It’s starting to feel like spring is coming!
As the weather gets warmer, the flowers regain their vitality and begin to bloom with colorful flowers.
And “Lake Hamana Flower Expo 2024” has begun! The door to a world filled with the charm of plants will open.
There’s plenty to look forward to, including exhibits filled with beauty and diversity, the latest in garden design, and botanical workshops.
Therefore, I would like to introduce you to the upcoming “Hamanako Flower Expo 2024”!
(*Hamanako Flower Expo 2024 was held from mid-March to early June.
It is currently closed.)
[What is Flower Expo? ]
It is an international exposition themed around flowers and plants, and aims to introduce the beauty and diversity of plants and raise awareness about environmental protection and the importance of nature. Exhibitions and events that reflect the characteristics and culture of each country and region are held, and many tourists and plant enthusiasts visit.
In addition, “Lake Hamana Flower Expo 2024” will provide information and knowledge on plant breeding, cultivation techniques, environmental protection efforts, etc. As a venue for international and cultural exchange, “Lake Hamana Flower Expo 2024” has become an important event not only for plant lovers and tourists, but also for experts and researchers.
[Flower Expo held at Lake Hamana]
In 2004, Shizuoka Prefecture and Hamamatsu City held the Hamanako Flower Expo (Shizuoka International Horticultural Expo/21st National Urban Greening Shizuoka Fair) at Hamanako Garden Park.
Under the theme of “Flowers, Greenery, and Water – Creating a New Lifestyle,” we provided information on lifestyles and creating a thriving community.
Approximately 5.45 million people visited during the 187-day period as the third international flower expo in Japan approved by the International Association of Horticulturists (AIPH), following the Osaka Flower Expo in 1990 and the Awaji Flower Expo in 2000. The event closed with great success.
In 2014, 10 years later, the event will be held at Hamanako Garden Park and Hamamatsu Flower Park.
“Lake Hamana Flower Expo 2014 – Festival of Flowers and Greenery – (Lake Hamana Flower Expo 10th Anniversary Project/31st National Urban Greening Shizuoka Fair)” was held.
The exhibition, which takes advantage of the characteristics of the two venues with the theme “Orchestra of Flowers and Greenery – Future Life Playing on the Waterside,” has been well received, and during the 87-day exhibition period, approximately 130 visitors far exceeded the target number of 800,000 visitors. Thousands of people attended.
[About Flower Expo 20th Anniversary Project]
And this time, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Hamanako Flower Expo, the “Hamanako Flower Expo 20th Anniversary Project” will be held!
In recent years, as the spread of the new coronavirus and the progress of digitalization have affected our daily lives, the local business community once again wishes to revitalize the Lake Hamana region by taking advantage of the Flower Expo. A voice called out.
For this reason, we have decided to hold “Lake Hamana Flower Expo 2024 (20th Anniversary Project)” to reaffirm the importance of living with flowers and greenery in a digital society and to realize a “digital garden city.” . To hold the event, an executive committee was established in July 2022 consisting of Shizuoka Prefecture, Hamamatsu City, Kosai City, and related organizations.
There are many famous flower spots around Lake Hamana in Kosai City. There is Hongo-ji Temple, which is famous for its cherry blossoms, the garden created by Nakane Kinsaku, where you can enjoy azaleas and wisteria, and Shotai-ji Temple, which has beautiful azaleas. Furthermore, it is worth visiting the northernmost colony of Crested witch hazel, which is rare in Japan.
When you visit Lake Hamana, visiting the famous flower spots and parks in Kosai City is a great activity!
|| 01. Hongoji Temple with its cherry blossoms and famous gardens ||
There are plenty of things to see, such as the cherry blossoms that cover the approach to the shrine and the plaza, and the Horai Garden with a pond that is said to have been created by Enshu Kobori.
The gardens of Hongoji Temple are a wonderful blend of history and beauty in Kosai City.
The garden embodies the aesthetics of a Japanese garden and allows you to enjoy the beauty of each season. Especially during the autumn foliage season, the scenery is as beautiful as a nishiki-e painting.
In addition, elements such as a pond, stonework, and dry landscape are beautifully arranged to create a space of tranquility and harmony. When you visit historical buildings and cultural assets, you will be able to feel the tradition and style of Japan.
The garden of Hongoji Temple is the perfect place to heal your mind and body and spend some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
|| About Honkoji Temple ||
・address : 384 Washizu, Kosai City
・telephone number : 053-576-0054
・Opening hours : 9:30-16:00
・Garden admission fee : Adults: 300 yen (children: 150 yen)
・Related pages : Kosai/Arai Tourism Association HP(Japanese link)
「https://hamanako-kosai.jp/location/587/」
|| 02. Araicho District Nakane Kinsaku Garden ||
In the Arai-cho area of Kosai City, there are many gardens and parks designed by Kinsaku Nakane, who is also known as the Kobori Enshu of the Showa era.
