Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Hamamatsu, Chubu

An old temple with a history of over 1000 years. Iinoya is the hometown of the Ii family, and Ryotanji is their family temple. Naotora Ii, the main character of the Taiga drama series "Naotora: The Lady Warlord," which tells the history of Japan, priesthood (Breaking the relationship with the family, leaving the world, receiving commandments and becoming a monk) at this temple. Kobori Enshu's Ryotanji Garden in the backyard of the main hall is a nationally nominated scenic spot. The temple building is a cultural property nominated by Shizuoka Prefecture. It has many treasures such as Nobunaga Oda's relics and items related to the Ii family. You can enjoy the flowers and greenery of the four seasons whenever you visit, and the atmosphere is known as Little Kyoto in Hamamatsu. Closed: August 15th, December 22nd-27th * The museum may be temporarily closed when a typhoon approaches.

Hamanako Garden Park is a Shizuoka pref. city park, built on the site of 2004 Pacific Flora Garden Exposition. From the Observatory Tower, you can see the Enshu Nada and Lake Hamana. Seasonal flowers are planted in 3,000m2 garden, nemophila, sunflowers and cosmos. The “Flower Museum" is a copy of Monet's garden in France. It has seasonal flowers like tulips, roses, water lilies, and dahlia. Summer (July/August) Opening hours: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm Closed day: New Year's holiday (December 29th to January 3rd) "Flower Museum" is closed every Tuesday afternoon

The huge 300,000 m² garden created by taking advantage of the natural terrain on the shore of Lake Hamana. It has the world's most beautiful "cherry and tulip gardens" that begin in spring, also flowers that decorate the flower beds such as wisteria, roses and iris during the four seasons. Various flowers proudly bloom creating a relaxing space. The fountain show, large greenhouse, Flower Train that runs in the park are also popular. The open hours are subject to each season. *Open hours: October - November 9:00-16:30 / December - February 10:00-16:30 *December 29-31 Closed due to facility inspection.

Opened in April 1995, it is the only large-scale public musical instrument museum in Japan. It has 3,300 musical instruments and 1,500 permanent exhibits from all over the world. Concept of introducing world's musical instruments is by “see, feel, and touch” the exhibits. The collection and businesses are highly regarded as the world's first musical instrument museum. Day off: 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month (or the following day if it is a national holiday, no day off in August), Year-end and New Year holidays.

It is one of the largest tourist limestone caves in the Tokai region, which was formed in a limestone area 250 million years ago. The average temperature inside the cave is 18 degrees Celsius, you can enjoy a comfortable space that is cool in summer and warm in winter. Homemade gelato is also recommended! The cave may be temporarily closed due to typhoons, disasters, etc.

Unagi Pie Factory where you can observe the manufacturing process of Lake Hamana's specialty "Unagi (eel) Pie". Shunkado "Unagi Pie", known throughout Japan, is an eel-flavored confection that is a symbol of Hamamatsu. You can see the baking and packaging of unagi pie, done by the craftsman, through the window. In addition to a free tour and a tour with explanations in Japanese from the staff, there is also a "Kamadashi Unagi Pie Tour" where you can taste freshly baked mini unagi pie. (tours required reservation on website) At Unagi Pie Cafe, we offer sweets made with eel pie that can only be enjoyed in our shop. Holidays: Mondays and Tuesdays * Please check the factory website (Japanese only) before you visit.

Hamamatsu Zoological Garden is a municipal zoo with abundant nature facing Lake Hamana in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. The adjoining "Hamamatsu Flower Park" is connected by a passage in the park, and you can visit both parks by purchasing a "joint entrance ticket". Hamamatsu zoo has the largest collection of primates among zoos in Japan including the Western Lowland Gorilla and Sumatran orangutan. Proud of the extensive exhibition contents such as lions and tigers, polar bears and black leopards. There are facilities such as a mini-safari-style large field with giraffes, zebras, and ostriches, the live interaction plaza, and konchukan (insects display facility). The last admission time is 4pm, and will be closed on December 29th, 30th and 31st.