Travel Ideas
2 nights, 3 days
If you want to truly experience Japan, this is the course for you. In Hamamatsu, experience local nature, culture, and industry. Enjoy Hamamatsu Castle, the Lake Ropeway, and local delicacies!
At the border between Shizuoka and Yamanashi you’ll find Mt. Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. Mt. Fuji is deeply connected to Japanese culture and history, and has long been a favorite subject of poets and artists. Regarded as one of the foremost cultural heritage sites in Japan, Mt. Fuji is one of the most spectacular destinations in the country.
On this course, you can truly discover Japan. If you use the Rail Pass Mini, it’s easy to travel, too!
Day 1
9:00
Hamamatsu City is often called "music town," and JR Hamamatsu Station serves as its hub. Inside the station, there are exhibits by two famous local companies, YAMAHA and KAWAI. Next time you pass through the station, be sure not to miss these displays! In the Hamamatsu Station area there are many restaurants and shopping outlets, including May One, which is directly connected with the station.
Hamamatsu Station-Flower Park Bus Stop
40 minutes by bus
Day 1
9:40
Hamamatsu Flower Park is a facility that holds floral exhibits and festivals. This beautiful park features flowers across all seasons, including cherry tree blossoms, roses, and the Japanese Iris. There's also a large greenhouse with seasonal exhibits, and a fountain show held every 30 minutes. The numerous shops, restaurants, and kid-friendly Flower Train (a locomotive-style tour bus) make it ideal for families to take a break.
Flower Park Bus Stop-Kanzanji Onsen Bus Stop
6 minutes by bus
Day 1
12:00
Unagi (eel) is a specialty product of Hamamatsu. In fact when people hear of Hamamatsu, they often associate it with unagi. The Kanzanji area is also lined with many long standing unagi restaurants. If you've made the effort to come all the way to Hamamatsu, then by all means please try eating this local specialty!
5 minutes walk
Day 1
13:30
Kanzanji Ropeway is the only cable car in Japan that travels over a lake. It connects Hamanako Palpal amusement park with the Mt. Okusa Observation Deck and the Hamanako Orgel (music box) Museum. From high above, passengers get a 360-degree view of Lake Hamanako and the surrounding scenery down below.
Hamanoko PalPal Station-City Hall South Bus Stop
40 minutes by bus
Day 1
15:00
The castle is nicknamed the Shusse ("Success") Castle, since Tokugawa Ieyasu spent 17 years of his prime here. From late March, 360 cherry blossom trees are in full bloom and surround the main keep. Crowds continue to gather even in the evenings. It’s recommended to take a walk through the Japanese garden and enjoy the seasonal sights.
City Hall South Bus Stop-Hamamatsu Station Bus Stop
11 minutes by bus
Day 1
17:00
No matter how many places you want to see, a hotel near Hamamatsu Station makes it easy to go sightseeing, shopping, or enjoy local food at your own pace! You'll be able to spend much more of your time sightseeing with a hotel close to the station.
5 minutes walk
Day 1
19:00
After grilled eel, Hamamatsu's most famous dish is dumplings! Hamamatsu's specialty dumplings are made with cabbage and onions, and are so popular that people come from all over Japan to enjoy them.
Day 2
8:00
Hamamatsu City is often called "music town," and JR Hamamatsu Station serves as its hub. Inside the station, there are exhibits by two famous local companies, YAMAHA and KAWAI. Next time you pass through the station, be sure not to miss these displays! In the Hamamatsu Station area there are many restaurants and shopping outlets, including May One, which is directly connected with the station.
About 30 minutes by shinkansen
Day 2
8:30
Shizuoka Station-Fujinomiya Station
About 40 minutes by train
Day 2
9:10
Fujinomiya includes highlights like Mt. Fuji, Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, and the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center. The Heritage Center has an observation deck that offers a spectacular view Mt. Fuji, so be sure to enjoy this scenery that Japanese people have loved since ancient times.
30 Minutes by train
Day 2
20 Minutes by bus
Day 2
70 minutes by boat
Day 2
5 minutes walk
Day 2
14:00
This is the largest hot spring resort in Nishi-Izu. This fertile land is surrounded by mountains and the sea, and has long been a favorite destination. The sunset at Matsubara Park is especially beautiful thanks to a Guinness Record-certified flower clock.
Day 3
9:00
40 minutes by bus
Day 3
40 minutes by train
Day 3
50 minutes+ by shinkansen
Day 3
11:10