Araicho Cultural Park (Ikeizumi Garden) designed by Mr. Kinsaku Nakane is a pond-style garden designed with the view from the Japanese-style room of the library in mind, and is characterized by a pond with stonework and an artificial hill with various trees. is.
You can enjoy cherry blossoms and autumn leaves depending on the season.
The Hamanagawa Greenway and Water Park were also designed by Kinsaku Nakane, with stones, rest facilities, and monuments placed along the river, making it a comfortable walking path.
The nearby Kosai City Elderly Welfare Center also has a dry landscape garden.
There are also plazas and parks in the surrounding area that incorporate historical elements, and the garden design by Kinsaku Nakane is contributing to town development.
In addition, the quiet environment and green trees soothe the soul and provide a pleasant sense of relaxation to visitors. It blends beautifully with historical buildings and cultural assets, making it a valuable place where you can experience traditional Japanese culture.
Why not pick up the “Nakane Garden and Town Tour MAP” and take a tour around the town? ?
(You can download it from the link below.)
|| About Nakane Kinsaku Garden ||
・Related pages
Kinsaku Nakane’s garden and town development design website
「https://hamanako-kosai.jp/location/5728/」
・Nakane garden and town tour MAP.pdf
Nakane garden and town tour MAP.pdf (Japanese only)
|| 03. Mitsumatsutsuji Shotaiji overlooking Lake Hamana ||
At Shotaji Temple, a scenic spot overlooking Lake Hamana where Utsuyama Castle once stood, hundreds of Japanese azaleas are in full bloom, painting the area around the temple in bright pink.
The contrast between the pink flowers and the blue of the lake is simply stunning. In spring, beautiful flowers bloom and attract visitors.
The Mitsuma Tsutsuji at Shotaji Temple in Kosai City allows visitors to enjoy a splendid view that harmonizes the beautiful nature and temple scenery, bringing peace of mind to visitors and allowing them to feel the charm of Kosai City.
|| About Shotaiji Temple ||
・address : 800 Iride, Kosai City
・telephone number : 053-578-0049
・Related pages : Kosai/Arai Tourism Association HP
「https://hamanako-kosai.jp/location/1205/」
|| 04. There are only three locations in Japan for the northernmost colony of Crested witch hazel ||
This is a colony of Japanese witch hazel, which is very rare in Japan, and the cute green-white clusters of flowers blooming all over the branches give it an elegant appearance.
The Tokiwa Witch Hazel colony located in Kosai City is known as Japan’s largest natural habitat for the Tokiwa Witch Hazel.
In spring, the vast grounds are covered in bright, cute, green-white flowers of the Japanese witch hazel.
The beautiful flowers make visitors feel the arrival of the seasons and the flow of life. The colony is surrounded by nature and provides a quiet and relaxing space for visitors. In addition, the Japanese witch hazel is a traditional flowering tree in Japan, symbolizing local culture and nature.
By visiting the colony, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery that harmonizes nature and culture, and at the same time deeply feel the charm of the local area.
||About the northern limit colony of Tokiwamanhak ||
・address : Kosai City Kamiza
・telephone number
053-576-1140 (Kosai City Hall Culture and Tourism Division / Weekdays)
053-596-9255 (Kosai/Arai Tourism Association/Excluding Mondays)
・Related pages : Kosai/Arai Tourism Association HP
During the Flower Expo period, there will also be a boat service around Lake Hamana◎
I have also experienced boating on Lake Hamana, and the beauty of Lake Hamana’s boating experience is its beautiful natural environment and expansive lake surface.
=Kosai City=
Arai Benten Sea Fishing Park↔︎Hamanako Garden Park
Hamana Port↔︎Hamanako Garden Park
=Hamamatsu City=
Bentenjima Seaside Park↔︎Hamanako Garden Park
|| About boat transport ||
・Operating period : April 6th (Sat) – June 2nd (Sun), 2024
・Arai Benten Sea Fishing Park
Inside Umitsuri Park, Arai-cho, Arai-cho, Kosai-shi
Inquiries : 053-596-9255 (Kosai/Arai Tourism Association)
・Hamana Port
Arai, Arai-cho, Kosai City
Inquiries : 053-596-9255 (Kosai/Arai Tourism Association)
・Bentenjima Seaside Park
3775-2 Bentenjima, Maisaka-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Inquiries : 090-7686-0962 (Bentenjima Cruise Association)
053-592-0757 (Maisaka Town Tourism Association)
・Hamana Fisheries Cooperative Yuto Branch Grand Mercure Hamanako Resort & Spa
9985-3 Ubumi, Yuto-cho, Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Inquiries : 090-8079-5304 (Yuto Tourist Association)
090-4448-2319 (Yuto Sightseeing Association)
・Murakushi waterway tour
Arrival and departure from the pier in Hamanako Garden Park
Inquiries: 090-7674-1509 (Murakushi Boat Association)
・Related pages
Lake Hamana Flower Expo 2024 Boat Transport Pamphlet.pdf
「https://hamamatsu-daisuki.net/pickup/b499749b35d3b90abedba4713f2ba3ee.pdf」
*This boat transport has already ended
During the Flower Expo period, events related to the Flower Expo will be held around the Imakiri Experience Satoumi Lake Museum.
|| 01. Marche with a view of the lake ||
At this marche, local products from Kosai City will be sold!
