find the station behind Entetsu department store.
• The Tenryuu-Hamanako line crosses Hamamatsu through the foothills and across the scenic north end of Lake Hamana. It connects with the JR Tokaido line at Shinjohara (新所原) at the western border of the prefecture, and again at Kakegawa to the east of town. In the center, it connects with the terminus of the Entetsu line at Nishikajima (西鹿島).

What to see in Hamamatsu

hamamatsu at night - 275px|The view of downtown Hamamatsu, seen from Act City Tower's observation deck.

• Act City - Itaya-machi 111-1 - Naka-ku 34.70557, 137.73718 east side of JR station ☎ +81 53 451-1111 +81 53 451-1123 - Hamamatsu's only skyscraper is a symbol of the city, designed to resemble a harmonica, a reminder that Hamamatsu is sometimes known as the "City of Music". The building houses shopping and a food court and the Okura Hotel, and an observatory on the 45th floor from which you can see all of central Hamamatsu. The basement floor holds two theaters at which there are frequent concerts, musicals, plays, and seminars. On the west side there is a unique rooftop park complex, and on the north there is an outdoor "Sunken Garden" used at festival times for food stalls and cultural performances.

• Tower Observatory | NA, NA Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10AM Monday - 6PM ￥500 From the observatory you can see down to the sand dunes at the shore and Lake Hamana to the West. If the weather is exceptionally clear, you can even glimpse Mount Fuji in the distance. Beneath the windows are labeled panoramic photos so you can identify the sights. Coin-operated telescopes.

• Chopin Monument | NA, NA - Erected in the rooftop park beside the tower is an authentic two-third-scale replica of the famous Art Nouveau bronze statue of composer Frédéric Chopin by the famed artist Wacław Szymanowski. The original is in Hamamatsu's sister city, Warsaw.

• Futamata Castle Ruins - 二俣城跡, Futamata-jouseki | Futamata-cho Futamata - Tenryu-ku 34.85811, 137.80544 from the northern Akaden terminus at Nishikajima, take the Tenryu-Hamanako line one stop north to Futamata Honmachi, walk 200 m north to the main street, head left for about 300 m and look for the sign - Many battles were fought over this castle in the mid-16th century between Ieyasu Tokugawa and Shingen Takeda. In 1579, Tokugawa's wife was executed here and his son committed seppuku here as well. The castle was abandoned after 1600, and today nothing but the walls remain, surrounded by a beautiful park.

• Hamamatsu Castle - 浜松城, Hamamatsu-jou - Motoshiro-cho 49-2 - Naka-ku 34.71178, 137.72488 take bus 36, 40, 41, or 50,to city hall (市役所前) ☎ +81 53 453-3872 - Hamamatsu Castle was built by Ieyasu Tokugawa, who is considered perhaps the greatest shogun and one of the three people most important to the unification of Japan. His rule marks the beginning of the Edo Period. Tokugawa lived here from 1571 to 1588. After the Edo Period and the castle was destroyed, and was restored to the original specifications in 1958. The foundation, which is original, is unique because it uses unhewn stones carefully selected and fitted to lean inward. There is a small museum inside the castle, which costs ¥200 to enter, and which houses some Tokugawa armor and relics, a preserved well moved from elsewhere on the grounds as well as a miniature model of how the city might have looked 400 years ago.

• Keta River - 気田川, Ketagawa | Haruno-cho Tenryu-ku 34.93184, 137.84773 take Route 152 north and turn onto 362 at Tenryu and drive about 18 kilometers - This beautiful mountain river flows for 66 kilometers before it joins the Tenryu southwest of Haruno. It's a relaxing place for swimming or kayaking.

• Kiga Sekisho - 気賀関所 | Hosoe-cho Kiga 4577 - Kita-ku 34.80625, 137.64910 take a Kiga-Mikkawa bus from central bus station terminal 15 and get off at Kiga-ekimae: 気賀駅前 ☎ +81 53 523-2855 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 9AM Monday - 4:30PM Adults ￥200, children ￥100 This restored checkpoint along the Princess Road was established by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1601. Now dressed with authentic props, visitors can get a glimpse of how tightly controlled travel in that perioid was. The gate is especially impressive.

• Mitake Castle Ruins - 三岳城跡, Mitake Jouseki | Inasa-cho Mitake 34.85296, 137.69045 near Iinoya busstop: 井伊谷 ☎ +81 53 542-1113 - A somewhat strenuous hike will bring you to the ruins of a historic castle built atop 467-m Mt. Mitake in 1340 by the Ii Clan.

• Nakatajima Sand Dunes - 中田島砂丘 | Nakatajima-cho - Minami-ku 34.66113, 137.74053 take the Nakatajima bus from terminal 6 and get off at the Nakatajima Sakyu stop: 中田島砂丘 ☎ +81 53 452-1634 - The second largest grouping of sand dunes in Japan makes a great place for a stroll or picnic. Be careful if swimming, as there is somewhat of an undertow.

• Ryugashi Cavern - 竜ヶ岩洞, Ryugashidou - Inasa-cho Tabata 193 - Kita-ku 34.84539, 137.64862 from the central bus station, take the bus for Okuyama and get off at Ryugashi-do Iriguchi: 竜ヶ岩洞入口 ☎ +81 53 543-0108 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 5PM Adults ￥650, children 13-15 ￥450, children ￥350 One of the largest and most famous caves in Japan. The first 400 m of the 1000-m limestone cavern are open to the public. Stalactites and stalagmites abound, and the centerpiece is a 30-m underground waterfall. This cave stays about 15°C year-round, making it a great place to cool off during the sweltering summer heat.

• Takisawa Observation Platform - 滝沢展望台, Takisawa Tenboudai | 34.86239, 137.71467 from the north end of Miyakoda Techno Road, turn left on Route 299, after about 10 kilometers turn left at the Fuuketsu Iriguchi busstop: 風穴入口, go straight past Takisawa Elementary, and look for the signs - This spot offers a beautiful vista of the city from which you can see all the way to Act City and all across Lake Hamana. Popular with local couples and the view is especially good at night when the city is lit up.

• Tenryu River - 天竜川 | 34.75938, 137.81696 - One of Japan's largest rivers flows through the mountains of north Hamamatsu and along the edge of town from Tenryu-cho down to the coast. The meandering mountain portion and wide delta provide abundant opportunities for raftting, kayaking, and fishing, and there are many parks along its banks. The god of this river, Ryujin, is the guest of honor at many area festivals.

• Washizawa Wind Cave - 鷲沢風穴, Washizawa Fuuketsu | Washizawa-cho 428 - Kita-ku 34.84916, 137.71246 ☎ +81 53 428-2965 ￥400 A less tourist alternative to Ryugashido, this limestone cave has cool winds blowing through it during the summertime. This is the only cave in Japan with a horizontal ceiling. The cave supposedly provided a refuge for warriors during the 1300s.

Museums

• Akino Fuku Art Museum - 秋野不矩美術館 - Futamata-cho Futamata 130 Tenryu-ku 34.86488, 137.81931 from Nishikajima station at the north end of the Akaden line, take a Futamata bus to Akino Fuku Bijyutsukan Iriguchi bus stop:秋野不矩美術館入り口. The museum is a 10-min walk from the bus stop ☎ +81 53 922-0315 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 9:30AM Monday - 5PM Adults ￥300, students ￥150 This museum is housed in an interesting building made mostly from local cedar and other products. The permanent collection has many pieces by the late artist Akino Fuku, as well as other pieces.

• Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments - 浜松市楽器博物館, Hamamatsu-shi Gakki Hakubutsukan - 108-1 Itaya-machi - Naka-ku 34.70636, 137.73799 ☎ +81 53 451-1128 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 5PM, closed on the second Wednesday of each month ￥400, high school students half-price, children free This museum, just northeast of Act City Tower, houses a collection of over 2,000 kinds of ethnic instruments from around the world. Each instrument has a display attached, with headphones so you can listen to the sound of the instrument. The museum also has a hands-on room, where you can play many types of instruments; drums, xylophones, sitars and native Japanese instruments. This is a child friendly museum.

• Hamamatsu City Museum - 浜松市博物館, Hamamatsu-shi Hakubutsukan - Shijimizuka 4-22-1 - Naka-ku 34.71263, 137.70362 |a directions= ☎ +81 53 456-2275 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 9AM Monday - 5PM This museum, which is on the grounds of a pleasant park, is dedicated to the history of Hamamatsu and the surrounding area. Exhibits include locally-found pre-historic fossils, ancient pottery, old maps, and farming and domestic implements up through the Edo era. Also on the grounds are some shell mounds, evidence of pre-historic human life in the area. A reconstruction of a Jomon village has been installed among the mounds, giving the visitor an idea of what life was like here three to four thousand years ago. The name of the park and also the neighborhood, Shijimizuka, means "shell mound".

• Hamamatsu Festival Hall - 浜松まつり会館, Hamamatsu Matsuri Kaikan - Nakatajima-cho 1313 - Minami-ku 34.66565, 137.74225 take the Nakatajima bus from terminal 6 and get off at the Nakatajima Sakyu stop: 中田島砂丘 ☎ +81 53 441-6211 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 4:30PM ￥400 This museum gives visitors a taste of the famous Hamamatsu Festival year round, with its huge kites, festival clothing, lanterns, and banners. Videos show how the kites are made, flown and fought.

• Hamamatsu JASDF Air Park - 航空自衛隊 浜松広報館, Koukuu Jieitai Hamamatsu Kouhoukan - Nishiyama-cho Nishi-ku, no number 34.74752, 137.71183 on the Japan Self-Defense Force Airbase near Takaoka-cho ☎ +81 53 472-1111 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 9AM Monday - 4PM Free This museum displays many aircraft used or in former use by JASDF, and many other aviation-related items. It also has a flight simulator and a theater which runs informative documentaries every 30 minutes (Japanese only).

• Hamamatsu Municipal Museum of Art - 浜松市美術館, Hamamatsu-shi Bijutsukan - Matsushiro-cho 100-1 - Naka-ku 34.71183, 137.72375 ☎ +81 53 454-6801 Just one stop up the road from city hall is Hamamatsu's art museum. Exhibits vary.

• Hamamatsu Science Museum - 浜松科学館, Hamamatsu Kagakukan - @kagakukan.jp Kitaterajima-cho 256-3 - Naka-ku 34.70503, 137.73971 about 5 minutes' walk east of JR Hamamatsu on the south side of the tracks ☎ +81 53 454-0178 Opening Hours: Daily 9:30AM Monday - 6PM during summer holidays (Jul 21 to Aug 31) and 9:30AM Monday - 5PM (the rest of the year) Museum only:Adults ￥500, ages 15-18 ￥350, children free; With planetarium:Adults ￥900, ages 15-18 ￥500, children ￥100 A range of interactive exhibits divided into five zones: nature, space, sound, light, and electricity. The third floor holds a planetarium.

• Lake Hamana Music Box Museum - 浜名湖オルゴールミュージアム, Hamanako Orugoru Myujiamu - Kanzanji-cho 1891 - Nishi-ku 34.76996, 137.62033 at the top of Mt. Okusa, at the end of the skyride from Pal-Pal Amusement Park ☎ +81 53 487-2121 - HamanakoOrugoruMuseum.JPG The collection includes dozens of self-playing orgels and music boxes from around the world. Performances begin hourly at 20 after the hour, and there is also a special hands-on exhibit. The view of Lake Hamana from outside the museum is spectacular as well.

Temples and shrines

• Choraku-ji Temple - 長楽寺 | Hosoe-chō Kiga 4578 - Kita-ku 34.81284, 137.63944 ☎ +81 53 522-0478 ￥300, children free This temple, built at the start of the Heian era, has a charming garden with plum trees, and is especially beautiful with the change of the leaves in the fall.

• Daifuku-ji Temple - 大福寺 | Mikkabi-chō Fukunaga 220 - Kita-ku 34.82909, 137.54966 ☎ +81 53 525-0278 ￥500, children free Mountain temple overlooking the small Inohana lake. Check out the Deva statues at the gate. This is an excellent place if you're in town during cherry blossom time, and if you miss it, check out the Hantoshi-zakura cherry blossoms which are in bloom from mid-autumn to early spring.

• Gosha and Suwa Shrines - 五社神社, Gosha-jinja, and 諏訪神社, Suwa-jinja | Togi-machi 302-5 - Naka-ku 34.70605, 137.72517 walk two blocks west of ZaZa City, turn right and head up the hill to find them on the left - Built in 1580 and 1556 respectively and these side-by-side shrines were reconstructed in the 1940s and serve downtown local residents. Especially interesting at the shrine festival on May 4 or at Shichigosan on November 15 when local families wrap their small children in kimonos and come here to pray.

• Hōrin-ji Temple - 寶林寺 - Hosoe-chō Nakagawa 65-2 34.81721, 137.69170 ☎ +81 53 542-1473 ￥300, children ￥150 Established by an invited Chinese Zen master in 1667, this temple is a fine example of late Ming Dynasty Chinese architecture. The Buddha hall and the priest's residence are designated National Important Cultural Properties.

• Kamoe Kannon - 鴨江観音 - Kamoe 4-17-1 34.7048, 137.7198 up the hill about 1 kilometers west of ZaZa City - This bright-orange-and-white modern temple is one of the most important downtown temples. It is a good place to see the local residents all dressed in kimonos on holidays such as New Year's Day.

• Makaya-ji Temple - 摩訶耶寺 | Mikkabi-chō Makaya 421 - Kita-ku 34.8176, 137.5568 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 4:30PM ￥300, students ￥200, children ￥100 Here you will find the oldest garden in the prefecture, reminiscent of Kyoto's Koke-dera. The temple was built in 726 and contains some important cultural artifacts. Especially impressive is the wooden statue of Senju-Kannon with one thousand arms.

• Okuyama Hōkō-ji - 方広寺 - Inasa-chō Okuyama 1577-1 - Kita-ku 34.84833, 137.61490 Bus Depot #15, take the #45 bus to the end ☎ +81 53 543-0003 ￥300, students ￥150, children under 12 free This Zen temple, nestled among pines, sakura, peach, and other things, was established in 1377 and is the home of the Rinsai Sect, housing three much-revered Buddha statues. With over sixty halls, it is one of the biggest temples in the Tokai area. The small Shichison Bosatsudo is the oldest wooden building in the prefecture and a fine example of 14th century Japanese architecture. Visitors can walk through the buildings- no shoes allowed.

