'''Hamamatsu''' (_l__) [http://www.city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp/hamaEng/index.htm] is the largest city in Shizuoka, Japan.

Understand

An important industrial hub, the city is home to many companies, including Honda Motor Company, Kawai Pianos, Yamaha, Sony, Suzuki Motor Company and Hamamatsu Photonics as well as a large air base for Japan's defense force. Consequently, the city is well known for producing motorcycles, musical instruments and optoelectronic sensors among other things.

For its population of 818,197 (July 2006 figures), Hamamatsu is a uniquely international city. It is home to almost 20,000 Brazilians, mostly from Sao Paulo, Parana, and Belem, as well as 3000 immigrants from Peru, giving it the highest per-capita concentration of South Americans in Japan. The city also has sizable immigrant populations from Indonesia, South Korea, the Philippines, China, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The ethnic diversity here provides the city with a wide array of ethnic stores, restaurants, bars and clubs.

Get in

By plane

From Chubu International Airport, Entetsu operates a bus called '''E-Wing''', which runs directly to Hamamatsu. Buses depart the airport once per hour (00 minutes past in the morning, 45 minutes past in the afternoon) and reach Hamamatsu station in two hours (¥3000). [http://bus.entetsu.co.jp/highway/centrair.htm Schedule in Japanese]

From Narita International Airport, when exiting customs take the Airport Limosine Bus (¥3000) to Tokyo station and then purchase a ticket on the JR Tokeido Shinkansen line to Hamamatsu Station (about ¥8000). It is the 5th stop on the express train from Tokyo station and takes about 1 1/2 hours. Alternatively, take the Narita Express Train (NXT) from airport to Tokyo Station and transfer over to the Shinkansen. The upside to this is that you can purchase both train tickets from the one vendor (located at the same counter as the Airport Limosuine Bus), and the NXT puts you right into Tokyo Station.

By train

Hamamatsu is situated on both the '''Tokaido Shinkansen Line''', and the '''JR Tokaido Line''', which serve major cities like Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.

There are a handful of ''Hikari'' and ''Kodama'' services that stop in Hamamatsu. From Tokyo, there are two all-stopping ''Kodama'' trains that depart every hour, making the run to Hamamatsu in about 2 hours. Faster ''Hikari'' trains depart once every 1-2 hours, running to Hamamatsu in 90 minutes. The fare is the same for both, at ¥8070 for a reserved seat.

There are hourly departures to Hamamatsu from Osaka and Kyoto on either a ''Hikari'' (90 minutes from Osaka) or ''Kodama'' (2 hours from Osaka) service. The reserved seat fare is ¥8700 from Shin-Osaka and ¥8070 from Kyoto.

If you wish to sacrifice travel speed for savings, you can take advantage of the '''Puratto Kodama Ticket''' [http://www.jrtours.co.jp/kodama/ (in Japanese)], which offers a discount for Kodama services if you purchase at least one day in advance. You get a reserved seat and a free drink on board. With this ticket a trip to Hamamatsu costs ¥6300 from Tokyo (2 hours), ¥3500 from Nagoya (50 minutes), ¥6300 from Kyoto (1 3/4 hours) and ¥6800 from Shin-Osaka (2 hours). Kodama trains run once an hour from Shin-Osaka and Kyoto; twice per hour from the other cities. A few early-morning Kodama trains cannot be used with this ticket.

Regular local train services on the Tokaido Line will get you from Tokyo to Hamamatsu in approximately 4-5 hours for ¥4310 with at least one change of trains required. From Osaka, it takes around the same amount of time for ¥4940 with several train changes required.

Train service from Nagoya take as little as 1 hour 40 minutes on the regular Tokaido Line (¥1890), changing at Toyohashi, or as little as 30 minutes on the Shinkansen (¥4810).

All of the above train services are free with a Japan Rail Pass.

The ''Sunrise Izumo'' and ''Sunrise Seto'' trains make overnight stops in Hamamatsu on runs to Izumoshi and Takamatsu, respectively.

By car

The Tomei Expressway, the main artery through the Chubu region, also bisects the city.

By bus

Hamamatsu serves as a major stop for bus travel throughout the country, thanks in large part to its location near the Tomei Expressway artery. Through buses may stop at the Hamamatsu Kita interchange of the expressway, a good distance from Hamamatsu station.

To/From Tokyo

There are six daily JR '''Tomei Liner''' buses that run from Tokyo to Hamamatsu Station (about 4 - 4 1/2 hours, ¥3770). Most of the runs are to Tokyo earlier in the day, and from Tokyo late in the day.

To/From Kyoto

JR Tokai Bus runs one daily round-trip bus between Hamamatsu and Kyoto via the Meishin Expressway. The trip takes about 4 1/4 hours and costs ¥6200 one way. As of October 2006, the bus leaves Hamamatsu at 8:00, and the return bus leaves Kyoto at 16:30..

Get around

By car

  • '''Mazda Rent-a-Car''', (''south of Hamamatsu station''), tel. 053-454-5656.
  • By bus

    '''Hamamatsu Bus Terminal''' is located just north of the main JR train station.

    By train

  • The '''JR Tokaido''' main line has five stops within Hamamatsu city limits. They are, from west to east:
  • :* '''Bentenjima''' (___V__) :* '''Maisaka''' (____) :* '''Takatsuka''' (____) :* '''Hamamatsu''' (_l__) :* '''Toyoda-cho''' (_L_c__)
  • The '''JR Iida''' line cuts across the mountainous far northern edge of the city on its path between Toyohashi, Aichi and Tatsuno, Nagano. Useful stops include '''Misakubo''' and '''Sakuma'''.
  • '''Entetsu''' [http://www.entetsu.co.jp/tetsudou/] runs a line popularly known as the '''Aka-den''', after the red color of the train cars. It runs from Shin-Hamamatsu station (_V_l___w) northward to Nishikajima station (______), where it connects with the Tenryu-Hamanako line._@To find Shin-Hamamatsu station from the regular JR station, walk westward from the JR North Exit about two minutes and you will find the station behind Entetsu department store.
  • The '''Tenryuu-Hamanako''' line crosses Hamamatsu through the foothills and across the scenic north end of Lake Hamana. It connects with the JR Tokaido line at Shinjohara (_V____) at the western border of the prefecture, and again at Kakegawa to the east of town. In the center, it connects with the terminus of the Entetsu line at Nishikajima (______).
  • See

