A ropeway over the lake and a cruise ship! 5 sightseeing spots where you can fully enjoy the charms of Lake Hamana

Lake Hamana, famous for its eel, is the 10th largest lake in Japan. It is a brackish lake located in the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture, with the Tomei Expressway running through its northern area and the Tokaido Shinkansen passing through the south. The southern part of the lake connects to the Enshu-nada Sea in the Pacific Ocean. Here, we introduce sightseeing attractions where you can fully enjoy the grandeur and beautiful scenery of Lake Hamana, including sightseeing cruises, an observatory accessible by a ropeway over the lake, a grand torii gate, stunning viewpoints, and a flower-filled park.

1. Kanzanji Ropeway

On the northern side of a large peninsula that juts out toward the center of the northeastern part of Lake Hamana lies Kanzanji Onsen, a hot spring that opened in 1958. The "Kanzanji Ropeway" is Japan's only ropeway that crosses over a lake, spanning across Uchiura Bay. It departs from "Kanzanji Station," located at the amusement park "Pal Pal" by the lakeside at Kanzanji Onsen, and carries passengers over Lake Hamana. The approximately four-minute aerial journey to "Ōkusa-yama Station," home to a scenic observation deck, offers breathtaking views.

The final stop, Ōkusa-yama Station, is perched atop a small hill. From the rooftop observation deck, visitors can take in a stunning 360-degree panoramic view that feels much higher than its actual elevation of about 113 meters. This location offers an excellent perspective of Lake Hamana and its surroundings, making it a great starting point for sightseeing in the area.

A beautiful monument installed at the observation deck is the "Musical Carillon," an arrangement of 18 bells that automatically play melodies on the hour. The carillon, which is considered the origin of the music box, enchants visitors with its lovely tones and harmonies every hour.

The 2nd and 3rd floors of Ōkusa-yama Station house a music box museum and a concert hall. Exhibits include a self-playing Steinway piano, a fairground organ, mechanical dolls, and various types of music boxes, with live demonstrations available for visitors to enjoy.

The 1st floor features one of the largest music box shops in the Tokai region, filled with delightful items to browse. You can purchase a music box for yourself or as a souvenir. For a more hands-on experience, visitors can create their own custom music box at the workshop as a special keepsake from Lake Hamana. Simple designs can be completed in about 10 minutes.

2. Lake Hamana Cruise

After enjoying breathtaking views from the ropeway and observation deck, why not explore Lake Hamana from the water with a scenic cruise?

◆ Lake Hamana Sightseeing Boat

Lake Hamana Sightseeing Boat departs from three ports: Kanzanji Port, Flower Park Port, and Seto Port in the northwest. The regular cruise services include a 30-minute round-trip course from Kanzanji Port or Flower Park Port, passing under the Tomei Expressway, and a one-way 30-minute route connecting Kanzanji Port, Flower Park Port, and Seto Port. Travelers can conveniently use the one-way option for cycling or transport, while the round-trip option offers a full 60-minute sightseeing experience on the lake.

Additionally, seasonal experience cruises are available, such as the "Scenic Sunset Cruise," "Seagull Interaction Cruise," "Night Cruise for Twilight and Stargazing," and "Summer Fireworks Viewing Cruise." Some of these require reservations, so be sure to check the official website in advance.

◆ "Sea Lake" Boat Tour

From late April to around November, the "Sea Lake" boat tour (Chaka) is a recommended experience. Guided by local Lake Hamana fishermen, this 20-minute scenic cruise offers an up-close look at the beauty of the lake.

The boarding location is a special pier at "Platto Park" within the Lake Hamana Service Area on the Tomei Expressway. Since this tour operates on a limited seasonal schedule, be sure to check the timing of your trip and take advantage of this unique experience if possible.

3. Lake Hamana Garden Park

Lake Hamana Garden Park is an urban park that opened on April 8, 2004, as the venue for the "Lake Hamana Flower Expo." Later, from April 5 to June 15, 2014, it also hosted the "Lake Hamana Flower Expo 2014." Managed by Shizuoka Prefecture, admission and parking are completely free! This vast park, filled with flowers and greenery, offers a full day of sightseeing and recreation.

The park is divided into three areas: the "West Area," which includes parking lots and a green plaza, the "Town Area" in the center, and the "Village Area," which features beautifully landscaped gardens. Standing at the heart of the park is a landmark observation tower, approximately 50 meters tall. From the top-floor observation deck, visitors can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the entire park and the beauty of Lake Hamana.

A relaxing way to explore the park is by taking a cruise along the east-west waterway that runs between the Town and Village Areas. The "Garden Cruise Sightseeing Boat" allows visitors to leisurely admire the vibrant flower gardens and lush greenery from the water.

4. Lake Hamana Service Area "Platt Park"

Located on an elevated area, the Lake Hamana Service Area is one of the best scenic spots along the Tomei Expressway. Behind the service area lies "Platto Park," a well-maintained walking trail and open space that can be accessed not only from the highway but also from local roads. From Platto Park, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake Hamana. It’s a quick and beautiful stop for sightseeing, so be sure to check it out.

The boarding area for the "Sea Lake" boat tour is located by the lakeshore, just down from the plaza. Across the water, visitors can also spot Kanzanji Amusement Park, with its Ferris wheel serving as a landmark.

The "Lover's Sanctuary Bell" is a popular attraction for couples. Throughout the park, seasonal flowers bloom, making it a perfect place for a stroll and photography. If you're visiting Lake Hamana by car, be sure to stop by the Lake Hamana Service Area for a relaxing break.

5. Bentenjima Seaside Park

Bentenjima Seaside Park is located just south of JR Bentenjima Station, which runs parallel to the Tokaido Shinkansen. The combination of the blue sky and lake surface, the striking red torii gate standing approximately 18 meters tall, and the high-rise bridge of the Hamana Bypass in the background creates a breathtaking view. This spot is also famous for its stunning sunrise and sunset scenery.

Not only is it a fantastic location for sightseeing and photography, but the park is also a great destination for swimming, clam digging, and fishing. Anglers can catch fish such as flounder, rockfish, sea bass, black sea bream, and goby here. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, this is a great spot to enjoy fishing with beautiful surroundings. To the north of the park, hotels with hot springs in Bentenjima Onsen line the area, making it a great place for an extended stay to fully experience the attractions of Lake Hamana.

◎ Summary

Lake Hamana has a complex shape, with a large peninsula extending toward the center from the northeast side and four branching bays. Its shoreline stretches approximately 114 km, making it the third-longest lake in Japan after Lake Biwa and Lake Kasumigaura, and the longest brackish lake in the country. With its ropeway, sightseeing cruises, hot springs, diverse fishing opportunities, and numerous scenic viewpoints from different perspectives, Lake Hamana is a destination packed with a variety of attractions.

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A ropeway over the lake and a cruise ship! 5 sightseeing spots where you can fully enjoy the charms of Lake Hamana