About Hamamatsu City
An Introduction to Hamamatsu
Natural environment
Hamamatsu is a city blessed by nature, surrounded by the Akashi mountain range to the north and Tenryu River to the east. To the west lies the Enshu Sea and to the south Lake Hamana. These diverse landscapes weave together to form a breathtaking portrait, with countless scenic spots and attractions. The total land area is 1,511.17 km2 (as reported by the Geographical Survey Institute), making it the second largest city in Japan after Takayama in Gifu Prefecture.
Hamamatsu enjoys a mild climate year-round, although a strong, dry wind called "Karakkaze" that blows from the northwest in the winter makes it feel colder than the actual temperature. The sand patterns created by this Karakkaze on the sand dunes of the Enshu Sea are beautiful to see.
Population
When Hamamatsu became a municipality in 1911 it had only 36,782 people. It continued to grow as it merged with surrounding villages and towns and as more people continued to move into and were born into the city. The population exceeded 100,000 in 1928, just 17 years after municipalization.
Although the population dropped to 81,437 in 1945 due to World War II, it quickly regained its momentum, reaching 200,000 in 1954 and 300,000 in 1957. In 1982 Hamamatsu became a city with half a million people.
On July 1st 2005 Hamamatsu's population reached over 800,000 when it amalgamated with 11 surrounding cities, towns and villages in the Tenryu River and Lake Hamana regions. On April 1st, 2007, it became the country`s 16th ordinance-designated city. Currently, the population is approximately 823,000, making it the biggest city in Shizuoka prefecture.
The number of foreign residents has also been increasing year by year; currently there are approximately 30,000 foreign residents in Hamamatsu, accounting for 3.6% of the population. Hamamatsu may also boast that it has the largest number of Brazilian residents in the country; they make up about 53% (16,000) of the city's foreign population.
City of Creativity
Hamamatsu is home to well-known entrepreneurs such as Torakusu Yamaha, the founder of Yamaha Corporation; and Soichiro Honda, the founder of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. who were both born and raised in Hamamatsu. As such, it has led to the development of Hamamatsu as a “City of Creativity” through its 3 main industries of transport vehicles, textiles, and musical instruments represented by world re-known brands such as Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Roland, and Hamamatsu Photonics.
City of Music
In Hamamatsu, the city and its citizens are united in their efforts to create a "city of music."
For example, competitions such as the Hamamatsu International Piano Competition serve to dispatch musical culture to the world. A Declaration of Sister Cities in Music and Culture was signed with Warsaw, among others, promoting international exchange through music.
One may also enjoy various concerts and competitions in Act City Hamamatsu, a facility that fosters artists to leap onto the world stage and also provides music lectures for
Industrial Tourism
Hamamatsu's industrial facilities form a unique tourism network that have earned a high reputation among visitors from both Japan and abroad. Come to Suzuki Plaza where historical and modern products of the Suzuki company are exhibited, and to the Museum of Musical Instruments, which houses period instruments from all over the world; and as well as our breweries, where you can learn about and sample sake, a traditional Japanese wine.
Tourist Spots
Tokugawa Ieyasu was the first Tokugawa shogun and the founder of the Edo Period (1603-1867). He spent 17 years of his life in Hamamatsu, from the age of 29 until the age of 45; as a result, many historic sites related to this formidable man still exist in the city and can be easily visited via a walking route. Hamamatsu Castle, one of Tokugawa's main strongholds, was built in 1570 and eventually gave the region its name. Many successive generations of castle lords found themselves appointed to prestigious positions in the Shogun's Council of Elders; from this, the castle became known as the “Castle of Success.” In the spring, the site is thronged with visitors enjoying the beautiful array of cherry blossom trees.
The Lake Hamana and Kanzanji regions are blessed with a temperate climate and abundant nature, and are well known for their majestic views. Here, one can enjoy marine sports, clam-digging, various theme parks, and more. The surrounding area has many hot springs, otels, and traditional Japanese inns, and it is no surprise that this region has become one of Hamamatsu's most popular destinations.
The Inasa area, located in Oku-Hamanako, boasts two temples by the Ii family: Bodaiji and Ryotanji. (The most famous member of the family is Ii Naosuke, who became a tairo, or the highest-ranked advisor to a shogun.) The temples possess many important cultural properties, including the gardens created by Kobori Enshu, whose works can also be seen in Kyoto; and a dragon sculpture by Hidari Jingoro, one of the foremost artists of his day.
Regional Products
Hamamatsu is surrounded by sea, mountain, river, and lake, which means that one can enjoy a veritable cornucopia of foods from many different regions.
Hamamatsu's eels are so famous in Japan, you could almost say that "Hamamatsu" and "eel" are inextricably linked in people's minds. Ever since their cultivation in Lake Hamana during the Meiji era, eel has become a top-quality brand loved for its high quality and assured deliciousness. "Unagi Pie," a treat made from the fish's powdered extract, is very popular as a souvenir.
The Mikkabi area produces one of Japan's leading types of mikan, or mandarin oranges. We take pride in their exquisite balance of juicy sweetness and subtle acidity.
The northern region along the Tenryu River is well known for its tea. The special characteristic of Hamamatsu tea is its deep, full flavor.
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