  • Act City. taya-machi 111-1 - Naka-ku. ast side of JR station. 53 451-1111. 53 451-1123. ttp://www.actcity.jp/. Hamamatsu's only skyscraper is a symbol of the city, designed to resemble a harmonica, a reminder that Hamamatsu is sometimes known as the "City of Music". The building houses shopping and a food court, the Okura Hotel, and an observatory on the 45th floor from which you can see all of central Hamamatsu. The basement floor holds two theaters at which there are frequent concerts, musicals, plays, and seminars. On the west side there is a unique rooftop park complex, and on the north there is an outdoor "Sunken Garden" used at festival times for food stalls and cultural performances. :* <see name="Tower Observatory" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="Mon-Fri 10am-6pm" price="__500">From the observatory you can see down to the sand dunes at the shore and Lake Hamana to the west. If the weather is exceptionally clear, you can even glimpse Mount Fuji in the distance. Beneath the windows are labeled panoramic photos so you can identify the sights. Coin-operated telescopes.</see> :* <see name="Chopin Monument" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Erected in the rooftop park beside the tower itself is an authentic two-third-scale replica of the famous Art Nouveau bronze statue of Chopin by the famed artist Wac?aw Szymanowski. The original is in Hamamatsu's sister city, Warsaw.</see>
  • Futamata Castle Ruins. _______, ''Futamata-jouseki''. utamata-cho Futamata - Tenryu-ku. rom the northern ''Akaden'' terminus at Nishikajima, take the Tenryu-Hamanako line one stop north to Futamata Honmachi, walk 200m north to the main street, head left for about 300m and look for the sign. Many battles were fought over this castle in the mid-sixteenth century between Ieyasu Tokugawa and Shingen Takeda. In 1579, Tokugawa's wife was executed here and his son committed ''seppuku'' here as well. The castle was abandoned after 1600, and today nothing but the walls remain, surrounded by a beautiful park. </see>
  • Hamamatsu Castle. l____, ''Hamamatsu-jou''. otoshiro-cho 49-2 - Naka-ku. ake bus 36, 40, 41, or 50,to city hall (_s_____O).. 53 453-3872. ttp://www.hamamatsu-navi.jp/shiro/. Hamamatsu Castle was built by Ieyasu Tokugawa, who is considered perhaps the greatest shogun and one of the three people most important to the unification of Japan. His rule marks the beginning of the Edo Period. Tokugawa lived here from 1571 to 1588. After the Edo Period, the castle was destroyed, and was restored to the original specifications in 1958. The foundation, which is original, is unique because it uses unhewn stones carefully selected and fitted to lean inward. There is a small museum inside the castle, which costs 200 yen to enter, and which houses some Tokugawa armor and relics, a preserved well moved from elsewhere on the grounds as well as a miniature model of how the city might have looked 400 years ago.
  • Keta River. C_c__, ''Ketagawa''. aruno-cho Tenryu-ku. ake Route 152 north and turn onto 362 at Tenryu and drive about 18km. This beautiful mountain river flows for 66 kilometers before it joins the Tenryu southwest of Haruno. It's a relaxing place for swimming or kayaking.
  • Kiga Sekisho. C______. osoe-cho Kiga 4577 - Kita-ku. ake a Kiga-Mikkawa bus from central bus station terminal 15 and get off at Kiga-ekimae: _C___w_O. 53 523-2855. am-4:30pm, closed Mondays. dults __200, children __100. This restored checkpoint along the Princess Road was established by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1601. Now dressed with authentic props, visitors can get a glimpse of how tightly controlled travel in that era was. The gate is especially impressive.
  • Mitake Castle Ruins. O_x____, ''Mitake Jouseki''. nasa-cho Mitake. ear Iinoya busstop: _____J. 53 542-1113. A somewhat strenuous hike will bring you to the ruins of a castle built atop 467-meter Mt. Mitake in 1340 by the Ii Clan.
  • Nakatajima Sand Dunes. __c_____u. akatajima-cho - Minami-ku. ake the Nakatajima bus from terminal 6 and get off at the Nakatajima Sakyu stop: ___c_____u. 53 452-1634. The second largest grouping of sand dunes in Japan makes a great place for a stroll or picnic. Be careful if swimming, as there is somewhat of an undertow.
  • Ryugashi Cavern. _______, Ryugashidou. nasa-cho Tabata 193 - Kita-ku. rom the central bus station, take the bus for Okuyama and get off at Ryugashi-do Iriguchi: ____________. 53 543-0108. ttp://www.doukutu.co.jp/. am-5pm. dults __650, children 13-15 __450, children __350. One of the largest and most famous caves in Japan. The first 400m of the 1000m limestone cavern are open to the public. Stalactites and stalagmites abound, and the centerpiece is a 30m underground waterfall. This cave stays about 15 degrees Celsius year-round, making it a great place to cool off during the sweltering summer heat.
  • Takisawa Observation Platform. ____W_]__, ''Takisawa Tenboudai''. rom the north end of Miyakoda Techno Road, turn left on Route 299, after about 10 km turn left at the Fuuketsu Iriguchi busstop: ________, go straight past Takisawa Elementary, and look for the signs. This spot offers a beautiful vista of the city from which you can see all the way to Act City and all across Lake Hamana. Popular with local couples, the view is especially good at night when the city is lit up.
  • Tenryu River. V____. One of Japan's largest rivers flows through the mountains of north Hamamatsu and along the edge of town from Tenryu-cho down to the coast. The meandering mountain portion and wide delta provide abundant opportunities for raftting, kayaking, and fishing, and there are many parks along its banks. The god of this river, Ryujin, is the guest of honor at many area festivals.
  • Washizawa Wind Cave. h______, ''Washizawa Fuuketsu''. ashizawa-cho 428 - Kita-ku. 53 428-2965 . _400. A less touristy alternative to Ryugashido, this limestone cave has cool winds blowing through it during the summertime. This is the only cave in Japan with a horizontal ceiling. The cave supposedly provided a refuge for warriors during the 1300s.

  • Hokoji Hansobo. orth of Hamamatsu. 31-2224.....1577-1. us Depot #15, take the #45 bus to the end. 53-543-0003. ttp://www.houkouji.or.jp. 00Y. A Buddhist Monestary nestled amoung pines, sakura, peach, and other things. Visitors can walk through the buildings- no shoes allowed.

    Museums

  • Akino Fuku Art Museum. utamata-cho Futamata 130 Tenryu-ku. rom Nishikajima station at the north end of the Akaden line, take a Futamata bus to Akino Fuku Bijyutsukan Iriguchi busstop:_H___s_____p________. 53 922-0315. ttp://www.city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp/lifeindex/enjoy/culture_art/akinofuku/. :30am-5pm, closed Mondays. dults __300, students __150. This museum is housed in an interesting building made mostly from local cedar and other products. The permanent collection has many pieces by the late artist Akino Fuku, as well as other pieces.
  • Hamamatsu City Museum. l___s______, ''Hamamatsu-shi Hakubutsukan''. hijimizuka 4-22-1 - Naka-ku. 53 456-2275. amahaku@city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp. am-5pm, closed Mondays. This museum, located on the grounds of a pleasant park, is dedicated to the history of Hamamatsu and the surrounding area. Exhibits include locally-found pre-historic fossils, ancient pottery, old maps, and farming and domestic implements up through the Edo era. Also on the grounds are some shell mounds, evidence of pre-historic human life in the area. A reconstruction of a Jomon village has been installed amongst the mounds, giving the visitor an idea of what life was life here three to four thousand years ago. The name of the park and also the neighborhood, Shijimizuka, means "shell mound".
  • Hamamatsu Festival Hall. l____________, ''Hamamatsu Matsuri Kaikan''. akatajima-cho 1313 - Minami-ku. ake the Nakatajima bus from terminal 6 and get off at the Nakatajima Sakyu stop: ___c_____u. 53 441-6211. ttp://www.hamamatsu-navi.jp/matsuri/index.html. am-4:30pm. _400. This museum gives visitors a taste of the famous Hamamatsu Festival year round, with its huge kites, festival clothing, lanterns, and banners. Videos show how the kites are made, flown and fought.
  • Hamamatsu JASDF Air Park. q_____q__ _l___L____, ''Koukuu Jieitai Hamamatsu Kouhoukan''. ishiyama-cho Nishi-ku, no number. n the Japan Self-Defense Force Airbase near Takaoka-cho. 53 472-1111. ttp://www.mod.go.jp/asdf/airpark/. am-4pm, closed Mondays. ree. This museum displays many aircrafts used or in former use by JASDF, and many other aviation-related items. It also has a flight simulator and a theater which runs informative documentaries every 30 minutes (Japanese only).
  • Hamamatsu Municipal Museum of Art. l___s___p__, ''Hamamatsu-shi Bijutsukan. atsushiro-cho 100-1 - Naka-ku. 53 454-6801. ttp://www.city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp/artmuse/. Just one stop up the road from city hall is Hamamatsu's art museum. Exhibits vary.
  • Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments. l___s_y________, ''Hamamatsu-shi Gakki Hakubutsukan''. 08-1 Itaya-machi - Naka-ku. 53 451-1128. ttp://www.gakkihaku.jp/. am-5pm, closed on the second Wednesday of each month. _400, high school students half-price, children free. This museum, just northeast of Act City Tower, houses a collection of over 2,000 kinds of ethnic instruments from around the world. Each instrument has a display attached, with headphones so you can listen to the sound of the instrument. The museum also has a hands-on room, where you can play many types of instruments; drums, xylophones, sitars and native Japanese instruments. This is a child friendly museum.
  • Hamamatsu Science Museum. l_____w__, ''Hamamatsu Kagakukan''. itaterajima-cho 256-3 - Naka-ku. bout 5 minutes' walk east of JR Hamamatsu on the south side of the tracks. 53 454-0178. ames@hamamatsu-kagakukan.jp. ttp://www.hamamatsu-kagakukan.jp/top.htm. :30am-6pm. useum only:Adults __500, ages 15-18 __350, children free; With planetarium:Adults __900, ages 15-18 __500, children __100. A range of interactive exhibits divided into five zones: nature, space, sound, light, and electricity. The third floor holds a planetarium.
  • Kitaouji Collection. k___H_R___N_V____. nasa-cho Okuyamaji Nanzan 653-280 - Kita-ku. 90-8421-7825. ttp://hirarin2.fc2web.com/kitaooziunagi.htm. 0am-6pm, closed Tuesdays. _500. Visitors to this bizarre museum will be greeted by 3 enormous brightly-painted outdoor statues of mammoths. The privately-owned museum has a wild collection of items from all over Asia, including hundreds of Buddha statues from Indonesia and elsewhere, fossils, pottery, furniture, skulls, and assorted implements.
  • Lake Hamana Music Box Museum. l_____I___S_[___~___[_W_A__, ''Hamanako Orugoru Myujiamu''. anzanji-cho 1891 - Nishi-ku. t the top of Mt. Okusa, at the end of the skyride from Pal-Pal Amusement Park. 53 487-2121. ttp://www.entetsu.co.jp/kaihatu/orgel/ . The collection includes dozens of self-playing orgels and music boxes from around the world. Performances begin hourly at 20 after the hour, and there is also a special hands-on exhibit. The view of Lake Hamana from outside the museum is spectacular as well.
  • Sakuma Rail Park. akuma-cho Hanba 15-3 - Tenryu-ku. nside JR Tenryu-Chubu station on the Iida line. 53 965-0003. eekends and holidays 10am-6pm. ree with purchase of train ticket. This museum, focused on the history of the JR Iida line, has 15 trains which once ran the line, as well as indoor exhibits including models, dioramas, photos, train parts, and a conductor's cab simulator.

    Temples and shrines

  • Choraku-ji Temple. osoe-cho Kiga 4578 - Kita-ku. 53 522-0478. _300, children free. This temple, built at the start of the Heian era, has a charming garden with plum trees, and is especially beautiful with the change of the leaves in the fall.
  • Daifuku-ji Temple. _____. ikkabi-cho Fukunaga 220 - Kita-ku. 53_@525-0278. _500, children free. Mountain temple overlooking the small Inohana lake. Check out the Deva statues at the gate. This is an excellent place if you're in town during cherry blossom time, and if you miss it, check out the Hantoshi-zakura cherry blossoms which are in bloom from mid-autumn to early spring.
  • Gosha and Suwa Shrines. _______, ''Gosha-jinja'', and _z_K____, ''Suwa-jinja''. ogi-machi 302-5 - Naka-ku. alk two blocks west of ZaZa City, turn right and head up the hill to find them on the left. Built originally in 1580 and 1556 respectively, these side-by-side shrines were reconstructed in the 1940s and serve downtown locals. Especially interesting at the shrine festival on May 4 or at Shichigosan on November 15 when local families wrap their small children in kimonos and come here to pray.
  • Horin-ji Temple. _____. osoe-cho Nakagawa 65-2. 53 542-1473. ttp://www.oubaku.org/shosan/. _300, children __150. Established by an invited Chinese Zen master in 1667, this temple is a fine example of late Ming Dynasty Chinese architecture. The Buddha hall and the priest's residence are both designated National Important Cultural Properties.
  • Kamoe Kannon. __]____. amoe 4-17-1. p the hill about 1km west of ZaZa City. ttp://kamoeji.jp/. This bright-orange-and-white modern temple is one of the most important downtown temples. It is a good place to see the locals all dressed in kimonos on holidays such as New Years.
  • Makaya-ji Temple. ikkabi-cho Makaya 421 - Kita-ku. am-4:30pm. _300, students __200, children __100. Here you will find the oldest garden in the prefecture, reminiscent of Kyoto's Koke-dera. The temple was built in 726 and contains some important cultural artifacts. Especially impressive is the wooden statue of Senju-Kannon with one thousand arms.
  • Okuyama Hoko-ji. __L__. nasa-cho Okuyama 1577-1 - Kita-ku. 53 543-0003. ttp://www.rinnou.net/cont_03/08houkou/. _300, students __150, children under 12 free. This Zen temple, established in 1377 is the home of the Rinsai Sect, housing three much-revered Buddha statues. With over sixty halls, it is one of the biggest temples in the Tokai area. The small Shichison Bosatsudo is the oldest wooden building in the prefecture and a fine example of 14th century Japanese architecture.
  • Ryotan-ji Temple. __K__. nasa-cho Iinoya 1989 - Kita-ku. 53 542-0480. ttp://www.ryotanji.com/. am-4:30. _400, children __150. The main hall here has "nightingale flooring" much like Nijo castle in Hamamatsu Municipal Zoo. l___s______. anzanji 199 - Nishi-ku. ake the Kanzanji bus line from terminal 1 at the main bus station.. 53 487-1122. amazoo@city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp. 53 487-1125. ttp://www.city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp/hamazoo/. Well worth stopping if you are in Kanzanji. In the autumn, special evening hours allow to you visit the zoo after dark.
  • Hamanako Garden Park. l_____K_[_f___p_[_N. urakushi-cho 5475-1 - Nishi-ku. etween Kanzanji and Bentenjima. 53 488-1500. g-park@pref.shizuoka.lg.jp. 53 488-0009. A big green park at the end of a peninsula on Lake Hamana. Features include a 5-hectare lawn, a waterworks plaza that encourages you to get wet, an exhibit hall, an observation tower, children's playground, a restaurant, and diverse flower gardens. :* <see name="Observation tower" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="9am-4:30pm (5pm in summer)" price="Adults __300, children __100">This 50-meter tower has a covered observation deck with a nice view of the park and lake.</see>

