Introducing the Highlights of the Hamamatsu Lake Service Area (on the Tomei Expressway)

The Hamamatsu Lake Service Area is a popular rest area on the Tomei Expressway located in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Since the facility for both the inbound and outbound directions is the same, you can use it whether you're heading out or coming back.

In 2019, the facility re-opened as "EXPASA Hamamatsu Lake" with a grand reopening! With restaurants where you can dine while overlooking Hamamatsu Lake, shopping centers, and even a lovers' spot, it has become a tourist attraction where you can truly enjoy your stop. In this article, we introduce the highlights and gourmet information of the Hamamatsu Lake Service Area!

1. What is the Hamamatsu Lake Service Area?

Perched on a terrain jutting out over Hamamatsu Lake, the "Hamamatsu Lake Service Area" offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake. With a bus stop for highway buses called "Tomei Hamamatsu Lake" within the facility, this service area is highly recommended for those with extra time to spare.

Within the premises, "EXPASA Hamamatsu Lake" opened in December 2019. It includes a shopping center, a food court with views of the lake, and a dedicated section for dumplings and ramen. The facility is packed with restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops! There is also a separate building that houses a Starbucks and a Baskin-Robbins, making it a perfect spot for a quick break.

Additionally, the grounds feature rare attractions for a service area – a lovers' sanctuary and a sightseeing boat boarding area, as well as a lawn area.

More than just a brief rest stop, it has grown into a tourist attraction in its own right. Make sure to drop by and enjoy yourself!

2. Hamamatsu Lake SA (Outbound) – Parking Area Toward Nagoya

The outbound Hamamatsu Lake Service Area is located approximately 270 km from Tokyo, about 3 hours and 30 minutes from Tokyo. The parking lot accommodates 273 compact cars (including shared spaces with large vehicles) and 35 large vehicles.

While the facility is shared with the inbound section, there are plenty of spacious restrooms, giving you peace of mind. Although there is no shower facility, you can find many hot springs in the Hamamatsu Lake area. If you use the nearby Tateyama Smart IC, you can conveniently visit attractions such as Tateyama-dera Onsen and Hamamatsu Flower Park.

In addition, there is the "Kansanji Ropeway" that connects Ōkusayama Station and Kanzanji Station. Since it traverses over Hamamatsu Lake, you can even experience a stroll in the air. The Hamamatsu Lake area is filled with many attractions that can be explored on foot.

3. Hamamatsu Lake SA (Inbound) – Parking Area Toward Tokyo

The inbound Hamamatsu Lake Service Area is located approximately 80 km from the Nagoya IC on the Tomei Expressway, about a 1-hour drive. While there are several parking areas along the route, the Hamamatsu Lake SA is recommended for its convenient distance and timing.

The parking lot here can accommodate 210 compact cars (including shared spaces with large vehicles) and 32 large vehicles.

Within the facility, you will find an "Highway Information Terminal" that displays ATMs as well as road and map information for the Tomei Expressway. There is also a lottery corner handling Lotto, Toto, and Numbers, among others.

4. EXPASA Hamamatsu Lake: A Facility for Shopping and Gourmet Delights

Following extensive renovations that began in May 2019, EXPASA Hamamatsu Lake had its grand opening in December of the same year. The facility features a shopping center, a food court with views of the lake, and a dedicated area for dumplings and ramen, letting you enjoy both shopping and gourmet dining.

In the shopping center, you can find Hamamatsu Lake-exclusive souvenirs and popular items like snacks made with the local specialty eel.

At the lake-view food court, there is a spacious seating area with about 440 seats and a terrace. Restaurants include the eel specialty restaurant "Hama Unagi," a set meal restaurant "Nagisa" using locally branded pork, and "Yuunagi," which is popular for its seafood rice bowls.

With a wide range of menus available, it’s also a great spot for a late dinner as they operate until around 10:00 PM. A takeout counter is also available—perfect for breakfast too. Please check each store’s operating hours on their website.

5. Lovers’ Sanctuary: Heart Rock in Hamamatsu Lake Service Area

Among the unusual features of service areas on the Tomei Expressway is the "Lovers’ Sanctuary: Heart Rock." Situated on an elevated area that offers panoramic views of Hamamatsu Lake, it includes a "bell of happiness" and a spot on a fence where you can lock padlocks as a symbol of love. This romantic spot, ideal for watching the sunset, is a perfect stop for a drive date.

Additionally, the surrounding lawn area is famous as a spot where you can see the first sunrise of the year. The sunrise reflecting on the lake is truly enchanting—be sure to check it out.

6. Hamamatsu Lake Service Area – Sightseeing Boat Boarding Area

Unique among Tomei Expressway service areas, there is a sightseeing boat boarding area where you can cruise on Hamamatsu Lake. Boat departures are about two per hour, and each tour lasts around 20 minutes. The fare is approximately 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children.

Local fishermen operate the boats. Departing from "Sunza Rakugan," the boat enters Hamamatsu Lake’s inner bay, providing views of attractions such as Tateyama Onsen. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you cruise the lake. Make sure to check the map for details.

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Introducing the Highlights of the Hamamatsu Lake Service Area (on the Tomei Expressway)