• Ryōtan-ji Temple - 龍潭寺 - Inasa-chō Iinoya 1989 - Kita-ku 34.8297, 137.66781 ☎ +81 53 542-0480 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 4:30 ￥400, children ￥150 The main hall here has "nightingale flooring" much like Nijo castle in Kyoto. When walked on and the flooring makes subtle bird sounds to warn of intruders. The garden here is a nationally designated scenic beauty. On the south side of the temple is a well which belonged to the founder of the Ii clan in the early 11th century.

• Yamazumi Shrine - 山住神社, Yamazumi-jinja | Misakubo-chō Yamazumi 230 - Tenryū-ku 35.1348, 137.914 ☎ +81 53 987-1179 - This mountain shrine was built in 709 and is well-known for its cult of wolf-worship. The grounds also have two ancient cedars over 1200 years old.

Parks

• Bentenjima Kaihin Park - 弁天島海浜公園, Bentenjima Kaihin Kōen | Maisaka-chō Bentenjima 3775-2 34.68877, 137.603 three stops west of the central JR station; exit the station and go straight down the hill across the street ☎ +81 53 592-0757 - This beautiful spot has a beach and boardwalk, with a lovely view of a torii perched on an island in the middle of the bay. The fireworks display in late June is extremely popular, bringing in dozens of food stalls, and thousands of people.

• Hamamatsu Castle Park - 浜松城公園, Hamamatsu-jō Kōen - Motoshiro-chō - Naka-ku 34.71275, 137.72482 Take bus 36, 40, 41, or 50,to city hall (市役所前). - North of the castle is a very big park with a Japanese garden, a koi pond, a ceremonial teahouse (see #Drink|Drink below), and some commons areas. This is the best downtown location to go to see cherry blossoms in the spring.

• Hamamatsu Flower Park - 浜松フラワーパーク - Kanzanji-chō 195 - Nishi-ku 34.76236, 137.63496 take the Kanzanji bus line from terminal 1 at the main bus station ☎ +81 53 487-0511 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 5PM. Closed December. 29 to Jan. 1 ￥700 This beautiful park has many gardens full of 3000 types of flowers, with over 100,000 plants in all. There is also a restaurant and shopping area.

• Hamamatsu Fruit Park - 浜松フルーツパーク - Miyakoda-chō 4263-1 - Kita-ku 34.84111, 137.73899 ☎ +81 53 428-5211 Opening Hours: Open 9AM to 5PM. Closed December. 29 to Jan. 1 (closes at 4:30PM from October through April) ￥700 This unique amusement park is a working fruit farm where you can see, touch, taste, and pick a variety of fruits.

• Hamamatsu Municipal Zoo - 浜松市動物園 - Kanzanji 199 - Nishi-ku 34.7641, 137.62962 take the Kanzanji bus line from terminal 1 at the main bus station ☎ +81 53 487-1122 +81 53 487-1125 - Well worth stopping if you are in Kanzanji. In the autumn, special evening hours allow to you visit the zoo after dark.

• Hamanako Garden Park - 浜名湖ガーデンパーク | hg-@ Murakushi-chō 5475-1 - Nishi-ku 34.71452, 137.60115 between Kanzanji and Bentenjima ☎ +81 53 488-1500 +81 53 488-0009 - A big green park at the end of a peninsula on Lake Hamana. Features include a 5-hectare lawn, a waterworks plaza that encourages you to get wet, an exhibit hall, an observation tower, children's playground, a restaurant, and diverse flower gardens.

• Observation tower | NA, NA Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 4:30PM (5PM in summer) Adults ￥300, children ￥100 This 50-meter tower has a covered observation deck with a nice view of the park and lake.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Hamamatsu

Boating on the tenryuu - 275px|A guided boat tour on the Tenryuu River.

• Pal-Pal Amusement Park - 浜名湖パルパル - Kanzanji-chō 1891 - Nishi-ku 34.76235, 137.61689 take the Kanzanji bus from central bus station terminal 1 ☎ +81 53 487-2121 ￥1000 Rollercoasters, Japan's longest raft ride, and a cable vehicle ride over Lake Hamana are among the attractions at this park in Kanzanji.

• Torch Fishing - Takiya-ryo - Yūtō-chō 9985-3 34.70399, 137.61818 at Yuto Fishing Co-op ☎ +81 53 592-2260 Opening Hours: May to October This method of spear fishing at night is unique to the Lake Hamana area. You can rent a boat for up to 4 people, including an experienced fisherman, for ￥27,000 yen. For a little extra you can obtain your catch cooked and served.

• Wotto Hamanako Aquatic Experience Center - 浜名湖体験学習施設ウォット, Hamanako Taiken Gakushuu Shisetsu Wotto | Maisaka-chō Maisaka 5005-1 - Nishi-ku 34.69869, 137.60747 about a 15 minutes walk north from JR Bentenjima station ☎ +81 53 592-2880 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 9AM Monday - 4:30PM ￥300 At this hands-on aquarium, you can see, touch, and learn about aquatic life in Lake Hamana.

• Hamanako Pleasure Boat - 浜名湖遊覧船, Hamanako Yūransen - Mikkabi-chō Oosaki 1899 34.76722, 137.55101 ☎ +81 53 526-7066 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 4PM Round trip ￥1150 This ferry runs between Kanzanji Hot Spring and Mikkabi-cho, giving some nice views of Lake Hamana. The round trip takes about an hour.

• Miyakoda Hiking Course - 都田 ハイキング コース | Take the Akaden to Nishikajima station and transfer to the Tenryu-Hamanko line to Miyakoda station and then look for a signpost showing the hiking route and these will be at most major intersections on the route. - This "19-km hiking trail" is actually a route on the roads through the area. While quite confusing to the non-Japanese speaker, it does take one past Washizawa Cave, winds up in the mountains a temple, bridges,a waterfall, and finally to Takisawa Observation Platform. A new highway being built across this area seems to have altered some roads and creates for a challenge in route-finding. Be prepared to trek 25–30 km as the 19-km length assumes one does not get lost.

• Tenryu River Boat Tour Minazawa Tenryū-ku 34.85921, 137.82015 take the Tenryu-Hamanako from the north end of the Akaden line to Tenryu-Futamata station, buy a ticket and take the shuttle bus to the departure point near Funagira Dam ☎ +81 53 457-2111 Opening Hours: Late March through November; Monday to Friday 11AM and 1:30PM; Saturday Sunday and holidays 11AM, 1:30PM, and 3:30PM Adults ￥2300, children ￥1150 50-minutes guided boat ride through a picturesque section of the river with cliffs and trees lining both banks. Also a good place to put in your own raft or canoe.(Due to a boating accident in the summer of 2011 resulting in multiple fatalities, this company has closed operations.)

• Yu Fukei Shiori - 湯風景しおり - Takabayashi 1-chome 13-13 - Naka-ku 34.7247, 137.7302 off Route 152 about 1.5 kilometers north of City Hall, behind the Circle K ☎ +81 53 478-2626 - A nice bathhouse not so far from the downtown

• Watch a movie in Toho Cinemas, in the Zaza City Complex or at Sunday Street Shopping Center in Hamakita.