    Do

  • Pal-Pal Amusement Park. anzanji-cho 1891 - Nishi-ku. ake the Kanzanji bus from central bus station terminal 1. 53_@487-2121?. ttp://www.pal2.co.jp/. _1000. Rollercoasters, Japan's longest raft ride, and a cable car ride over Lake Hamana are among the attractions at this park in Kanzanji.
  • Torch Fishing. akiya-ryo. uto-cho 9985-3. t Yuto Fishing Co-op. 53 592-2260. ttp://www.takiyaryou.jp/framepage.home.html. ay to October. nfo@takiyaryou.jp. This method of spear fishing at night is unique to the Lake Hamana area. You can rent a boat for up to 4 people, including an experienced fisherman, for __27,000 yen. For a little extra you can have your catch cooked and served.
  • Wotto Hamanako Aquatic Experience Center. l_________w_K_{___E_H_b_g, ''Hamanako Taiken Gakushuu Shisetsu Wotto''. aisaka-cho Maisaka 5005-1 - Nishi-ku. bout a 15 minute walk north from JR Bentenjima station. 53 592-2880. am-4:30pm, closed Mondays. _300. At this hands-on aquarium, you can see, touch, and learn about aquatic life in Lake Hamana.
  • Hamanako Pleasure Boat. l_____V___D, ''Hamanako Yuuransen''. ikkabi-cho Oosaki 1899. 53 526-7066. ttp://www.izuhakone.co.jp/senpaku/hamanako/. am-4pm. ound trip __1150. This ferry runs between Kanzanji Hot Spring and Mikkabi-cho, giving some nice views of Lake Hamana. The round trip takes about an hour.
  • Miyakoda Hiking Course. ake the Akaden to Nishikajima station and transfer to the Tenryu-Hamanko line to Miyakoda station, then look for a signpost showing the hiking route, these will be at most major intersections on the route.. This "19 km hiking trail" is actually a route on the roads through the area. While quite confusing to the non-Japanese speaker, it does take one past Washizawa Cave, winds up in the mountains a temple, bridges,a waterfall, and finally to Takisawa Observation Platform. A new highway being built across this area seems to have altered some roads and creates for a challenge in route-finding. Be prepared to trek 25-30 km as the 19 km length assumes one does not get lost.
  • Tenryu River Boat Tour. inazawa Tenryu-ku. ake the Tenryu-Hamanako from the north end of the Akaden line to Tenryu-Futamata station, buy a ticket and take the shuttle bus to the departure point near Funagira Dam. 53 457-2111. ate March through November; Mon-Fri 11_F00am and 1_F30pm, Sat., Sun., and holidays 11_F00am, 1_F30pm, and 3_F30pm. dults __2300, children __1150. 50-minute guided boat ride through a picturesque section of the river with cliffs and trees lining both banks. Also a good place to put in your own raft or canoe.
  • Yu Fukei Shiori. ____i______. akabayashi 1-chome 13-13 - Naka-ku. ff Route 152 about 1.5 km north of City Hall, behind the Circle K. 53 478-2626?. A nice bathhouse not so far from the city center
  • Watch a '''movie''' in [http://hlo.tohotheater.jp/net/schedule/004/TNPI2000J01.do Toho Cinemas], in the Zaza City Complex or at Sun Street Shopping Center in Hamakita.
  • Get a '''Thai massage''' at [http://www.hamamatsu-town.com/mypage/hz144503 Celeb], located near Lake Hamana. Phone number is 053-449-0478 (but use 053-448-7178 for your navigation system, which is the number of the bakery shop cafe "marutaya" at the first floor of same building). The manager of the place obtained her license in Thailand, and speaks little English. Warm atmosphere, and professional service.
  • Hamamatsu Racetrack. l___I_[_g___[_X__, ''Hamamatsu Ootoresuba''. ago-cho 936-19. ree 20-minute shuttle bus from the central bus station. 53 471-0311. ttp://www.hamamatsu-auto.jp/. _100. National auto and motorcycle racing events.

    Festivals

  • Shoryu Weeping Plum Blossom Festival. __________~______, Shoryuu Shidare-ume Matsuri. urematsu-chou 1476-1, Nishi-ku. ear Kanzanji. ate February to late March. _500. Trees are pruned to look like dragons on clouds in the sky.
  • Princess Road Procession. P_l____, Hime-sama Douchuu. osoe-cho, Kita-ku. long the Toda River. 53-523-0713. ttp://www.hosoe-shoukoukai.com/himesama.html. irst Saturday and Sunday of April, early afternoon. During the Edo Period this road was a popular excursion spot for princesses. This ''matsuri'' re-enacts what the procession was like, with actors in full authentic dress of samurai, maids, servants and, of course, the princess with her ''palanquin''.
  • Hamamatsu Festival. l______, ''Hamamatsu Matsuri''. owntown and Nakatajima. huttle buses to the kite-flying grounds leave from the south side of Act Tower. t Golden Week in early May. ree. This 450-year-old festival is one of the most famous Golden Week festivals in Japan. In what is known as the ''Takoage Gassen'', every neighborhood in the city and even some from other cities design and make their own kites to fly and to fight near at the festival grounds near Nakatajima Sand Dunes, with each kite representing a son born to a family of the neighborhood within the last year. The kite-fighting takes place on the third day of the 3-day festival and results entertainingly in downed kites in trees and on rooftops all over the neighborhood. In the Sunken Garden space on the north side of Act City, there is an international food court with many exotic stalls, and a stage for all kinds of music and cultural performances from around the world, including ''taiko'' drumming, local ''yaramaika'' music, Thai kickboxing, Brazilian ''batucada'' and samba dancing performances, jazz acts, jugglers, and traditional dances. There are also parades all over the city well into the night, in which children playing various instruments are carried in 70 large ornate parade floats. Everywhere there are groups marching and chanting to the sound of trumpets, and the sake flows freely.
  • Hamakita Hiryu Festival. l_k__________, ''Hamakita Hiryuu Matsuri''. arious locations around Hamakita: Tenryu Nakase Ryokuchi (park along the river), Hamakita Culture Center (west of the Akaden Hamakita stop), Nayuta (in front of Hama-kita station). irst weekend of June. In honor of Ryujin, god of the Tenryuu River, various events are held including kite-flying, a gyoza competition, and a special event celebrating fire, water, and sound.
  • Hamamatsu Yukata Festival. n the plaza on the north side of Entetsu Department Store, west of JR Hamamatsu. 53 460-1996. irst weekend of July. Hamamatsu is one of Japan's leading producers of the patterned, dyed fabric used to make ''yukata'', and this small festival celebrates the beauty of this colored "summer kimono" with musical performances, food stalls, a yukata contest, and other exhibitions.
  • Enshu Buddhist Chanting Ritual. __B___O__, ''Enshuu Dainenbutsu''. ll across town. 53 586-6201. round July 14. In this local traditional performance, a procession of chanters and people with flutes, drums, cymbals and lanterns visit the homes of families who have lost a loved one in the last year.
  • Misakubo Festival. __E____, ''Misakubo Matsuri''. isakubo-cho. ake the JR Iida line from Fukuroi, a small town a few stops east on the JR line. This celebration in early August is one of the largest fireworks displays in Japan, with over 30,000 fireworks. Within Hamamatsu city limits, there are also impressive ''hanabi taikai''s in Bentenjima (late June), Kanzanji (late July), and Tenryu (early August).
  • There are also various festivals and performance to celebrate the Japanese-Brazilian heritage that is so prevalent in this area.
  • Buy

    It is also possible to tour the factory where these are made, though it is necessary to make a reservation.

