Hamamatsu City, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, is a vibrant city with a larger population than the prefectural capital, Shizuoka City. Known as the “City of Instruments,” it is rich in historical and cultural attractions that embody the essence of Japan. Additionally, Hamamatsu has a robust support system for multicultural coexistence, spearheaded by its government and citizen organizations. In this article, we delve into the many charms of Hamamatsu, from an overview of the city to its facilities, culture, and cuisine.

Overview of Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Hamamatsu is located in western Shizuoka Prefecture, roughly halfway between Tokyo and Osaka. With a population of approximately 790,000, it boasts excellent transportation links, including Hamamatsu Station, a stop for both the Kodama and Hikari trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen. The city is home to renowned global manufacturers of automobiles, motorcycles, and musical instruments, alongside numerous small and medium-sized subcontracting companies. These industries are supported by foreign workers, contributing to the city’s relatively stable population.

Hamamatsu offers a comprehensive range of commercial facilities, educational institutions, and medical services, providing everything necessary for a comfortable life. It is also home to Lake Hamana, the birthplace of eel farming, making the city famous for its eel dishes and the iconic Hamamatsu gyoza. Attractions such as the Hamana Lake Palpal amusement park and other tourist spots make Hamamatsu one of Shizuoka’s premier tourist cities. Bordering Aichi Prefecture, Hamamatsu is both an industrial city specializing in instruments and automobiles and a city rich in tourism resources.

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Climate in Hamamatsu

The climate in Hamamatsu is mild even in winter, with some February days warm enough for outdoor activities without a jacket. However, summer temperatures in mountainous areas can be extreme, occasionally breaking national records due to the Foehn phenomenon. With distinct seasonal changes and a generally temperate environment, Hamamatsu is one of the most comfortable areas to live in Japan. Snowfall is rare in the plains during winter, but strong cold waves can occasionally bring snow to the city.

Transportation Infrastructure

Hamamatsu boasts a well-developed transportation network, including trains, roads, buses, and bicycles, offering convenient access to nearby cities such as Nagoya and Shizuoka. The city’s Hamamatsu Station is a major hub for the JR Tokaido Shinkansen, providing easy access to Tokyo and Osaka. This makes the city a highly attractive base for commuting, studying, tourism, and logistics.

The city has also implemented a bicycle utilization promotion plan, with dedicated bike lanes and parking facilities to enhance convenience for residents and tourists alike. These efforts ensure that foreigners can live comfortably and navigate the city with ease.

Key railway lines serving Hamamatsu include the JR Tokaido Main Line and the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. Nearby Shin-Hamamatsu Station is served by the Enshu Railway, further enhancing its role as a key transport hub in western Shizuoka. Bus services, such as Enshu Bus and Hamamatsu Bus, connect various parts of the city and its surroundings, serving as an essential mode of transportation for residents.

Moreover, Hamamatsu is well-connected by highways and major roads, facilitating automobile travel:

Tomei Expressway: Links Tokyo and Nagoya, connecting with Japan’s major highway network and featuring the Hamamatsu Interchange.
National Route 1: A main road connecting Tokyo and Osaka that runs through Hamamatsu.
These transportation options make it easy to explore not only the city but also nearby Shizuoka, Aichi Prefecture, and even the Kanto and Kansai regions.

Safety Information

Hamamatsu is relatively safe compared to other major cities, making it an ideal place to live. Police stations and neighborhood police boxes are located throughout the city, and various safety measures are in place, including surveillance cameras and patrols with vehicles equipped with blue revolving lights.

Additionally, former police officers and educators are appointed as School Guard Leaders, patrolling local elementary schools to ensure the safety of children. These initiatives make Hamamatsu a safe and family-friendly environment, welcoming to both residents and foreigners alike.

Major Commercial Facilities

Hamamatsu City is home to numerous commercial facilities where visitors can enjoy shopping and dining. Some of the most notable large-scale shopping facilities include the following:

・Entetsu Department Store:

Operated by the Enshu Railway Group, this is the department store with the largest retail space in Shizuoka Prefecture. It features major apparel brands, household goods stores, and a wide range of prestigious high-end brands that are not typically found in suburban shopping malls.

・Act Tower Hamamatsu:

This multi-purpose complex integrates a hotel, offices, educational institutions, medical services, dining, and relaxation facilities. The observation corridor, located on the 29th to 44th floors, provides a panoramic view of Hamamatsu City. The lower floors include cultural centers, language schools, clinics, and restaurants. Adjacent to the complex is Act City Hamamatsu, which hosts various concerts and events.

