Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Hamamatsu City, known as the “City of Industry”!

Hamamatsu City boasts the largest area and population in Shizuoka Prefecture, and is home to Lake Hamana, renowned for eel farming. Blessed with a mild climate and abundant natural resources, Hamamatsu is a major producer of agricultural and marine products. However, its status as an industrial powerhouse should not be overlooked.
The globally renowned automobile manufacturer Honda was founded in Hamamatsu. In addition, major companies such as Suzuki and Yamaha have their headquarters in the city, playing key roles in the development of the automobile and musical instrument industries.
In this article, we will introduce some of the top tourist spots you’ll definitely want to visit in Hamamatsu, the “City of Industry.”

1. Hamamatsu Castle

To defend against the invasion of Takeda Shingen, Tokugawa Ieyasu relocated his base from Okazaki Castle to what is now known as Hamamatsu Castle. Ieyasu resided here for 17 years, starting in 1570. Originally called Hikuma Castle, it was renamed Hamamatsu Castle because the former name sounded too reminiscent of defeat.
The current castle keep is a reconstruction, and the only original part remaining from 400 years ago is the stone wall. This wall, made from natural, unprocessed stones, exudes a rugged and majestic atmosphere. Interestingly, one of the stones is heart-shaped, making it a popular "love power spot" among couples.
Inside the castle keep, you'll find exhibits on Tokugawa Ieyasu’s early life and the history of Hamamatsu Castle. Because many of the castle’s lords later went on to hold high-ranking positions in the Edo Shogunate, Hamamatsu Castle earned the nickname Castle of Success. Why not try to absorb some of that mysterious power for yourself?

2. Hamamatsu Flower Park

At Hamamatsu Flower Park, you can see more than 3,000 species of flowers and plants from around the world. With flowers blooming year-round, it can be hard to determine the best time to visit—but don’t worry, the official website offers detailed guidance with photos showing the current state of the gardens.
The most popular attraction is the Garden of Cherry Blossoms and Tulips, available for only about three weeks from late March. The breathtaking view of 1,300 cherry trees and 600,000 tulips creates a scene so romantic, it feels like stepping into a fairytale. Don’t miss the beautiful wisteria trellis either—it’s like a natural curtain. The purple wisteria is in full bloom in mid-April, followed by the white wisteria in late April.
Hamamatsu Flower Park also features a playground with various equipment, a Flower Train that tours the grounds, and nearby attractions such as Hamamatsu Zoo, Hamanako Palpal amusement park, and Kanzanji Onsen. It’s a spot sure to delight visitors of all ages, so be sure to visit with your whole family!

3. Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments

A tourist attraction unique to Hamamatsu City, where many musical instrument and music-related companies are based, is the Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments. This museum displays about 1,300 instruments from around the world, including over 200 types collected from across Japan, categorized by region.
With one of the most extensive collections in Japan, it’s a must-see for any music lover. You’ll encounter instruments that are no longer manufactured and rare items you’d hardly find even in Japan. It’s best to take your time reading the explanations as you explore. Some highlights include keyboard instruments made in the 19th century and instruments once used in European royal courts.
The museum is packed with interactive features such as a hands-on room where you can try producing sound, and a hall that hosts mini concerts. The Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments offers a full sensory experience—see, touch, and listen—that allows you to truly appreciate the charm of this musical city.

4. Ryugashido Cave

Ryugashido Cave is the largest limestone cave in the Tokai region and was formed from a stratum dating back approximately 250 million years. It's a thrilling attraction that gives a sense of adventure and is especially popular among families with children.
Although only 400 meters of the total 1,000 meters of the cave are open to the public, there’s plenty to enjoy: uniquely shaped rocks, natural waterfalls, illuminated sections of the cave, and even wild bats. There’s also a unique feature called "ashimizu"—cool cave water where you can dip your feet and relax, much like a footbath but with refreshing water.
Ryugashido Cave is a great place to experience the mystery and grandeur of nature, making it a perfect destination for summer vacation research projects. While even small children can enjoy the cave, be cautious as the paths are always damp and slippery.

5. Air Park

Air Park is a public relations facility of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), opened in 1999 to help people learn more about the JASDF. While there are related Self-Defense Force facilities in cities like Tokorozawa and Sasebo, Hamamatsu is the only city in Japan that hosts an Air Self-Defense Force facility like this—and best of all, admission and experiences are completely free!
The facility features exhibits of aircraft and equipment formerly used by the JASDF, simulators that let you feel like you're actually piloting a jet, pilot suit try-ons, and a mini-theater. These attractions are so exciting that even adults will find it hard to believe they’re free. It’s a great opportunity to dive into a hands-on aviation experience.
Already well-known among SDF enthusiasts, Air Festa Hamamatsu is held here every October, attracting over 100,000 visitors from across the country. With breathtaking aerobatic performances by the Blue Impulse team, fighter jet displays, and tours of the Hamamatsu Air Base, you’ll enjoy rare sights not typically accessible in daily life.

6. Unagi Pie Factory

Unagi Pie is a famous Hamamatsu souvenir beloved across all age groups for its mildly sweet and crispy texture. As the name suggests, the pie contains powdered eel, and what’s even more surprising—each pie is handmade by skilled artisans! The dough is kneaded repeatedly until it reaches an incredible 9,000 layers to create that perfect crisp.
At the Unagi Pie Factory, you can watch the entire production process of this Hamamatsu specialty. While anyone can explore the facility freely, guided options like the Factory Tour, where a concierge walks you through the highlights, and the Smile Tour, an exploratory game to uncover the mysteries of Unagi Pie, are highly recommended.
The factory also houses an Unagi Pie café and a direct sales shop—truly a dream come true for fans of the treat. You even receive a freshly made Unagi Pie as a souvenir. Note: Tour participation requires a reservation, and bookings are only accepted by phone, so plan accordingly.

7. Soichiro Honda Craftsmanship Legacy Hall

Honda, the globally renowned automobile manufacturer that originated in Hamamatsu, is celebrated at the Soichiro Honda Craftsmanship Legacy Hall. This facility honors the life and spirit of its founder, Soichiro Honda, and offers visitors a chance to learn about his innovative contributions and passion for craftsmanship.
Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of rare treasures that will delight motorcycle enthusiasts—such as early-model motorcycles and engine replicas from the early Showa era. One of the highlights is the Super Cub, recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s best-selling motorcycle, as well as the victory trophy from the 1961 Isle of Man TT Race, where Honda claimed a landmark win.
The exhibits are updated regularly, offering a fresh experience with each visit. True to Soichiro Honda’s legacy of inspiring quotes, the hall also displays panel exhibitions featuring the stories and photographs behind his famous sayings. This makes the hall a true pilgrimage site for Honda fans.
Even beyond motorcycles and cars, this museum serves as a source of inspiration for anyone striving to turn dreams into reality.

◎ Summary

When people think of Hamamatsu, Lake Hamana often comes to mind—but as you can see, the city offers a wide variety of attractions across many different categories. The seven tourist destinations introduced here all tell the story of Hamamatsu's rich history or serve as symbolic landmarks of the city itself.
They also make great starting points for exploring the area. So don’t hesitate—make your way to Hamamatsu and discover its many wonders for yourself!

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Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Hamamatsu City, known as the “City of Industry”!