Hamamatsu

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.

Chopin Monument

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 Wacław Szymanowski. The original is in Hamamatsu's sister city, Warsaw.

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.

Keta River

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.

Tenryu River

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.

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°C year-round, making it a great place to cool off during the sweltering summer heat.

Futamata Castle Ruins

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.

Kiga Sekisho

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

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.

Tower Observatory

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.

Washizawa Wind Cave

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.

A Buddhist Monestary nestled amoung pines, sakura, peach, and other things. Visitors can walk through the buildings- no shoes allowed.