  • Shunkado. t____. okubo-cho 748-51 - Nishi-ku. 120-210481" email=". ttp://www.shunkado.co.jp/home.htm. }}
  • Duty-Free Hamamatsu. bitsuka-cho 50-1 - Naka-ku. 53 458-5713. 53 458-5538 . This Brazilian-owned shop and the small shop across the corner from it sell cheap Japanese souvenirs and gift items. Walk west from the JR station's west exit, along the north side of the rail tracks, until you come to the next traffic light.
  • Entetsu Department Store. __S_S___X. unayama-cho 320-2 - Naka-ku. ust west of the JR station. 53 457-0001. ttp://www.endepa.com/. High quality clothing and other items. The basement contains a wonderful grocery and deli.
  • '''Aeon/Jusco Shopping Malls''' - Hamamatsu has three of these somewhat western-style shopping malls. You'll have to catch a bus to these. The largest is in Ichino-cho (_s____).
  • :* <buy name="Ichino Jusco" alt="_C_I___V___b_s___O___[___s__" address="Tennou-cho 1981-3" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.aeon.jp/sc/hamamatsuichino/" hours="" price="">The largest shopping mall in the area. A free shuttle bus runs to the mall from Kamijima and Saginomiya stations on the Akaden line.</buy> :* <buy name="Irino Jusco" alt="_C_I___V___b_s___O___[______" address="Irino-cho 6244-1 - Nishi-ku" directions="Take bus 8-22 or 9-22 to Jusco Iriguchi - _W___X_R____" phone="449-2611?" email="" fax="" url="http://www.aeon.jp/jusco/hamamatsunishi/" hours="" price="">Smallest yet closer to downtown, this location is bit more like a large department store.</buy> :* <buy name="Shitoro Jusco" alt="_C_I___V___b_s___O___[___u_s_C" address="Shitoro-cho 5605 - Nishi-ku" directions="Take bus 20 to AEON Mall Shitoro Iriguchi - _C_I_____[___u_s_C____. You will pass Irino Jusco along the way-- don't be fooled." phone="053-415-1200" email="" fax="" url="http://hamamatsushitoro-aeonmall.com/index.jsp" hours="" price=""></buy>
  • May One. unayama-cho 6-1 - Naka-ku. nside the central JR station. 53 457-4000. ttp://www.may-one.co.jp/. Clothing shops, a bookstore, a CD shop, a [http://www.muji.net/eng/ Muji] (top quality generic items), and an import store called Sony Plaza, among other things. There is a food court at the top and a high-quality grocery store in the basement.
  • Plaza Mall Sago. hitose-scho 108 - Naka-ku. 53 455-3535. There are a number of clothing shops on the first two floors of the Sago Hotel building on Yuraku-gai, including a used clothing store which sells clothes by the kilo-- good for the bargain traveler whose threads are wearing thin.
  • Sun Street Hamakita. T___X_g___[_g_l_k. iraguchi 2861 - Hamakita-ku. ake bus 61 from central bus terminal 12. 53 585-8333. 0am-9pm. This shopping center contains a bathhouse, a Toho Cinema, arcades, a food court, a 24-hour Seiyu, and dozens of clothing stores.
  • ZaZa City. aji-machi 150 - Naka-ku. p Kajimachi-dori __________ from the JR station. 53 413-3333. 0am-8pm. Amongst varied clothing shops, ZaZa City has a musical instrument store, a movie theater, a supermarket, a manga store, a video arcade, Toys'R'Us, Starbucks, MosBurger, Baskin Robbins, Uniqlo and more. The bookstore in the basement lever has a decent selection of English books.

    Eat

    Budget

  • Bengara Yokocho. ___________. aji-machi/Shinagawa, no number. ust north of Shin-Hamamatsu station. 53 458-1313. 600-1200. A long indoor arcade which houses around 15 ramen or yakitori shops.
  • Chambord. `_____{_[__. arious locations. This bakery chain serves a variety of fresh-baked breads and pastries. There is a location with a deli inside the JR station. One other bakery is across the street from Shin-Hamamatsu station, and another is at the corner of Yuraku-gai and Daiichi-dori.
  • Gyoza no Kiyo. L_q______. amoe 1-chome 33-5 - Naka-ku. o up the hill west from ZaZa City and take a left after Kamoe Kannon. 53 454-1931. Famous gyoza not far from downtown.
  • Ishimatsu Gyoza. ____L_q_X, ''Ishimatsu Gyouza-ten''. omatsu 2192-1 - Hamakita-ku. 53 586-8522. nfo@ishimatsu-gyoza.jp. 53 587-2993. ttp://www.ishimatsu-gyoza.jp/. :30pm-9pm, closed Wed. and Thurs. Arguably the most famous place to get Hamamatsu gyoza. Some of the area's other famous shops are owned by former pupils of the head chef here.
  • Kibori. _____. oura-cho 563-3 - Minami-ku. ff Route 257 behind the Hamashin Bank. 53 447-5737. 1:30am-2:30pm, 4:30pm-9pm. A very old establishment known for its lighter, less meaty gyoza. Ramen is also served.
  • Kobeya. _____. akazawa-cho 83-10 - Naka-ku. ake bus 52, 53, 56, or 57 to_@Shourinji Iriguchi - __________. 53 472-1555. ttp://www.kobeyarestaurant.co.jp/. Part of a chain, rather upscale, this eatery is both a bakery shop and a restaurant.
  • Kunma Suisha no Sato. _____________. uma 1976-1 - Tenryu-ku. rom the north end of the Akaden at Nishikajima, take a bus for Kuma. 53 929-0636. am-5pm, closed Thursdays. Named after the large old-fashioned waterwheel that turns outside, this spot serves the local specialties ''nihachi soba'' (buckwheat noodles) and ''gohei mochi''. Visitors can also try making their own ''soba'' or ''konyaku''.
  • Okonomiyaki Honpo. __D_______{__. akazawa-cho 23-1 - Naka-ku. n the east side of 152 just south of the Miyakoda Techno Road intersection. 53 478-2200. Very large and popular Kansai-style chain ''okonomiyaki'' restaurant.
  • Pronto Cafe. unayama-cho 320-2 - Naka-ku. irectly beneath Shin-Hamamatsu station. 53 457-5851. loses at 10pm. 600-1200. Good coffee, pizza and pasta in a sophisticated atmosphere. Full bar. There is plenty of outdoor seating, and the inside shares space with the DJ booth for FM Haro, a popular local radio station.
  • Toraya. _____. akana-machi 316-36 Kawaimaruki Bldg.. 53 454-1710. On the second floor above a fruit stand at Daiichi-dori and Y?raku-gai, this mom-and-pop shop has some of the best cook-it-yourself ''okonomiyaki'' in town. </eat>