• Hamamatsu Racetrack - 浜松オートレース場, Hamamatsu Ootoresuba - Wago-cho 936-19 34.7365, 137.70496 free 20-minutes shuttle bus from the central bus station ☎ +81 53 471-0311 ￥100 National auto and motorcycle racing events.

Festivals

• Shoryu Weeping Plum Blossom Festival - 昇竜しだれ梅まつり, Shoryuu Shidare-ume Matsuri | Kurematsu-chou 1476-1, Nishi-ku near Kanzanji Opening Hours: Late February to late March ￥500 Trees are pruned to look like dragons on clouds in the sky.

• Princess Road Procession - 姫様道中, Hime-sama Dōchū - Hosoe-cho, Kita-ku along the Toda River ☎ +81 53-523-0713 Opening Hours: first Saturday and Sunday of April, early afternoon During the Edo Period this road was a popular excursion spot for princesses. This matsuri re-enacts what the procession was like, with actors in full authentic dress of samurai, maids, servants and, of course the princess with her palanquin.

• Hamamatsu Festival - 浜松祭り, Hamamatsu Matsuri | downtown and Nakatajima shuttle buses to the kite-flying grounds leave from the south side of Act Tower Opening Hours: At Golden Week in early May Free This 450-year-old festival is one of the most famous Golden Week festivals in Japan. In what is known as the Takoage Gassen, every neighborhood in the city and even some from other cities design and make their own kites to fly and to fight near at the festival grounds near Nakatajima Sand Dunes, with each kite representing a son born to a family of the neighborhood within the last year. The kite-fighting takes place on the third day of the 3-day festival and results entertainingly in downed kites in trees and on rooftops all over the neighborhood. In the Sunken Garden space on the north side of Act City and there is an international food court with many exotic stalls, and a stage for all kinds of music and cultural performances from around the world, including taiko drumming, local yaramaika music, (Thai) kickboxing, Brazilian batucada and samba dancing performances, jazz acts, jugglers, and traditional dances. There are also parades all over the city well into the night, in which children playing various instruments are carried in 70 large ornate parade floats. Everywhere there are groups marching and chanting to the sound of trumpets, and the sake flows freely.

• Hamakita Hiryū Festival - 浜北飛龍まつり, Hamakita Hiryū Matsuri | various locations around Hamakita: Tenryu Nakase Ryokuchi (park along the river), Hamakita Culture Center (west of the Akaden Hamakita stop), Nayuta (in front of Hama-kita station) Opening Hours: First weekend of June In honor of Ryūjin, god of the Tenryuu River, various events are held including kite-flying, a gyoza competition, and a special event celebrating fire, water, and sound.

• Hamamatsu Yukata Festival | in the plaza on the north side of Entetsu Department Store, west of JR Hamamatsu ☎ +81 53 460-1996 Opening Hours: First weekend of July Hamamatsu is one of Japan's leading producers of the patterned, dyed fabric used to make yukata, and this small festival celebrates the beauty of this colored "summer kimono" with live musical performances, food stalls, a yukata contest, and other exhibitions.

• Enshu Buddhist Chanting Ritual - 遠州大念仏, Enshuu Dainenbutsu | All across town ☎ +81 53 586-6201 Opening Hours: Around July 14 In this local traditional performance, a procession of chanters and people with flutes, drums, cymbals and lanterns visit the homes of families who have lost a loved one in the last year.

• Misakubo Festival - 水窪祭り, Misakubo Matsuri | Misakubo-cho take the JR Iida line from Toyohashi to Misakubo station, or drive Route 152 all the way to Misakubo-cho, about 65km from downtown ☎ +81 53 987-0432 Opening Hours: Second Saturday in September Free This mountain festival features a costume contest in the afternoon and parades of costumed men carrying elaborate floats in the evening.

• Hamakita Man'yō Festival - 浜北万葉まつり, hamakita man'yō matsuri - Hiraguchi 5051-1, Hamakita-ku in Manyo no Mori Park ☎ +81 53 586-8700 Opening Hours: Third weekend of October Features re-enactments of life in the Nara and early Heian periods with people dressed in authentic period clothing and dramatic Manyo poetry readings.

samba in hamamatsu - 275px|A Brazilian samba parade near Shin-Hamamatsu station

• Sakuma Dam Festival - 佐久間ダムまつり, Sakuma Damu Matsuri | Sakuma-cho Sakuma - Tenryu-ku at Sakuma Dam Lake Park ☎ +81 53 965-1651 Opening Hours: Last Sunday of October Free This festival pays tribute to Ryujin, god of the Tenryu River, and commemorates the 1956 opening of Sakuma Dam, a great engineering feat of its time. Highlights include a colorful dragon god dance, taiko drumming, fireworks over the lake, and many vendors displaying local products.

• Inasa Puppet Festival - いなさ人形劇まつり, Inasa ningyōgeki Matsuri - various locations in Inasa-cho - Kita-ku take a bus from central bus station terminal 15 to the Iinoya stop: 井伊谷 ☎ +81 53 542-1111 Opening Hours: Third weekend of November A rarity in Japan, this festival brings puppeteers from across the nation for three full days of over 60 performances. Great for kids.

• Akiba Fire Festival - 秋葉山火祭り, Akiba-san Hi-matsuri | Haruno-cho Ryouke 841 - Tenryu-ku 34.9814, 137.8652 ☎ +81 53 985-0111 Opening Hours: December 15 Celebrating the supposed fire-prevention powers of Mt. Akiba, this festival is held at Akiba Temple and Shrine atop the famous mountain, with fire-walking, fire dances, and various weapon dances.

• Hanabi Taikai - There are many fireworks displays in the area during the summer. The largest of these is Fukuroi Enshu no Hanabi held in Fukuroi, a small town a few stops east on the JR line. This celebration in early August is one of the largest fireworks displays in Japan, with over 30,000 fireworks. Within Hamamatsu city limits and there are also impressive hanabi taikais in Bentenjima (late June), Kanzanji (late July), and Tenryu (early August).
• There are also various festivals and performance to celebrate the Japanese-Brazilian legacy that is so prevalent in this area.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Hamamatsu

Unagi Pie|If you need to buy omiyage from Hamamatsu to give to Japanese friends or co-workers and the typical gift here is called unagi pai (うなぎパイ), or "eel pie". Actually more of a cookie made with eel bones and these individually-wrapped treats can be purchased at a store next to the south exit of the JR station, or at any number of pastry shops around town.

It is also feasible to tour the factory where these are made, though it is necessary to make a reservation.

• Shunkado - 春華堂 - Ookubo-cho 748-51 - Nishi-ku ☎ +81 120-210481
• Entetsu Department Store - 遠鉄百貨店 - Sunayama-cho 320-2 - Naka-ku 34.70359, 137.73312 just west of the JR station ☎ +81 53 457-0001 - High quality clothing and other items. The basement contains a wonderful grocery and deli.

• Aeon/Jusco Shopping Malls - Hamamatsu has three of these somewhat Middle Eastern style shopping malls. You'll have to catch a bus to these. The largest is in Ichino-cho (市野町).

