The other day, I went all the way to “Hamanako Garden Park” to fully enjoy myself with flowers, taking a bus from JR Hamamatsu Station at 9:14 to Garden Park via Kanzanji Onsen spa resort. In 60 minutes on the dot, I saw a vast lawn field, where many people were enjoying kicking soccer balls, playing catch, or putting golf balls. I just wanted to lie about on it and have a peaceful time, but considering my plan on that day, I couldn’t. I walked along the field for a couple of minutes and crossed a bridge. Now, here I am, Hamanako Garden Park !

In 2004, a major event was held in this site. “Hamanako Flora Expo” ! Garden Park took over the very site of 56ha for local citizens and tourists free of charge and lots of events are still held through the year. I headed for the observation tower called “Lake View Tower” anyway that stands in the middle of the park. On my way, I saw a play ground for kids, a small restaurant, an outdoor stage, and another bridge over the waterway. Varieties of flowers were seen along the walkway.

I took an elevator up to the top floor of 50m height. 360 degree panoramic view was waiting for me ! I could overlook, not to mention the Lake Hamana, hotels around Bentenjima, Kanzanji and even Hamamatsu Act Tower ! See the beautiful pictures anyway !

Beside the garden is a Golf Course where Ryo Ishikawa played the other day. I sat on a bench and stayed for a while seeing cars passing across the long bridge over Hamanako Lake. Then I found fantastic houses in the other side of the park that made me think of Disney Land. What’s that ?

I went down to the ground and began to stroll again, opening a map. The pathway between greeneries was so refreshing and butterflies were dancing ahead of me. A café and small gardens attracted many visitors. In 10 minutes or so, I reached “Flower Museum”, which was definitely one of the must-see spots in this park. Lots of photographers were there flocking for varieties of flowers with a beautiful mansion behind them. I also wandered in the garden looking for the best spot for pictures. Now, what do you think ?＾＾

Now, I had little time left for walking. The bus was supposed to leave the park at 12:04. 20 minutes to go and I was 1.5km away from the bus stop. I hurried to the entrance gate, taking necessary pictures. On my way, I passed “International Garden”. There you can see gardens of the world such as Italian, English, Chinese and Korean. I really wished I could have had enough time ! I here attach some pictures. You look around very carefully and tell me how you like it.

There are lots of attractions more besides things above in the Garden Park. You can cruise the waterway or enjoy a bike ride, or there is a water square where kids can play, really good for the season from now ! The admission is free including “Flower Museum” and “International Garden”. Very recommendable for anyone who likes walking and flowers.
After all, I could be in time for the bus ! I was on my way to “Hamamatsu Flower Park”.

Have a good day !

Hamanako Garden Park
Access From JR Hamamatsu Station ： 60 minutes by bus
Admission ： Free　　＊Lake View Tower costs ¥300 for an adult
Open Hours ： 8:30 – 17:00 ( - 18:00 in Jul and Aug )
Closed ： Dec 29 – Jan 3

“Shizuoka Guide” is our official English blog website for events & sightseeing. Always with you ! ＾＾

I proceeded to the left, as the signboard indicated, and found a very bizarre thing. Too many Emas − wooden plates that we write down our wishes, were suspended in a small shrine. I opened the map and found out that it was the Jizo of Marriage. I read some of them. May I find a good boyfriend. May we keep this happiness as long as we live. I really wished so. There should be a Jizo stone statue at the back of this shrine, though, due to the numerous Emas, I could not find it.＾＾；
The trail led me into the bright woods. Soon it began to appear. The humongous statue of Kannon. I was just surprised at the sight of it. Not only its size, but her benevolent looking that could embrace all of us.

Now by whom and for what was this Kannon built ? I found a small wooden plate that explained it. It said, “once a young couple killed themselves in Kanzanji ( the reason was not clarified ). People in Kanzanji built this statue to make people realize the preciousness of life”. Very simple with profound meanings. If this Kannon had been small as a human, it would not have helped anyone in this verdant area. Because this is large enough to be seen from outside Kanzanji, it can help somebody. I hope even one single life has been ever saved by her.

Following the pathway, I saw some weird things. Stones on the rock, stones on the stone, or stones on the tree stump. What are they for ? The notion got away from me by the fantastic view between trees. The water of Hamanako was pure as spring water and towns and mountains around looked magnificent. In about 10 minutes from Kannon, I reached to the observation deck and “Fujimi-iwa” where we can see Mt. Fuji on a fine day, though I could not see it due to a little bit cloudy weather.

On my way back to Kanzanji Temple, red flags led me to one of the most curious places. It was a small mound ( later it turned out to be an ancient tomb ) with a small entrance on it. Candle fires were seen from inside in the darkness. I’d ever taken hundreds of pictures for this blog but I hesitated then for fear that I might take a ghost.＾＾； Hoping not to, I tried some. This is called “Ana-Daishi”, if literally translated, the god in a cave.

It was discovered around 1500 years ago by “Kobo-Daishi”, another name for Kukai. He placed a stone figure of himself in it with wishes for peaceful and stable lives around Kanzanji.

You have so much more to visit around Hamanako Lake. Sightseeing, fishing and bike riding throughout the year. It would be a great travel to stay for days to explore around Hamanako.

Good day !＾＾

“Shizuoka Guide” is our official English website for sightseeing, always with you ! ