What to do and see in Hamamatsu, Chubu: The Best Nature & Parks

Hamanako Garden Park is a Shizuoka pref. city park, built on the site of 2004 Pacific Flora Garden Exposition. From the Observatory Tower, you can see the Enshu Nada and Lake Hamana. Seasonal flowers are planted in 3,000m2 garden, nemophila, sunflowers and cosmos. The “Flower Museum" is a copy of Monet's garden in France. It has seasonal flowers like tulips, roses, water lilies, and dahlia. Summer (July/August) Opening hours: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm Closed day: New Year's holiday (December 29th to January 3rd) "Flower Museum" is closed every Tuesday afternoon

A Zen Buddhist temple opened 700years ago. The garden by a Japanese landscaper known as Kobori Enshu of Heisei and the 1,000 years old Buddhist statue are amazing. “The World’s Biggest Hannya Sutra" of Shoko Kanazawa, a genius calligrapher with Down syndrome, was displayed here. With the size 4m x 16m, you can feel the kindness of Shoko. There are other highlights such as hell & heaven map.

Akihasan Hongu Akiha-jinja Shrine pays tribute to the famous Akihasan, which is said to be one of the most sacred mountains in the Tokai region. It was founded in Wado 2 (709 AD). In the Middle Ages, it was called "Akiha Daigongen" (God of Fire) and was widely known throughout the country as a highly virtuous god. It was given the highest rank as a god by the Imperial Court. Many great swords were also donated to the shrine by famous warlords. Furthermore, during the Edo period, Akihakou (Group for worshiping Mt. Akiha) was formed all over the country, and the main road was crowded with worshipers. Even today, rituals are performed in traditional ways and are respected throughout the country. (Prayer reception is from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm) (All day worship and prayer are possible from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day)

The huge 300,000 m² garden created by taking advantage of the natural terrain on the shore of Lake Hamana. It has the world's most beautiful "cherry and tulip gardens" that begin in spring, also flowers that decorate the flower beds such as wisteria, roses and iris during the four seasons. Various flowers proudly bloom creating a relaxing space. The fountain show, large greenhouse, Flower Train that runs in the park are also popular. The open hours are subject to each season. *Open hours: October - November 9:00-16:30 / December - February 10:00-16:30 *December 29-31 Closed due to facility inspection.

It is one of the largest tourist limestone caves in the Tokai region, which was formed in a limestone area 250 million years ago. The average temperature inside the cave is 18 degrees Celsius, you can enjoy a comfortable space that is cool in summer and warm in winter. Homemade gelato is also recommended! The cave may be temporarily closed due to typhoons, disasters, etc.

Hamamatsu Zoological Garden is a municipal zoo with abundant nature facing Lake Hamana in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. The adjoining "Hamamatsu Flower Park" is connected by a passage in the park, and you can visit both parks by purchasing a "joint entrance ticket". Hamamatsu zoo has the largest collection of primates among zoos in Japan including the Western Lowland Gorilla and Sumatran orangutan. Proud of the extensive exhibition contents such as lions and tigers, polar bears and black leopards. There are facilities such as a mini-safari-style large field with giraffes, zebras, and ostriches, the live interaction plaza, and konchukan (insects display facility). The last admission time is 4pm, and will be closed on December 29th, 30th and 31st.

215 Ha Natural Park Best Known By 150-meter-long Suspension Bridge, Designed To Observe Nature And Watch Birds.

Lake Hamana is a brackish lake abundant in fish and marine species. An experience zone for “an interaction with Lake Hamana” is available at Wotto, a small aquarium. Visitors can view the fish and marine creatures of the lake in a large tank and feel them in a pool called touch pool. Come visit and enjoy the experience! （Closed: Mondays or next days if fall on national & New Year holidays）