Hamamatsu Castle & Eel Town
Tokugawa Ieyasu ruled from this castle for 17 years during his formative battles before taking national power. The reconstructed keep stands in a park of cherry trees. Hamamatsu is also Japan's eel (unagi) capital — the grilled eel restaurants surrounding the park have been serving the same dish for generations.
1–2 hours
¥200
Castle: 8:30–16:30 year-round; eel restaurants: typically 11:00–14:00, sell out early
Year-round
About 20 min walk or 10 min by bus from Hamamatsu Station (JR Tokaido Line)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Tokugawa Ieyasu's base for 17 years — the battles he fought from here forged Japan's last great shogunate
- 2
Hamamatsu produces more unagi (freshwater eel) than anywhere else in Japan
- 3
Lake Hamana nearby is ideal for cycling and produces prized wasabi, oysters, and clams
Local Tips
Hamamatsu unaju (eel over rice) is the city's defining dish — lunch queues at top restaurants form by 11:30. The castle is compact but the grounds are pleasant. Hamamatsu is also Japan's music instrument capital (Yamaha, Roland, Kawai all founded here) — the Musical Instruments Museum is excellent.
Add to your AI itinerary
Let AI build a multi-day trip around this spot.
Advertisement
More in Shizuoka
Dogashima Sea Caves
A dramatic coastline of eroded tuff stone cliffs, sea caves, and stacks — the Izu Peninsula's most scenic shore. Boat tours enter the Tensei Cave, a collapsed cave with a sky-light hole in the ceiling through which sunlight pours in. The turquoise water and white rock faces resemble the Amalfi Coast.
Fujinomiya — Gateway to Mt Fuji
Fujinomiya is home to Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha — the head shrine of over 1,300 Sengen shrines across Japan and the spiritual centre of Mt Fuji worship. The Shiraito Falls nearby, fed entirely by Mt Fuji snowmelt, cascade over a 150-metre-wide basalt ledge. Fujinomiya yakisoba is one of Japan's most famous local noodle dishes.
Izu Atagawa Onsen
One of the Izu Peninsula's least-visited onsen towns — a tranquil riverside resort with hot spring water so abundant it is used to heat the famous Atagawa Tropical & Alligator Garden. The milky alkaline waters relax muscles while the forested gorge offers cool air even in summer.