・AEON Mall Hamamatsu Shitoro:

This is the largest commercial facility in Shizuoka Prefecture by total floor area. It consists of AEON Shitoro and over 160 specialty stores, including supermarkets and popular retailers like “MUJI,” “Edion,” and “H&M.”

・AEON Mall Hamamatsu Ichino:

The second-largest commercial facility in Shizuoka Prefecture, it comprises AEON Ichino and over 200 specialty stores. Major retailers such as “MUJI” and “Edion” are among its offerings, with additional large-scale shops continuing to open in the surrounding area.

・Costco Hamamatsu Warehouse:

The first Costco location in Shizuoka Prefecture and the 26th in Japan, this warehouse features a gas station on-site that offers lower prices than nearby stations.

Major Medical Facilities

Hamamatsu City has a wide array of medical institutions, including those that provide multilingual services, ensuring that foreigners can receive healthcare with ease. The city’s major general hospitals include Hamamatsu Medical Center, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, and JA Shizuoka Koseiren Enshu Hospital. Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, in particular, offers services in English, Chinese, and Portuguese.

Major Educational Institutions

Hamamatsu City is committed to promoting multicultural coexistence and actively implements various initiatives in the education sector. In response to the growing number of foreign families, the city has been encouraging the establishment of international schools to meet the diverse educational needs of its children.

Some public schools provide Japanese language classrooms to support students from multicultural backgrounds. Additionally, the city offers International Baccalaureate (IB) accredited schools and supplementary schools for foreigners, providing a range of educational options. These efforts make Hamamatsu an appealing city for foreign families seeking quality education.

The Shizuoka Prefectural Hamamatsu Technical College, known as Hamamatsu Techno College, serves as a central vocational training facility. It provides training for young people pursuing careers as technicians and offers a wide variety of courses for those seeking to enhance their skills while employed. These educational institutions play a key role in cultivating talent for the city’s industrial and commercial sectors.

Regional Features and Culture

Hamamatsu is a picturesque region featuring Lake Hamana and a coastline along the Pacific Ocean. It boasts a warm climate and rich natural environment, but it is also known as one of Japan’s leading manufacturing cities.

In addition to the traditional industries of textiles, musical instruments, and transportation equipment, the city has become a hub for advanced industries such as optics and electronics. The accumulation of sophisticated technologies developed through the growth of new industries has supported Hamamatsu’s ongoing development as a technology-driven city.

Who Is Hamamatsu Suitable For?

Hamamatsu is an ideal city for individuals who value both accessibility to other regions and a rich cultural and natural environment within the city itself. It is particularly suitable for:

・Travel Enthusiasts: With excellent access to major regions such as Kanto (Tokyo) and Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka), Hamamatsu serves as a perfect base for exploring Japan.

・Music Lovers: Known as the “City of Music,” Hamamatsu is home to Yamaha and Kawai Musical Instruments, fostering a vibrant music education environment. The Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments, Japan’s only public museum dedicated to instruments, and various music events make this city a haven for music enthusiasts.

・Nature Lovers: With its scenic landscapes, including Lake Hamana and the Pacific coastline, Hamamatsu offers beautiful natural attractions. Visitors can also enjoy resort-style amusement parks like Hamana Lake Palpal, which seamlessly blend nature with recreation.

Tourist Attractions in Hamamatsu City

Hamamatsu boasts a variety of tourist destinations that attract visitors from far and wide.

・Lake Hamana:

This stunning lake offers a range of activities, including cycling, trekking, and diving. It is also home to the Kanzanji Ropeway, Japan’s only aerial lift that traverses a lake, offering breathtaking views.

・Shirakura Gorge:

Located about 5 km upstream on the Shirakura River, a tributary of the Tenryu River, this gorge is renowned for its lush greenery in spring and vibrant autumn foliage.

・Hamamatsu Castle and Castle Park:

Known as the “Castle of Success,” Hamamatsu Castle is famed for its connection to Tokugawa Ieyasu, who spent 17 years here. The castle keep houses exhibits on Hamamatsu’s history and artifacts related to Ieyasu.

・Hamana Lake Palpal:

A family-friendly theme park by the lake, offering a variety of attractions and seasonal events. Nearby hot springs and leisure spots enhance its appeal as a popular tourist hub.