• Ichino Jusco - イオンショッピングモール市野 - Tennou-cho 1981-3 34.74020, 137.76315 - The largest shopping mall in the area. A free shuttle bus runs to the mall from Kamijima and Saginomiya stations on the Akaden line.

• Irino Jusco - イオンショッピングモール入野 - Irino-cho 6244-1 - Nishi-ku 34.69916, 137.69001 Take bus 8-22 or 9-22 to Jusco Iriguchi - ジャスコ入口 ☎ +81 449-2611 - Smallest yet closer to downtown, this location is bit more like a large department store.

• Shitoro Jusco - イオンショッピングモール志都呂 - Shitoro-cho 5605 - Nishi-ku 34.69685, 137.65116 take bus 20 to AEON Mall Shitoro Iriguchi - イオンモール志都呂入口. You will pass Irino Jusco along the way-- don't be fooled ☎ +81 53-415-1200
• May One - Sunayama-cho 6-1 - Naka-ku 34.70435, 137.73480 inside the central JR station ☎ +81 53 457-4000 - Clothing shops, a bookstore, a CD shop, a Muji (top quality generic items), and an import store called Sony Plaza, among other things. There is a food court at the top and a high-quality grocery store in the basement.

• Sunday Street Hamakita - サンストリート浜北 | Hiraguchi 2861 - Hamakita-ku 34.79470, 137.76108 take bus 61 from central bus terminal 12 ☎ +81 53 585-8333 Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 9PM This shopping center contains a bathhouse, a Toho Cinema, arcades, a food court, a 24-hour Seiyu, and dozens of clothing stores.

• ZaZa City Kaji-machi 150 - Naka-ku 34.70515, 137.72953 up Kajimachi-dori かじ町通り from the JR station ☎ +81 53 413-3333 Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 8PM Amongst varied clothing shops, ZaZa City has a musical instrument store, a movie theater, a supermarket, a manga store, a video arcade, Toys'R'Us, Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.), MosBurger, Baskin Robbins, Uniqlo and more. The bookstore in the basement lever has a decent selection of English books.

Halal Food & Restaurants

Local specialties|Food-wise, Hamamatsu is most famous for eel from Lake Hamana, and unagi (うなぎ) restaurants can be found all over the city. Perhaps the most famous ones are Yaotoku, popular with tourists, and Atsumi and the local residents' favorite. Fresh seafood from Lake Hamana is always available. In the Maisaka/Bentenjima neighborhoods, another famous local delicacy is suppon (すっぽん), or snapping turtle. Hamamatsu has Japan's second-highest per-capita sales of gyoza as well (first prize goes to Utsunomiya). Prized locally-produced seasonal produce items include mikans, melons, persimmons, white onions, and strawberries.

• Arisan - 阿里山 | Tamachi 330-1, Mabii Bldg. B1 34.70685, 137.73144 across the junction from the Circle K on Daiichi-dori ☎ +81 53-466-0207 Opening Hours: 11:30AM Monday - 2PM, 5:30PM Monday - 2AM Taiwanese restaurant with a fairly wide selections of tasty dishes with good portion sizes for the price.

• Chambord - シャンボール | various locations - This bakery chain serves a variety of fresh-baked breads and pastries. There is a location with a deli inside the JR station, and another bakery is across the street from Shin-Hamamatsu station.

• Gyoza no Kiyo - 餃子のきよ | Kamoe 1-chome 33-5 - Naka-ku 34.7027, 137.71958 go up the hill west from ZaZa City and take a left after Kamoe Kannon ☎ +81 53 454-1931 - Famous gyoza not far from downtown.

• Ishimatsu Gyoza - 石松餃子店, Ishimatsu Gyouza-ten - @oza.jp Komatsu 2192-1 - Hamakita-ku 34.7924, 137.7732 ☎ +81 53 586-8522 +81 53 587-2993 Opening Hours: F-Tu 4:30PM Monday - 9PM Arguably the most famous place to get Hamamatsu gyoza. Some of the area's other famous shops are owned by former pupils of the head chef here.

• Kibori - 喜慕里 | Zoura-cho 563-3 - Minami-ku 34.6886, 137.68905 off Route 257 behind the Hamashin Bank ☎ +81 53 447-5737 Opening Hours: 11:30AM Monday - 2:30PM, 4:30PM Monday - 9PM A very old establishment known for its lighter, less meaty gyoza. Ramen is also served.

• Kunma Suisha no Sato - くんま水車の里 | Kuma 1976-1 - Tenryu-ku 34.962, 137.7331 from the north end of the Akaden at Nishikajima, take a bus for Kuma ☎ +81 53 929-0636 Opening Hours: F-W 9AM Monday - 5PM Named after the large old-fashioned waterwheel that turns outside, this spot serves the local specialties nihachi soba (buckwheat noodles) and gohei mochi. Visitors can also try making their own soba or konyaku.

• Las Chillonas | 34.71666, 137.73268 about 4 blocks west of Hachiman station ¥2000-1600 The only full-fledged Mexican restaurant in town, run by a hard-working Mexican woman and her daughter. The chimichangas are spectacular, but the menu also includes a variety of appetizers, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and even a Chicken molé. They also serve Mexican organic juice and frequently have affordable margarita specials.

• Okonomiyaki Honpo - お好み焼き本舗 | Nakazawa-cho 23-1 - Naka-ku 34.7223, 137.7305 on the east side of 152 just south of the Miyakoda Techno Road intersection ☎ +81 53 478-2200 - Very large and popular Kansai-style chain okonomiyaki restaurant.

• Pronto Cafe - Sunayama-cho 320-2 - Naka-ku 34.70404, 137.73240 directly beneath Shin-Hamamatsu station ☎ +81 53 457-5851 Opening Hours: Closes at 10PM ¥600-1200 Good Coffee, Pizzas and Pastas in a sophisticated atmosphere. Full café. There is plenty of outdoor seating, and the inside shares space with the DJ booth for FM Haro, a popular local radio station.

• Toraya - とらや | Sakana-machi 316-36 Kawaimaruki Bldg 34.70707, 137.72988 ☎ +81 53 454-1710 - On the second floor above a fruit stand at Daiichi-dori and Yūraku-gai, this mom-and-pop shop has some of the best cook-it-yourself okonomiyaki in town.

• Ani&Ivan 414-2, Kanda-cho, Naka-ku 34.6911, 137.716 from Hamamatsu bus terminal takes Bus no.10/12 and get off at Yoroi-bashi - よろい橋, it's a couple seconds walk from there ☎ +81 53-545-9161 ¥700-1000 Satisfying yet affordable Indonesian food, including Halal. The ¥2000 set is a surprisingly good deal for a lunch set—try the Gurame. (Indonesian), Japanese, and limited English is spoken.

• Binchou Oogiya - 備長扇屋 - A chain of yakitori shops, with some of the cheapest organic juice in town. Of the 7 stores and there are three within walking distance of the central JR station:

}}

Kaji-machi 319-23 - Naka-ku 34.70568, 137.73009 across from ZaZa City ☎ +81 53 450-7517

}}

| Sunayama-cho 326-1 - Naka-ku 34.70371, 137.73598 across from the southeast corner of the central JR station ☎ +81 53 450-8870

}}

| Chitose-cho 104-2 - Naka-ku 34.70430, 137.73091 next to Plaza Mall Sago on Mall-gai ☎ +81 53 459-1788 - This location has a popular patio, good for people-watching.