There are many products filled with the charms of Kosai City, such as local specialties, souvenirs, and fresh ingredients.
You can also experience Kosai City’s manufacturing technology at booths set up by local businesses! It is expected that items such as crafts and handmade items that show the quality and individuality unique to Kosai City will be on display!
Furthermore, on the same premises, you can enjoy BBQ as well as activities such as catching eel and grilling eel and catching fish.
It looks like it will be an event where parents and children can have fun while enjoying the scenery and food culture of Lake Hamana.
If you are interested, please come and check it out!
【About Marche with a view of the lake】
・Date : Saturday, April 27, 2024
・Venue : Imakiri experience village Kaikokan
* This event has already ended. Tank you.
|| 02. Kosai City Green Flower Fair ||
The green flower fair that heralds the arrival of spring in Kosai City, which is held every spring, will be held this year at “Imakiri Experience Village Kaikokan.”
Since “Imakiri Experience Village Kaikokan” will be held, you can enjoy the display and decoration of flowers and plants with the beautiful lakeside scenery in the background.
It’s sure to be a fun event not only for locals, but also for tourists and people who love flowers and greenery!
Experience the flowers and greenery of Kosai City at “Kosai Flower Expo,” which rivals Hamanako Flower Expo 2024!
【About the greening fair】
・Date : Sunday, May 19, 2024
・venue : Imakiri experience village Kaikokan
* This event has already ended. Tank you.
What do you think? ?
Flower expositions not only allow you to enjoy the beauty and diversity of flowers and plants, but also provide opportunities for new experiences and learning. During the event period, you can enjoy various experiences ◎
Please come and enjoy this special experience during the event period!
“We want you to eat delicious food” Hamamatsu Power Food’s popular “Charcoal and Sake Bonzaru”
Have you ever heard of the term “Hamamatsu Power Food”?
“Hamamatsu Power Food” is seasonal ingredients and dishes harvested in the Hamamatsu/Lake Hamana area.
It is said that Tokugawa Ieyasu, who spent 17 years in Hamamatsu and later became a ruler of Japan, supported the rise of Tokugawa Ieyasu through the region’s rich food, including seafood from Lake Hamana.
The Hamamatsu/Lake Hamana area is known for its long sunshine hours and warm climate. It is said that Tokugawa Ieyasu once loved Tokugawa Ieyasu’s food culture, which was nurtured by its rich marine resources and diverse soil.
Among them, we visited Bonzaru, a restaurant that serves many nutritious dishes such as soft-shelled turtle, blowfish, and eel, and spoke to the owner, Takahiro Hakamada.
[Lake Hamana] Oyster shacks are a seasonal winter feature! Enjoy the delicious Purimaru | Araicho, Kosai City
On the shores of Lake Hamana in Arai-cho, Kosai City, the annual “Oyster Hut” will open on Saturday, December 21st, 2024!
*Grand opening is Tuesday, January 7th
Every year, many people from all over the country visit the Oyster Hut to eat the brand oysters, Purimaru, from Arai-cho, Kosai City.
This time, we would like to introduce you to the winter scenery of Kosai City, the oyster huts and the delicious “Purimaru”!
Promoting Hamamatsu nationwide with products made from Tenryu wood! Catsivy Co., Ltd. is in charge of planning and production.
Catsivy Co., Ltd. was founded in 2011.
Their merchandise-related business involves the planning, manufacturing and sale of merchandise for Hamamatsu City’s mascot characters “Shusse Daimyo Ieyasu-kun” and “Shusse Hoshi Naotora-chan,” both of which are Hamamatsu City-approved products, as well as Tenryu’s PR character “Nobuyasu-san,” and Iwata City’s image character “Shippei,” which is an Iwata City-approved product. We also carry out a wide range of business activities, including the planning and design of advertising design and printing-related businesses, as well as various types of printing.
In particular, as part of a project to promote the quality of Tenryu wood nationwide, they have produced many goods using Tenryu wood, which are extremely popular as souvenirs for tourists in Hamamatsu and as items for everyday use.
The company’s president, Mr. Katsuhiko Kaneko, handles everything from planning to product production.
This month’s recommendation is Catsivy Co., Ltd.