・Nakatajima Sand Dunes:

One of Japan’s three major sand dunes, this natural wonder offers expansive sandy landscapes and is a nesting site for sea turtles.

・Air Park (JASDF Public Relations Hall):

This aviation museum showcases actual aircraft and flight simulators, providing an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.

・Hamamatsu Zoo:

Housing approximately 120 species, including red pandas and polar bears, the zoo offers interactive experiences and is perfect for family outings.

・Hamamatsu Fruit Park Tokinosumika:

A theme park where visitors can enjoy fruit picking and seasonal events. With restaurants and gift shops, it provides a fun agricultural experience for all ages.

・Hamamatsu Flower Park:

This botanical garden features seasonal flowers, such as cherry blossoms and tulips in spring and chrysanthemums and cosmos in autumn. Illuminations and events are held throughout the year, making it a delightful destination year-round.

Food Culture

Hamamatsu City boasts a rich food culture deeply rooted in its abundant natural environment and long history.

・Eel (Unagi)

One of Hamamatsu’s signature products is eel. Eel farming in Hamana Lake began over 120 years ago during the Meiji period. Hamamatsu’s warm climate throughout the year, flat land suitable for building large farming ponds, and abundant groundwater provided ideal conditions for eel farming. Additionally, the availability of glass eels (juvenile eels) in Hamana Lake further supported the flourishing eel farming industry in the region.

・Hamamatsu Gyoza

Hamamatsu also holds the title of the top consumer of gyoza in Japan. Hamamatsu gyoza typically features cabbage, onions, and pork as primary ingredients. These vegetables are widely cultivated in Hamamatsu, making the city well-known as a production area for cabbage and onions. The city’s history of thriving pig farming also contributed to the creation of Hamamatsu gyoza, which combines the light taste of cabbage with the richness of pork, resulting in a delightful balance of flavors.

・Mikan (Mandarin Oranges)

Mikan is one of Hamamatsu’s representative fruits. The city is a major production area for mikan, particularly the highly sweet “Aoshima Mikan” variety. Leveraging its warm climate, long hours of sunlight throughout the year, and unique cultivation techniques, Hamamatsu also grows a wide variety of fruits besides mikan. These include premium fruits like muskmelons, sweet persimmons known as Jiro kaki, and large Pione grapes, showcasing the city’s rich fruit production.

Additionally, let us introduce the unique cuisine of Hamamatsu.

・Enshu-yaki

Enshu-yaki is a local variation of okonomiyaki (savory pancake) unique to Hamamatsu. Its distinguishing feature is the inclusion of takuan (pickled daikon radish) as an ingredient, alongside cabbage and pork. The crispy texture of the takuan adds a unique touch, making Enshu-yaki a beloved dish in many households.

・Hamamatsu Tea

Hamamatsu tea is an aromatic Japanese green tea cultivated in the Tenryu River basin. Among these, “Tenryu Tea” stands out for its excellent balance of umami and bitterness, earning high praise nationwide. Hamamatsu tea is also popular as an ingredient for tea-flavored sweets and beverages.

・Unagi Pie

Unagi Pie is a famous confectionery from Hamamatsu, known for its crispy texture and the inclusion of eel extract in its dough. Widely recognized by its slogan “The Nighttime Snack,” it is a popular souvenir, loved by many visitors.

・Tororo-jiru

Tororo-jiru is a traditional local dish made by grating natural yam (yamaimo) and mixing it with dashi (soup stock). It is typically served over warm rice. Known for its rich nutritional value, it is a gentle dish on the stomach and a comforting meal.

・Hamamatsu Yakisoba

Hamamatsu-style yakisoba is stir-fried noodles made with cabbage and pork, flavored with a slightly sweet sauce. A hallmark of this dish is the addition of a fried egg on top, a distinctive Hamamatsu touch. This dish is popular both at home and at events, making it a cherished local specialty.

Introduction to Shops Offering Foreign Ingredients

Hamamatsu City is home to several stores specializing in foreign ingredients. Here are some of the notable shops:

・KIMXUYEN (Vietnamese and Asian Ingredients)

KIMXUYEN is a store named after its Vietnamese owner. It primarily offers Vietnamese ingredients but also stocks a variety of Asian seasonings and foods, including items from Thailand and Indonesia.

In addition to popular herbs like cilantro and lemongrass, the store carries unique fresh ingredients such as kaffir lime leaves and galangal, providing a comprehensive selection for Asian cuisine enthusiasts.