• Choupana | Sumiyoshi 3-chome 23-23 - Naka-ku 34.7361, 137.7259 on Miyakoda Techno Road ☎ +81 53-472-0777 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 6PM Monday - midnight, Saturday Sunday noon-midnight ¥2000-3000 Popular Brazilian all-you-can-eat rodizio with salad bar, Rice and beans, salgados, feijoada and a wide selection of cuts served tableside, including various beef cuts, Chicken, Chicken hearts, lamb, and Beef.

• Garuda - ガルーダ | Ike-machi 225-32 - Naka-ku 34.70974, 137.72962 Yūraku-gai about two blocks north of Hunters ☎ +81 53 454-7524 - The menu here is about half Indonesian and half Nepalese. There is also a import grocery store attached, with items from various Asian countries.

• Hoji Pass Soba - そば処ほうじ峠, Soba-sho Houji Touge | Sakuma-cho Sakuma 1832-1 - Tenryu-ku 35.12481, 137.83631 about 20 minutes' drive north on state route 290 from the JR Iida line's Sakuma station; part of Sakuma Folk Culture Center ☎ +81 53 987-1888 Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 4PM ¥2300 The simple hand-made soba l-food/halal-certified-noodles/ Noodles made at this beautiful remote mountain spot draw visitors from across the Tokai region. It is also feasible to try your hand at making the l-food/halal-certified-noodles/ Noodles yourself.

• Inakaya 315-31 Nakaku tamachi - GPS: 34.707806, 137.729662 - Good selection of local dishes. Basic décor.

• Kanerin - 731 Irinocho 34.700356, 137.698661 ☎ +81 53-448-9335 - Excellent selection of eel dishes. Need someone with knowledge of Japanese to order.

• Payaka - パヤカ - Kamoe 4-chome 19-12 - Naka-ku 34.7076, 137.7198 ☎ +81 53 451 6906 Opening Hours: noon-10PM Mixture of (Indonesian), and (Thai) food. Theme is "island life". Located a little bit out of the center (5 minutes by taxi), but truly a hidden pearl. Large terrace for summer nights, and very cozy/loungy interior. There is also a little shop selling jewelry and the like.

• Servitu | Sunayama-cho 323-5 - Naka-ku 34.70244, 137.73333 one block west of the station on the south side of the rail tracks ☎ +81 53 458-8577 - Servitu is part Brazilian buffet restaurant and part import grocery store.

• Surabaya - スラバヤ - Chitose-cho 108 - Naka-ku 34.70459, 137.73085 on Yūraku-gai, in the basement of the Sago Hotel ☎ +81 53 413-2723 - Slightly but satisfying Indonesian cuisine.

• Yaotoku - 八百徳 | Itaya-machi 655 - Naka-ku 34.7065, 137.7344 on the north side of the Meitetsu hotel, look for the black façade with the junction entrance ☎ +81 53 452-5687 Opening Hours: 11AM Monday - 8:15PM (last order) Hamamatsu's most famous unagi restaurant, this place has been featured on national television programs many times in the past.

• Chez Moriya - Walk northeast along the big road from the bus station - Hamamatsu-shi, Naka-ku, Itaya-machi 2-banchi 34.70682, 137.73384 ☎ +81 53 454-0888 Opening Hours: 11:30AM Monday - 2PM, 6PM Monday - 8:30PM Dinner courses ¥6000-5000 Now in a new location just north of the central train station, Chez Moriya features a chef who has worked in several top restaurants in Europe (including Belgian "Comme Chez Soi" and Paris "L'Arpege" HTTPS://WWWW.Wlain-passard.com/]). The chef who is by the way very friendly, speaks French plus English.

• The Oriental Terrace - 6 Chome-8-30 Sanarudai 34.706838, 137.692599 ☎ +81 53-447-3241 - Overlooking Lake Sanaru. Well layout out and decorated building, suited for small functions.

• Shokudo-en - 食道園 | 1 Chome-3-26 Kamiasada 34.69776, 137.72746 ☎ +81 53 454-3050 Dinner ¥7000-4000 This somewhat upscale Korean-style barbecue restaurant is very popular. Try the ishiyaki bibimbap.

• Toukai Saikan - 東海菜館 | Tokiwa-cho 143-28 - Naka-ku 34.71019, 137.732403 just west of Enshubyoin station on the Akaden line ☎ +81 53 453-0625 Lunch ¥2500, dinner ¥2500-6000 A downtown institution for over 70 years, this Chinese restaurant serves great crab fried Rice and Peking duck.

• Shointei Tea Ceremony House - 松韻亭 - Shikatani-cho 11-4 34.71497, 137.72306 take a bus from central bus station terminal 15 to the Shikatanicho stop: 鹿谷町 and then head into the park Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 9:30AM Monday - 5PM ¥600 At this pleasant teahouse you can experience a traditional tea ceremony while taking in a nice garden view.

Bars and pubs

Many of the drinking establishments in town can be found on or around Yūraku-gai (有楽街), which runs vaguely north-south about 4 blocks west-northwest of the JR station. At ZaZa City shopping complex, it intersects Kajimachi-dōri (かじ町通り), which is the main street leading northwest from the station.

• Cafe Mar | @mamatsu.com Naka-ku Chitose-cho 203 34.70481, 137.73109 north of Sago Hotel ☎ +81 53-482-8700 Opening Hours: 5PM Monday - 2AM Spanish tapas bar with a decent fruit cocktails. Mostly Japanese clientèle.

• Big Fire Naka-ku Shinmei-cho 218-17 Shinmei Bld. 3F 34.70813, 137.72883 ☎ +81 53-441-0670 - Relaxed bar run by a Brazilian and his Russian wife.

• Entetsu Beer Garden Sunayama-cho 320-2 - Naka-ku 34.70384, 137.73329 just west of the JR station, on the roof of the Entetsu department store ☎ +81 53 457-0001 - A fairly standard Japanese-style organic juice garden: mediocre food, cold fresh air. June through the end of August.

• Hambolt | Sakana-machi, Chambord Bldg. B1 at the junction of Yūraku-gai and Daiichi-dori 第一通り - This small club/bar hosts frequent reggae events. On Fridays they charge only ¥7000 for all-you-can-drink highballs, all night long.

• Mein Schloss - マインシュロス - Chuo 3-8-1 - Naka-ku 34.70738, 137.73778 a couple of blocks northeast of the JR station ☎ +81 120-63-1146 - A very large German organic juice hall which brews its own soft drinks. A good spot if you have a big group.

• Motion - モーション | Naka-ku, Daiku-machi 15, Daichi Bldg. 3rd Floor west of ZaZa city, past the 7-11, about a 3-minutes walk ☎ +81 90-3449-6885 Opening Hours: Open Friday & Saturday from 8:30PM Most drinks around ¥700 Specializes in premium alcohols, drinks, soft drinks and juices. Ask the bartender to make you one of his original cocktails. Also serves some light foods. Bartender speaks English, Japanese, Tagalog and Cebuano. The DJ plays various kinds of music. No table charge.