    Mid-range

  • Binchou Oogiya. _______. A chain of yakitori shops, with some of the cheapest beer in town. Of the 7 stores, there are three within walking distance of the central JR station: :* <eat name="" alt="" address="Kaji-machi 319-23 - Naka-ku" directions="across from ZaZa City" phone="053 450-7517" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></eat> :* <eat name="" alt="" address="Sunayama-cho 326-1 - Naka-ku" directions="across from the southeast corner of the central JR station" phone="053 450-8870" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></eat> :* <eat name="" alt="" address="Chitose-cho 104-2 - Naka-ku" directions="next to Plaza Mall Sago on Mall-gai" phone="053 459-1788" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">This location has a popular patio, good for people-watching.</eat>
  • Choupana. umiyoshi 3-chome 23-23 - Naka-ku. n Miyakoda Techno Road. ttp://www17.plala.or.jp/Choupana/. 2000-3000. Popular Brazilian all-you-can-eat ''rodizio'' with salad bar, rice and beans, ''salgados'', and a wide selection of cuts served tableside, including various beef cuts, chicken, chicken hearts, lamb, and pork. ''Feijoada'' is served on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
  • Garuda. K___[__. ke-machi 225-32 - Naka-ku. ?raku-gai about two blocks north of Hunters. 53 454-7524. The menu here is about half Indonesian and half Nepalese. There is also a import grocery store attached, with items from various Asian countries.
  • Gris-Gris. O___O__. huo 1-chome 2-102 - Naka-ku. n the E-Stage Hamamatsu building on Hirokoji about 5 blocks directly north of the station. 53 413-2500. 53 413-2501. ttp://www.grisgris.jp/. French-Vietnamese restaurant, very popular at lunch.
  • Hoji Pass Soba. _____________, ''Soba-sho Houji Touge''. akuma-cho Sakuma 1832-1 - Tenryu-ku. bout 20 minutes' drive north on state route 290 from the JR Iida line's Sakuma station; part of Sakuma Folk Culture Center. 53 987-1888. 0am-4pm. 1300. The simple hand-made soba noodles made at this beautiful remote mountain spot draw visitors from across the Tokai region. It is also possible to try your hand at making the noodles yourself.
  • Infini. A___t_B_j. omitsuka 449-3 - Naka-ku. own the street from Kyorindo and next to Patisserie Akiyama. 53 473-3955. Cozy atmosphere and terrific wine list. Open for lunch and dinner daily, closed Tuesdays. Definitely best to call for a reservation. Limited English capabilities.
  • K.K. House. aji-machi 318-45. cross from ZaZa City. 53 456-8218. An interesting mix of Japanese and foreigners come here to enjoy authentic kebabs and other Turkish cuisine in a cheerful dining bar setting. The second floor is a casual bar with a middle eastern atmosphere. plenty of seating, and a darts board. They play televised sports events on occasion.
  • Payaka. p___J. amoe 4-chome 19-12 - Naka-ku. 53 451 6906. ttp://www.payaka.com. 2pm-10pm. Mixture of Indonesian, and Thai food. Theme is "island life". Located a little bit out of the center (5 minutes by taxi), but truly a hidden pearl. Large terrace for summer nights, and very cozy/loungy interior. There is also a little shop selling jewelry and the like.
  • Servitu. unayama-cho 323-5 - Naka-ku. ne block west of the station on the south side of the rail tracks. 53 458-8577. ttp://www.servipan.jp/. Servitu combines a good per-kilo Brazilian restaurant with other Brazilian-oriented services such as video rental, Portuguese book and magazine sales, and an import grocery store.
  • Saigon Restaurant. ear Toyoda-cho station, two train stops east of Hamamatsu station. Vietnamese restaurant with affordable great food, plus a cosy and nicely-decorated dining room. Try the ''gember'' juice
  • Snowee Cafe. X_m_[_E_B_J_t_F?. unayama-cho 6-1 - Naka-ku. nside May One, in JR Hamamatsu Station. 53 450-5336. 1am-8pm. 800-1500. Not everything on the menu is Italian, but the pasta dishes are good. This place on the restaurant floor of May One is worth a visit if only to puzzle over the ridiculously nonsensical English phrases written all over the walls.
  • Surabaya. X___o__. hitose-cho 108 - Naka-ku. n Y?raku-gai, in the basement of the Sago Hotel. 53 413-2723. ttp://www.surabaya.jp/. Slightly over-priced but satisfying Indonesian cuisine.
  • Tertullia. ennou-cho 1237-1 - Higashi-ku. ear Ichino Jusco on Route 45. 53 421-9112. 2000-3000. An all-you-can-eat Brazilian ''rodizio''. A salad bar and a variety of fine cuts of meat served until you feel as if you will explode. </eat>
  • Yaotoku. __S__. taya-machi 655 - Naka-ku. n the north side of the Meitetsu hotel, look for the black facade with the corner entrance. 53 452-5687. 1am-8:15pm (last order). Hamamatsu's most famous ''unagi'' restaurant, this place has been featured on national television programs many times in the past.

    Splurge

  • Chez Moriya. ake an Iryou Center/Sanaruko-nishigan Houmen bus from central bus terminal 2. hiradai 4-1-14 - Nishi-ku. ear Lake Sanaru. 53 484-0700. ttp://www.wr-salt.com/moriya. 1:30am-2pm, 6am-8:30pm. inner courses \4000-5000. Twnety minutes' drive from the city center, but well worth the trip, considering that the chef has worked in several top restaurants in Europe (including Belgian "Comme Chez Soi" [http://www.commechezsoi.be] and Paris "L'Arpege" [http://www.alain-passard.com/]). The chef who is by the way very friendly, speaks French plus English.
  • Shokudo-en. H____. unayama-cho 327-3 - Naka-ku. own the sidestreet beside the Family Mart on the south side of the central JR station. 53 454-3050. inner \3000-4000. This somewhat upscale Korean-style barbecue restaurant is very popular. Try the ''ishiyaki bibimbap''.
  • Tensuguri. V______. huo 1-4-15 - Naka-ku. ear Yamada Denki. 53 450-9117. ttp://www.grisgris.jp/tensuguri/. on-Fri 11:30am-2pm, 6pm-10pm; Weekends/Holidays 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-9:30. Closed Mondays.. unch \2000-3000; Dinner \7000-10000. A fantastic, stylish tempura restaurant.
  • Toukai Saikan. __C____. okiwa-cho 143-28 - Naka-ku. ust west of Enshubyoinmae station on the Akaden line. 53 453-0625. unch \1500, dinner \2500-6000. A downtown institution for over 70 years, this Chinese restaurant serves great crab fried rice and Peking duck.

    Drink

  • Shointei Tea Ceremony House. __C__. hikatani-cho 11-4. ake a bus from central bus station terminal 15 to the Shikatanicho stop: ___J__, then head into the park" phone= 053 473-4310. nfo@shouintei.jp. ttp://www.shouintei.jp/. :30am-5pm, closed Mondays. 400. At this pleasant teahouse you can experience a traditional tea ceremony while taking in a nice garden view.

    Bars and pubs

    Many of the drinking establishments in town can be found on or around Y?raku-gai (_L_y_X), which runs vaguely north-south about 4 blocks west-northwest of the JR station. At ZaZa City shopping complex, it intersects Kajimachi-d?ri (__________), which is the main street leading northwest from the station.
  • Crossover Club. a-machi 323-14 - Naka-ku. n Y?raku-gai north of Daiichi-dori. 53 452-3006. A sizable darts bar. Prices are a bit on the high side, but the crowd is good sometimes.
  • Duas Queens. hitose-cho. n the ground-floor bar next to No Name Bar. 80 3679-2223. Small dive which is very popular with the Brazilian-Japanese crowd as well as English-speaking foreigners and Japanese. Occasional live music on weekends.
  • Entetsu Beer Garden. unayama-cho 320-2 - Naka-ku. ust west of the JR station, on the roof of the Entetsu department store. 53 457-0001. A fairly standard Japanese-style beer garden: mediocre food, cold beer, fresh air. June through the end of August.
  • Hambolt. akana-machi, Chambord Bldg. B1. t the corner of Y?raku-gai and Daiichi-dori ________. This small club/bar hosts frequent reggae events. On Fridays they charge only 3000 yen for all-you-can-drink highballs, all night long.
  • Junk. W_____N. akana-machi 318-27, 2F/3F. blocks north on ZaZa on the street across from the ZaZa Starbucks. 53 456-3145. Japanese-run country-western-saloon-style bar. Country music, chili, tacos, the whole bit. On Mondays they have an English conversation night [http://www.imilink.com/eigomura/index.htm] where native speakers can show up for a free beer and chat with Japanese of various English levels._@
  • Liquid Kitchen. aiku-machi 15, Daichi Bldg. 3F - Naka-ku. ontinue west up Kaji-machi street a couple of blocks past ZaZa City, on third floor. ttp://www.myspace.com/liquidkitchen. ues-Fri from 8pm. ll drinks \500. Australia-run bar with good music, good people. Drink for free on your birthday.
  • Mein Schloss. }_C___V_____X. huo 3-8-1 - Naka-ku. couple of blocks northeast of the JR station. 0120-63-1146?. ttp://www.hamamatsu-soko.co.jp/ms/actbeer.html. A very large German beer hall. They brew their own beer here and it is a very popular place for expats who have lived in Hamamatsu for some time to gather and chat. Great for big parties as well.
  • No Name Bar. hitose-cho, Cosmos Bldg. 3F - Naka-ku. t the south end of Mall-gai across from the large Ryukoh pachinko. The place is run by a friendly Kurd from Turkey and his Japanese wife. The clientele is more international here than most places in town, with Brazilians, Peruvians, Russians, Koreans, Bangladeshis and Indians, the few random continental Europeans around, and of course a healthy group of English teachers and Japanese folk. Electronic dart board and free wireless internet access. Watch out for the raki.