・SUPERMOON Supermarket (Hamamatsu Branch)

This store specializes in Filipino products. It offers a wide range of ingredients and foods famous in Filipino street cuisine, such as salted eggs and fish balls. Beyond food items, the store also sells a variety of Filipino goods, including beauty products, shampoos, and conditioners, catering to a diverse set of needs.

・中国物産 盛宏(Seiko Chinese Goods Supermarket)

This supermarket focuses on Chinese ingredients from mainland China. It provides a wide selection of spices, meats, noodles, and even fresh vegetables and fruits. Renovated in 2023, the store boasts a clean and modern interior. Additionally, there are four parking spaces available for customer convenience.

・トレーヴォスーパーマーケット(Trevo Supermarket)

Trevo Supermarket specializes in Brazilian ingredients. It offers not only groceries and cosmetics but also ready-made meals, bento boxes, and freshly baked bread. Furthermore, the store includes a Brazilian restaurant where customers can enjoy authentic Brazilian cuisine.

・BOI BOM Hamamatsu Branch

BOI BOM is another supermarket specializing in Brazilian products. Operating five locations, primarily in Mie Prefecture, the Hamamatsu branch also stocks ingredients from other Asian countries, including the Philippines, providing a broad range of international food items.

Restaurants Offering Foreign Cuisine

In Hamamatsu City, you can enjoy a wide variety of international cuisines, providing an opportunity to experience nostalgic flavors from your homeland or the feeling of traveling abroad.

・Robo de Mar Otani (South American Cuisine)

This restaurant specializes in South American cuisine, particularly a variety of Peruvian dishes. Even if you’re not familiar with Peruvian food, the detailed explanations on the menu make it easy to choose your meal. The staff, who are also from abroad, enhance the exotic atmosphere, providing a delightful dining experience.

・Kerapa (Indonesian and Multinational Cuisine)

If you’re looking to enjoy a different atmosphere and unique flavors, Kerapa offers Indonesian and multinational cuisine. The restaurant features a buffet-style setup where you can serve yourself, with flavors that are rare in Japan and pair perfectly with alcoholic beverages. The nasi goreng prepared by a Balinese chef is highly rated for its authentic taste, closely resembling the flavors found in Indonesia.

・Vietnamese Diner TC Phở

Located in the Chuo Ward, this Vietnamese restaurant offers both dine-in and takeout options. The standout menu item is phở, made with a rich beef bone broth. Another popular dish is bánh xèo, a Vietnamese-style savory pancake, which has become a customer favorite.

・Al-Rehman

This Pakistani restaurant, also located in the Chuo Ward, serves authentic Pakistani cuisine such as flavorful and spice-rich biryani. It is halal-certified, making it an excellent choice for Muslim diners seeking authentic Pakistani flavors.

・Mercado Vitoria Regia

This Brazilian restaurant in the Chuo Ward offers a variety of dishes, including burgers and traditional Brazilian cuisine. In addition to its restaurant offerings, the facility also sells Brazilian groceries, providing a taste of home for Brazilian residents and an exotic culinary experience for others.

Local Government Support for Foreign Residents

Hamamatsu City is one of Japan’s leading regions for promoting multicultural coexistence, characterized by its significant foreign resident population and well-developed support systems. Approximately 3.5% of Hamamatsu’s population comprises foreign residents from countries such as Brazil, the Philippines, and China. This diversity has prompted active initiatives led by the government and civic organizations to promote multicultural harmony.

Information and Support Services for Foreign Residents

Hamamatsu City is actively engaged in providing information and support services for foreign residents as part of its efforts to promote multicultural coexistence.

At the Hamamatsu Multicultural Center, a wide range of consultations and support services are available for foreign residents. The center offers assistance in multiple languages and provides support with life-related inquiries, administrative procedures, and local information. Specialized services such as legal, labor, and health consultations are also available to meet specific needs.

Hamamatsu City also emphasizes Japanese language learning support for residents whose native language is not Japanese. Historically, the city has had a large population of residents from South America, but in recent years, the proportion of residents from Asia, such as the Philippines and Vietnam, has been increasing, reflecting a trend toward greater diversity. Although the need for multilingual support is growing, it is challenging to accommodate all languages. To address this, Hamamatsu City has adopted the use of “Easy Japanese,” a simplified version of Japanese designed to be easily understood by people of various nationalities and linguistic backgrounds. Additionally, the city provides a variety of Japanese language classes and learning materials to support residents in acquiring Japanese language skills.