• No Name Cafe Kaji-machi 318-45 34.70566, 137.72990 across from ZaZa City ☎ +81 53 456-8218 - An interesting mix of Japanese and foreigners come here to drink, but they also offer authentic l-food/halal-poultry-dishes/ Halal Kebab and other Turkish Halal cousine. Televised sports events on occasion. Free darts upstairs.

• There are of course a large number of karaoke places along Yūraku-gai as well.

Clubs

Hamamatsu has a lot of options for clubbing for a city its size, though most of these are open only on the weekends. Most places do not start getting busy until after midnight.

• Klan Klub Itaya-machi 102-14, B1 - Naka-ku 34.70711, 137.73326 On Daiichi-dori a block east of the Akaden line Opening Hours: From 10PM Cover usually around ¥2000 This club plays a mix of Brazilian music, rock, and house. Drinks are in the ¥700 range. This place can be quite happening on weekends.

• K'noas - Sunayama-higashi 34.70309, 137.73732 on Ekinan Odori 2 blocks east of Nakatajima-kaido ☎ +81 53 449-2204 Cover ¥2000 Medium-sized Peruvian-owned club. The music ranges from salsa and forró to rock to house, sometimes all in one night. This place can get very crowded on weekend nights. The crowd is typically about half Peruvian and half Brazilian. To find it, go south of the JR station and take a left on the first main street.

• Planet Cafe - プラネットカフェ | Motoshiro-cho 223-1 34.70863, 137.72872 on a sidestreet that runs behind the Viola Building at the junction of Yuuraku-gai and Yurinoki-dori ☎ +81 53 451-3477 Cover ¥2000-3000 A medium-sized club with a mostly Japanese crowd which has DJ events that are often really good.

• Second Tenma-cho 312-22 Kanaiya Daini Bldg. 8F - Naka-ku 34.7054, 137.7285 ☎ +81 53 455-3530 - A small Japanese dance club on an upper floor across from the Toys'R'Us store in ZaZa City. Plays house or hip-hop. Cover is usually ¥2000.

Venues

• Force | Ta-machi 315-31 - Naka-ku Yuuraku-gai half a block south of Yurinoki-dori, on the second and third floors above the Quest Music guitar specialty shop ☎ +81 53 4503-3403 Cover varies A good ol' rock-n-roll venue that features rock and punk bands, both Japanese and Brazilian, with the occasional road show coming through. Open at least every Fri.,Sat., sometimes other days.

• G-Side | Ta-machi 327-27 - Naka-ku ☎ +81 53 541-5067 - Local and national acts.

• Madowaku - 窓枠 - Itaya-machi 100-10 - Naka-ku on the west side of Hirokoji near the intersection with Daiichi-dori ☎ +81 53 451-3035 Opening Hours: Concerts usually starts between 6:30PM and 7:30PM, with the doors opening half an hour before Cover ¥2000-4500, drinks ¥700 This venue attracts a primarily young Japanese indie crowd for local, national, and occasional international acts.

• Mescaline Drive | Asahi-cho 10-23 - Naka-ku one block north of Shin-Hamamatsu station ☎ +81 53 454-7363 Cover ¥2000-3000 A tiny hole-in-the-wall live venue with mostly ska bands.

• Rock Cafe Lucretia - Tenma-cho 310-8, Daiichi Kanai Bldg. 5f - Naka-ku on the west side of the primary street between ZaZa City and City Hall ☎ +81 53 451-5838 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 7PM This bar has frequent live rock and DJ events with affordable drinks and an almost entirely Japanese clientèle.

• The circular performance space between the two ZaZa City buildings also has frequent live performances on weekend afternoons.
• Schedules for the concert hall at Act City can be obtained at the HICE information center. See below.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Hamamatsu

Hamamatsu - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Hamamatsu, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Hamamatsu. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Hamamatsu and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Hamamatsu. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Hamamatsu. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Hamamatsu: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Hamamatsu.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Hamamatsu: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Hamamatsu, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Hamamatsu.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Hamamatsu, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Hamamatsu, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Hamamatsu and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Hamamatsu, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Hamamatsu, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Hamamatsu without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Hamamatsu is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Hamamatsu.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Hamamatsu is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Hamamatsu, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Hamamatsu Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Hamamatsu

eHalal Group Hamamatsu is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Hamamatsu. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Hamamatsu.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Hamamatsu ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Hamamatsu. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Hamamatsu, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Hamamatsu are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Business Hotel Tsujiume Honkan | Sunayama-cho 355-2 ☎ +81 53 453-1712 +81 53 453-1712
• Hotel Villa Kuretake - ホテル・ヴィラくれたけ - @kuretake.co.jp 1-1-26 Higashi Iba down the hill from the Grand Hotel ☎ +81 53 453-0880 +81 53-453-2988 Single ￥8,000. Twin/double ￥15,000 Check-in: 1PM / Check-out: 11AM Relatively spacious rooms with room service from 5 on-site restaurants, a laundry service and in-room broadband connections.

• Nagisa Park Campground - 渚園キャンプ場, Nagisa-en Kyampu-jou | Maisaka-cho Bentenjima 5005-1 - Nishi-ku 34.6999, 137.6064 about 10 minutes walk north from JR Bentenjima station, next to the Wotto center ☎ +81 53 592-7544 +81 53 592-1525 Check-in: 10AM Monday - 10PM / Check-out: Per person charge: Adults ￥400, children ￥200 Lakeside camping with barbecue grill rental, bicycle rentals and sporting facilities.

• Ryokan Nakaya - 旅館仲屋 | Kanzanji-cho 2214 - Nishi-ku on Kanzanji-kaido about 100 meters south of the temple ☎ +81 53 487-0159 +81 53 487-2607 ￥6000 A small ryokan with a hot spring bath with a lake view. Breakfast is included—note that dinner is not included here.

• Toyoko Inn Hamamatsu-eki Kita-guchi - 東横イン浜松駅北口 - 103-1 Itaya-machi 34.7068, 137.7329 5-minutes walk from JR Hamamatsu Station North Exit, 1 minutes walk from Enshu Railway Daiichi-dori Station ☎ +81 53-457-1045 +81 53-457-1048 Check-in: 4PM / Check-out: 10AM Singles ¥5715-6000, twins/doubles ¥8000 Part of the popular no-frills Toyoko Inn chain of hotels. Toyoko Inn Club members can check in from 3PM.

• Urakawa Campground - 浦川キャンプ場村, Urakawa Kyampumura | Sakuma-cho Urakawa 3454-12 - Tenryu-ku 35.0558, 137.7667 take the JR Iida line from Toyohashi to Urakawa Station, or take Route 152 to Sakuma-cho Toguchi and then 463 a few kilometers past Sakuma and turn left at state road 1 ☎ +81 53 967-2449 Tent ￥2500; bungalows for 3, ￥3500; log houses for 5, ￥16,000 Campsites and simple lodgings on an beautiful green island at the convergence of two mountain rivers. Campfire pits, showers, and shared toilets. The locale is good for swimming in summertime.