  • There are of course a large number of ''karaoke'' places along Y?raku-gai as well.
  • Clubs

    Hamamatsu has a lot of options for clubbing for a city its size, though most of these are open only on the weekends. Most places do not start getting busy until after midnight.
  • Emporio Cafe. G___|___I_J_t_F. sahi-cho 9-2 - Naka-ku. nderground in the pedestrian pass-under across from the main post office on Kajimachi-dori __________. 53 456-5433. over varies. Brazilian-owned dance club. On weekends the music varies but is typically heavy on salsa. Brazilian bar snacks. There is a salsa class here on Wednesdays but not so busy. There is a cover charge but they often stop charging after 3:30 or 4 AM if it's not busy. </drink>
  • Fahrenheit. aji-machi 319-9 - Naka-ku. ear Yuurakugai on the first sidestreet north of ZaZa City. 053 413-5622. Busy on Fridays and absolutely packed on Saturdays, this club has a regular American hip-hop group and frequently brings in DJs from Tokyo. The crowd is a good mix of Japanese, Latino, and English-speakers. 3000 yen w/ one drink. No shorts, no sandals.
  • Hunters. a-machi 223-21. t the corner of Yuuraku-gai and Yurinoki-dori-- Look for the fountain statue of a girl playing viola, and head down the stairs. The city's newest Brazilian-centric dance hall, with frequent live shows of both local and Brazilian national acts.
  • Klan Klub. taya-machi 102-14, B1 - Naka-ku. n Daiichi-dori a block east of the Akaden line. rom 10pm. over usually around 1000 yen. 4__42'25N. 37__43'59E. This recently-remodeled club plays a mix of Brazilian music, rock, and house. Drinks are in the 500-yen-range. This place can be quite happening on weekends. </drink>
  • K'noas. unayama-higashi. n Ekinan Odori 2 blocks east of Nakatajima-kaido. 53 449-2204. ttp://www.knoas.com/. over \1000. Medium-sized Peruvian-owned club. The music ranges from salsa and forro to rock to house, sometimes all in one night. This place can get very crowded on weekend nights. The crowd is typically about half Peruvian and half Brazilian. To find it, go south of the JR station and take a left on the first main street.
  • Planet Cafe. v___l_b_g_J_t_F. otoshiro-cho 223-1. n a sidestreet that runs behind the Viola Building at the corner of Yuuraku-gai and Yurinoki-dori. 53 451-3477. over \2000-3000. A medium-sized club with a mostly Japanese crowd which has DJ events that are often really good.
  • Powerhouse. akana-machi, Noa Bldg. 3F. n a sidestreet a block north of ZaZa City, just down the street from Fahrenheit. A small Nigerian-owned club that plays mostly hip-hop. This place is very popular with the Nigerian and Filipino communities here, with a smattering of Brazilians and Japanese. </drink>
  • Second. enma-cho 312-22 Kanaiya Daini Bldg. 8F - Naka-ku. 53 455-3530. A small Japanese dance club on an upper floor across from the Toys'R'Us store in ZaZa City. Plays house or hip-hop. Cover is usually 2000 yen.

    Venues

  • Force. a-machi 315-31 - Naka-ku. uuraku-gai half a block south of Yurinoki-dori, on the second and third floors above the Quest Music guitar specialty shop. 53 4503-3403. over varies. A good ol' rock-n-roll venue that features rock and punk bands, both Japanese and Brazilian, with the occasional road show coming through. Open at least every Fri.,Sat., sometimes other days.
  • G-Side. a-machi 327-27 - Naka-ku. 53 541-5067. Local and national acts.
  • Madowaku. __g. taya-machi 102-10 - Naka-ku. n the west side of Hirokoji near the intersection with Daiichi-dori. 53 451-3035. adowaku.tk@wine.ocn.ne.jp. ttp://www.h7.dion.ne.jp/~mizu.k/. oncerts usually starts between 6:30pm and 7:30pm, with the doors opening half an hour before. over \2000-4500, drinks \500. This venue attracts a primarily young Japanese indie crowd for local, national, and occasional international acts.
  • Mescaline Drive. sahi-cho 10-23 - Naka-ku. ne block north of Shin-Hamamatsu station. 53 454-7363?. over \2000-3000. A tiny hole-in-the-wall live venue with mostly ska bands.
  • Rock Bar Lucretia. enma-cho 310-8, Daiichi Kanai Bldg. 5f - Naka-ku. n the west side of the main road between ZaZa City and City Hall. 53 451-5838. ttp://lucrezia.web.infoseek.co.jp/. rom 7pm. Closed Mondays.. This bar has frequent live rock and DJ events with cheap drinks and an almost entirely Japanese clientele.

  • The circular performance space between the two ZaZa City buildings also has frequent live performances on weekend afternoons.
  • Schedules for the concert hall at Act City can be obtained at the HICE information center. ''See below.''
  • Sleep

    Budget

  • Business Hotel Tsujiume Honkan. unayama-cho 355-2. 53 453-1712. 53 453-1712.
  • Hotel Villa Kuretake. z_e___E___B__________?. -1-26 Higashi Iba. own the hill from the Grand Hotel. 53 453-0880. nfo@villa-kuretake.co.jp. 53-453-2988. ttp://www.j-hotel.or.jp/hotel/HOTELVILLAKURETAKE/en/index.html. pm. 1am. ingle __8,000. Twin/double __15,000. Relatively spacious rooms with room service from 5 on-site restaurants, a laundry service and in-room broadband connections.
  • Nagisa Park Campground. ____L_____v__, Nagisa-en Kyampu-jou. aisaka-cho Bentenjima 5005-1 - Nishi-ku. bout 10 minutes walk north from JR Bentenjima station, next to the Wotto center. 53 592-7544. 53 592-1525. 0am-10pm. er person charge: Adults __400, children __200. Lakeside camping with barbecue grill rental, bicycle rentals and sporting facilities.
  • Ryokan Nakaya. _______. anzanji-cho 2214 - Nishi-ku. n Kanzanji-kaido about 100 meters south of the temple. 53 487-0159. yokan@yynakaya.com. 53 487-2607. ttp://www17.plala.or.jp/yynakaya/english/index.htm. _6000. A small ryokan with a hot spring bath with a lake view. Breakfast is included-- note that dinner is ''not'' included here.
  • Urakawa Campground. Y___L_____v____, ''Urakawa Kyampumura''. akuma-cho Urakawa 3454-12 - Tenryu-ku. ake the JR Iida line from Toyohashi to Urakawa Station, or take Route 152 to Sakuma-cho Toguchi and then 463 a few kilometers past Sakuma and turn left at state road 1. 53 967-2449. ent __2500; bungalows for 3, __3500; log houses for 5, __16,000. Campsites and simple lodgings on an beautiful green island at the convergence of two mountain rivers. Campfire pits, showers, and shared toilets. The locale is good for swimming in summertime.

    Mid-range

  • Bentenjima Village. _____________________. aruno-cho Kawakami 383-2 - Tenryu-ku. 53 437-0601 / 053 984-0114. ttp://bentenjima.hiho.jp/. ouse __40,000; Cabin __10,000; Campsite __3000. Log cabins for up to 5 in a quiet spot in the woods. Cabins have television but share a (separate) bath/shower. Campsites are also available, as is a log house for up to 15. Despite the name, this is nowhere near Bentenjima-- you will likely need a car to get here.
  • Bentenkan. aisaka-cho Bentenjima 2669-151 - Nishi-ku. minutes' walk from JR Bentenjima station. 53 592-8000. ttp://www.bentenkan.com. ingles from __11500 (lake view only); Twin/Double __16170/18480 (ocean view) or __11550 (lake view). 53 592-8508. Seaside rooms at this relatively new hotel have a fantastic view of the ''torii'' in the bay and the Bentenjima bridge with the ocean in the background. A restaurant on site serves fresh seafood caught in the lake.
  • '''Fitness Hotel 330''', 353-1, Sunayama-cho, Tel. 053-454-0330 Fax 053-452-0047
  • '''Hotel Bouquet Tokai''', 353-7 Sunayama-cho, Tel. 053-456-8111 Fax 053-452-9022
  • Hamanako Royal Hotel. l_______C_____z_e__. uto-cho Yamazaki 4396-1 - Nishi-ku. 53 592-2222. 53 592-5522. ttp://www.h-lsp.com/. ackage deals of one night's stay, dinner, and breakfast buffet start at __15950. Part of Hamanako Lakeside Plaza, which includes Yuto ''onsen'', outdoor pool, tennis courts, gym, park, and several restaurants. Most rooms have a good view of Lake Hamana.
  • Hotel Concorde. otoshiro-cho 109-18. n Route 152 next to Hamamatsu Castle Park. 53-457-1111. 2pm. 1am. ingles from __7350, doubles from __15,750. Formerly the city's main conference venue, this older hotel is now a fairly good bargain for good sized rooms with a nice view of the castle park. 6 on-site restaurants, broadband service, and on-site car rentals are available.
  • '''Hotel LeMonde''', 335-14 Sunayama-cho, Tel. 053-455-1188 Fax 053-455-1028
  • '''Hotel Yonekyu''', 94 Tenma-cho Hamamatsu-shi, Tel. 053-455-3131 Fax 053-455-0531
  • '''Maruko Inn''', 324-15 Sunayama-cho, Tel. 053-457-0505 Fax 053-454-8083
  • '''Meijiya Hotel''', 1-1-30 Sato, Tel. 053-465-8111 Fax 053-461-1308,
  • '''Meitetsu Hotel''', 110-17 Itaya-Machi (______), Tel. 053-452-5111, [http://www.h-meitetsu-h.co.jp/english/index.html]. Singles __12,100/Doubles __21,000
  • '''Roynet Hotel''', 218-1 Motoshiro-cho (______). This hotel is 2 minutes walk from city hall and Hamamatsu Castle Park. Excellent breakfast buffet.
  • '''Sago Hotel''', [http://www.3535.co.jp/hotel/sh.htm] (website in Japanese only). This hotel is conveniently located on Yuraku-gai very close to ZaZa City.
  • '''Sago Inn''', 2-3-1 Ebizuka, Tel. 053-456-3511 Fax 053-456-1460
  • '''Sago Terminal Hotel''', 322-7 Sunayama-cho, Tel. 053-453-3515 Fax 053-453-5954
  • '''South Garden Hotel''', 325-30 Sunayama-cho Tel. 053-451-1800 Fax 053-451-1801. Just south of the central train station on the left.
  • Splurge

  • '''Grand Hotel''', 1-3-1 Higashi Iba (______), [http://hamamatsu.newotani.ahahotels.com/].
  • '''Okura Hotel''', [http://act-okura.co.jp/e/index.html]. Inside Act Tower.
  • Contact

  • '''Tourist information center''', inside the JR station.
  • '''HICE''' (Hamamatsu Foundation for International Communications and Exchanges), Naka-ku, Sunayama-cho 324-8, Daiichi Ito Building 9F (''south side of the main train station, on the 9th floor of the building next to the Mos Burger''), tel. (053)458-2170, [http://www.hi-hice.jp/HICEeng/hiceantenna.html]. This center has a native English speaking employee and a lot of information in English regarding local events and culture.
  • Internet

  • <listing name="Popeye Media Cafe" alt="" directions="on Mall-gai above the Denny's near ZaZa City" address="Chitose-cho 70-1 Fun Bldg. 3F - Naka-ku" phone="053 413-2727" email="yamaoka@f-n.jp" fax="" url="http://www.f-n.jp/" hours="" price="Around __350/hour. Shower __320">24-hour internet and manga cafe. Showers and massage chairs are available.</listing>
  • <listing name="Fujiyama Land" alt="" directions="on Yuraku-gai about two blocks north from ZaZa City on the right" address="Sakana-machi 322-20 Poporo Bldg. 3F - Naka-ku" phone="053 413-2470" email="" fax="" url="http://www.fujiyama-land.com/hama/" hours="" price="one time member fee __315; __210 first half-hour + __105 each additional half hour">Internet/manga cafe with showers.</listing>
  • <listing name="U-Lowc" alt="" directions="across from the small Inari Shrine on Yuraku-gai, on the first floor of the U-Style Karaoke building" address="Kaji-machi 320-23 Q:Face Bldg. 1F - Naka-ku" phone="053 450-2700" email="" fax="" url="http://www.u-lowc.com/" hours="Sun-Thurs 7am-11:30pm, Fri-Sat 7am-5am" price="This coffeeshop has free wireless internet as well as decent food and drinks, with a full bar to boot."></listing>
  • '''Yu-Yu''', on the City Hall road about 10 blocks south of City Hall. Internet cafe with pool tables.
  • Get out

  • Arai Sekisho and Hatago-Kinokuniya Archives. V______. rai-cho Hamana-gun Arai 1227-5. cross the lake from Bentenjima. 53 594-3615. am-4:30pm, closed Mondays. dults __300, children __100, add __100/50 to enter the archives as well. This important travel checkpoint on the Tokaido highway was established in 1600 by Ieyasu Tokugawa, and is the only surviving original building of such a checkpoint. The checkpoint enforced strict regulations to keep guns out of Totomi precinct, and to keep women in. The archives hall next door contains old checkpoint records.
  • Hamanako Boat Races. l__________, ''Hamanako Kyouteiba''. rai-cho Nakanogou 3727-7. ust across the bridge from Bentenjima. 53 594-7111. ttp://www.hamanako-kyotei.com. One of Japan's only venues to watch boat racing.
  • Honko-ji Temple. ashizu 384 - Kosai-shi. cross the lake from Bentenjima. 53 576-0054. _300, children __200. The main hall is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. There is also a park here, a nice place to picnic.
  • Kakegawa, half an hour east, has a better castle and park.
  • Acty Mori. ori-machi Shuchi-gun Toizume 1115-1. 53 885-0115. 53 885-0117. ttp://www.actymori.jp/index.html. am-5:30pm, closed Wednesdays. This hand-on center offers visitors a chance to try their hands at several traditional Japanese crafts, including ''Tougei'' pottery, roof-tile making, paper-making, and traditional cloth-dying using local plants. The center also provides for some outdoor activities like cycling and canoing.
  • Okuni Shrine. _______, ''Okuni Jinja''. ori-machi Shuchi-gun Ichimiya 3956-1. 53 524-1112. ttp://www.okunijinja.jp/. am-5pm. _300. Construction on this beautiful shrine began in 555. The shrine is dedicated to the god Okuninushi no Mikoto, a benevolent god involved in the mythical creation of the archipelago, and a key figure in the famous story of the ''White Rabbit of Inaba'' (see