Specific Support Services

・Hamamatsu Multicultural Center

Hamamatsu City operates the Hamamatsu Multicultural Center, which serves as a multilingual consultation hub for foreign residents. Typically, residents may need to visit multiple locations for different consultations, but the center offers a one-stop consultation service to address various issues in a single location.
Languages supported by the center’s staff include Japanese, English, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino, and Indonesian. For other languages, the center employs remote consultation services using tablets and other devices, enabling support in a total of 13 languages.

・Support for Immigration and Residency Procedures

Foreign residents can receive assistance with residence status consultations and immigration procedures through the Immigration One-Stop Center. These services are offered in collaboration with the Nagoya Regional Immigration Bureau and are available in Portuguese and Spanish in addition to Japanese.

・Mental Health Consultations

Living in a foreign country like Japan can be challenging. To support foreign residents, Hamamatsu City provides multilingual mental health consultation services. These services are available by appointment, and a Brazilian psychologist is on staff to offer psychological support in Portuguese. Additionally, for residents who require interpreters when visiting medical institutions, the city provides interpreter dispatch services. Supported languages include Portuguese, Filipino (Tagalog), Vietnamese, Chinese, English, and Indonesian, ensuring broad and reliable assistance.

・Multilingual Information Services

Hamamatsu City provides daily life information in multiple languages, including Portuguese, English, Filipino, and Chinese. City hall and public facility guides, as well as the city’s website, are available in multiple languages, creating a user-friendly environment for foreign residents.

・Educational Support for Foreign Children and Students

To help foreign children and students adapt to the local education system, the city has established Japanese language instruction classrooms. In addition, the city conducts school enrollment guidance, dispatches bilingual staff to schools for educational support, and offers consultations in students’ native languages. These efforts ensure that foreign students receive the support they need to succeed academically.

・Multicultural Disaster Preparedness Measures

To ensure that foreign residents can evacuate safely during disasters, Hamamatsu City has developed a multilingual information system for use during emergencies. Disaster drills and evacuation guidance are provided in multiple languages, helping foreign residents, who may be particularly vulnerable during disasters, feel safe and supported.

Introduction to Communities and Volunteer Groups for Foreign Residents

Here, we introduce key organizations that support multicultural coexistence in Hamamatsu City.

Major Organizations Supporting Multicultural Coexistence

・Hamamatsu Foundation for International Communications and Exchanges (HICE)
HICE is the central organization driving Hamamatsu City’s efforts toward multicultural coexistence. The foundation provides support for the daily lives of foreign residents, manages Japanese language classes, and disseminates multilingual information. Additionally, HICE organizes events like the Hamamatsu Multicultural Festival, which foster interaction between local residents and foreign residents, promoting mutual understanding and cultural exchange.

・Hamamatsu Multicultural Center
This city-established facility operates a consultation desk for foreign residents. Multilingual staff provide support for administrative procedures, employment assistance, and educational consultations. The center plays a crucial role in helping foreign residents smoothly adapt to the local community.

・Shizuoka Association for International Relations (SIR), Hamamatsu Office
As a prefecture-wide organization promoting international exchange and multicultural coexistence, SIR also conducts initiatives in the Hamamatsu area. These include providing life support for foreign residents and organizing cultural exchange events, contributing to a greater understanding of international perspectives within the community.

・Hamamatsu NPO Network Center
This center connects and supports local NPOs involved in assisting foreign residents. By promoting citizen participation, it creates an environment where foreign residents can actively contribute to the community as equal members of society.

・Citizens’ Group for Multicultural Coexistence in Hamamatsu
This volunteer-driven group, formed by local residents, organizes intercultural exchange events and language classes. Through these activities, the group strives to deepen mutual understanding between Japanese and foreign residents.

Conclusion

Hamamatsu City, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, is one of Japan’s leading regions for promoting multicultural coexistence. The city’s comprehensive support systems make it an attractive and comfortable place for foreign residents. Neighboring Aichi Prefecture, Hamamatsu offers excellent transportation access and a well-developed living environment. Whether for long-term stays or short-term visits, Hamamatsu is an appealing destination worth exploring. Why not take the opportunity to visit and experience the city for yourself?

For those looking for properties in Hamamatsu City,