• Bentenjima Village - べんてんじまヴぃれっじ | Haruno-cho Kawakami 383-2 - Tenryu-ku 35.04096, 138.02212 ☎ +81 53 437-0601, +81 53 984-0114 House ￥40,000; Cabin ￥10,000; Campsite ￥3000 Log cabins for up to 5 in a quiet spot in the woods. Cabins have television but share a (separate) bath/shower. Campsites are also available, as is a log house for up to 15. Despite the name, this is nowhere near Bentenjima—you will likely need a vehicle to get here.

• Bentenkan - Maisaka-cho Bentenjima 2669-151 - Nishi-ku 34.6883, 137.6053 4 minutes' walk from JR Bentenjima station ☎ +81 53 592-8000 +81 53 592-8508 Singles from ￥11500 (lake view only); twin/double ￥16170/18480 (ocean view) or ￥11550 (lake view) Seaside rooms at this relatively new hotel have a fantastic view of the torii in the bay and the Bentenjima bridge with the ocean in the background. A restaurant on site serves fresh seafood caught in the lake.

• Fitness Hotel 330 - ☎ +81 53-454-0330 +81 53-452-0047 - 353-1, Sunayama-cho,

• Hotel Bouquet Tokai - ☎ +81 53-456-8111 +81 53-452-9022 - 353-7 Sunayama-cho,

• Hamanako Royal Hotel - 浜名湖ロイヤルホテル - Yuto-cho Yamazaki 4396-1 - Nishi-ku ☎ +81 53 592-2222 +81 53 592-5522 Package deals of one night's stay, dinner, and breakfast buffet start at ￥15950 Part of Hamanako Lakeside Plaza, which includes Yuto onsen, outdoor pool, tennis courts, gym, park, and several restaurants. Most rooms have a good view of Lake Hamana.

• Hotel Concorde Motoshiro-cho 109-18 34.7139, 137.7267 on Route 152 next to Hamamatsu Castle Park ☎ +81 53-457-1111 Check-in: noon / Check-out: 11AM Singles from ￥7350, doubles from ￥15,750 Formerly the city's main conference venue, this older hotel is now a fairly good bargain for good sized rooms with a nice view of the castle park. 6 on-site restaurants, broadband service, and on-site vehicle rentals are available.

• Hotel LeMonde 335-14 Sunayama-cho ☎ +81 53-455-1188 +81 53-455-1028

• Hotel Yonekyu 94 Tenma-cho Hamamatsu-shi ☎ +81 53-455-3131 +81 53-455-0531

• Maruko Inn 324-15 Sunayama-cho ☎ +81 53-457-0505 +81 53-454-8083

• Meijiya Hotel 1-1-30 Sato ☎ +81 53-465-8111 +81 53-461-1308

• Roynet Hotel 218-1 Motoshiro-cho (元城町) 34.7088, 137.7277 - This hotel is 2 minutes walk from city hall and Hamamatsu Castle Park. Excellent breakfast buffet.

• Sago Inn 2-3-1 Ebizuka ☎ +81 53-456-3511 +81 53-456-1460
• Sago Terminal Hotel 322-7 Sunayama-cho ☎ +81 53-453-3515 +81 53-453-5954

• South Garden Hotel 325-30 Sunayama-cho ☎ +81 53-451-1800 +81 53-451-1801

Just south of the central train station on the left.

• Grand Hotel - 1-3-1 Higashi Iba (東井場). 34.701374, 137.722902 ☎ +81 53-452-2114 A large hotel with restaurants, bars and function rooms. Some rooms starting to show their age.

• Okura Hotel - 34.705476, 137.735862 - Inside Act Tower.

Telecommunications in Hamamatsu

• Tourist information center inside the JR station

• HICE - Hamamatsu Foundation for the international Communications and Exchanges - Naka-ku, Sunayama-cho 324-8, Daiichi Ito Building 9F south side of the main train station, on the 9th floor of the building next to the Mos Burgers ☎ +81 53 458-2170 This center has a local English speaking employee and a lot of information in English regarding local events and culture.

Internet Cafe's in Hamamatsu

• Popeye Media Cafe - @n.jp Chitose-cho 70-1 Fun Bldg. 3F - Naka-ku 34.7047, 137.7307 on Mall-gai near ZaZa City ☎ +81 53 413-2727 Around ￥350/hour. Shower ￥320 24-hour internet and manga café. Showers and massage chairs are available.

• U-Lowc - Kaji-machi 320-23 Q:Face Bldg. 1F - Naka-ku 34.7058, 137.7304 across from the small Inari Shrine on Yuraku-gai, on the first floor of the U-Style Karaoke building ☎ +81 53 450-2700 Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday 7AM Monday - 11:30PM, Friday Saturday 7AM Monday - 5AM This coffeeshop has free wireless internet as well as decent food and fruit drinks, with a full bar to boot.

• Yu-Yu, on the City Hall road about 10 blocks south of City Hall. Internet cafe with swimmingpool tables.

Travel Next

• Arai Sekisho and Hatago-Kinokuniya Archives - 新井関所 | Arai-chō Hamana-gun Arai 1227-5 across the lake from Bentenjima ☎ +81 53 594-3615 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 9AM Monday - 4:30PM Adults ￥300, children ￥100, add ￥100/50 to enter the archives as well This important travel checkpoint on the Tokaido highway was established in 1600 by Ieyasu Tokugawa, and is the only surviving original building of such a checkpoint. The checkpoint enforced strict regulations to keep guns out of Totomi precinct, and to keep women in. The archives hall next door contains old checkpoint records.

• Hamanako Boat Races - 浜名湖競艇場, Hamanako Kyōteiba - Arai-chō Nakanogō 3727-7 34.698611, 137.572 just across the bridge from Bentenjima ☎ +81 53 594-7111 - One of Japan's only venues to watch boat racing.

• Honkō-ji Temple - 本興寺 | Washizu 384 - Kosai-shi 34.717167, 137.538194 across the lake from Bentenjima ☎ +81 53 576-0054 ￥300, children ￥200 The main hall is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. There is also a park here, a nice place to picnic.

• Kakegawa (掛川), half an hour east, has a better castle and park.

• Acty Mori - アクティ森 - Mori-machi Shuchi-gun Toizume 1115-1 ☎ +81 53 885-0115 +81 53 885-0117 Opening Hours: Thursday - Tuesday 9AM Monday - 5:30PM This hand-on center offers visitors a chance to try their hands at several traditional Japanese crafts, including Tōgei pottery, roof-tile making, paper-making, and traditional cloth-dyeing using local plants. The center also provides for some outdoor activities like cycling and canoeing.

• Okuni Shrine - 小国神社, Okuni Jinja - Mori-machi Shuchi-gun Ichimiya 3956-1 34.8475, 137.899167 ☎ +81 53 524-1112 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 5PM ￥300 Construction on this beautiful shrine began in 555. The shrine is dedicated to the god Okuninushi no Mikoto, a benevolent god involved in the mythical creation of the archipelago, and a key figure in the famous story of the White Rabbit of Inaba (see Tottori). Very popular with Ieyasu Tokugawa and other members of his clan, this is still the most popular shrine in the ancient Totomi region. It is an especially popular place to pray for good luck, good marriages, or simply to view the autumn foliage.

• Omaezaki (御前崎) is a beautiful little beach town.

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.{{ #insider:Texugo}}