Visitors to Japan seeking a modern-day cultural experience need to add Hamamatsu to their travel itinerary, the country's "City of Music."
The strong presence of music in Hamamatsu's cultural has earned it the designation as Japan's "City of Music." The first piano made in Japan was crafted in the city and it’s home to the Museum of Musical Instruments. High-profile musical companies Kawai Musical Instruments, Suzuki Musical Instruments and Yamaha Corporation are headquartered in Hamamatsu.
GEOGRAPHY
Hamamatsu is Shizuoka Prefecture's largest city and is 260 kilometers west of Tokyo. The southern end of the city sits on the Pacific Ocean. It's estimated more than 15,000 Brazilians live there, making it a true international city. Most of the signage is in Japanese and Portuguese with few being in English. Most locals are helpful and speak English. It's common for school children to walk up and begin discussion to practice English.
WHAT TO SEE
Every May 3rd through 5th, the popular Hamamatsu Festival is held at the Nakatajima Sand Dunes on the Pacific Ocean. It's an international kite festival attracting more than 1.5 million visitors. During the day, more than 100 kites float in the sky to the song of trumpets. Following the peaceful display, in-air kite battles begin. At night, brilliantly ornate floats parade down the main road.
The event dates back to 1887 but the tradition of flying a kite traces back to the mid-1500s when the Lord of Hamamatsu Castle flew a kite commemorating the birth of his first son. To this day, residents in and around Hamamatsu raise a kite to celebrate the birth of a first child.
For visitors unable to visit during the Hamamatsu Festival, the Hamamatsu Festival Pavilion is open year-round and displays kites and floats from previous festivals.
Hamamatsu Castle is a remnant of Japan's Edo Period (1603-1867). The three-story castle sits atop the Mikatahara Plateau and was built by shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, whose family ruled during the Edo Period. In 1959 following restoration, the castle was designated a historical site. The castle's original stonewall remains and a statue of Tokugawa is in the garden.
More than 1,000 instruments from around the world are on display at the Museum of Musical Instruments. One of the prize instruments is a 1750 English harpsichord. The museum includes a hands-on display where visitors can play various instruments. Guided tours are offered daily and printed information is available in English.
Guided factory tours to see how musical instruments are made are given at Kawai, Suzuki and Yamaha. Visitors walk through the manufacturing process of grand pianos at Kawai and Yamaha. At Suzuki Musical Instruments, visitors see the process of making a harmonica.
ACT City is the modern day contribution to the City of Music. The primary building is the Okura ACT City Hotel and is shaped like a harmonica. The distinctive musical theme is carried inside with musical accents on the doors, floors and walls. The observation deck at the top of the hotel provides a spectacular view of the city and Mt. Fuji.
WHAT TO EAT
- Hamamatsu is recognized for its eel farming and every traveler needs to taste unagi (eel). Many restaurants serve the sweet unagi either Kanto style (steamed) or Kansai style (grilled).
- An adult late night snack is called unagi pie which is made with powdered eel bones, flour, sugar and garlic. Unagi pie tastes like a thin butter cookie and is enjoyed by adults who believe it increases stamina.
- Tenjinkura and Hananomai Breweries offer guided tours showing the sake brewing process along with tastings.
SOUVENIRS
- Unagi pie. Bring the adult snack home and tell friends the ingredients after they've eaten it.
- A silver or gold-tone harmonica made by Suzuki or Yamaha. These can be purchased throughout gift shops in Hamamatsu.
- Locally brewed sake from either Hananomai or Tenjinkura Breweries.
GETTING THERE
Hamamatsu is easily accessible from Tokyo on the Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train), stopping at the JR Hamamatsu Station.
Additional Information: City of Hamamatsu
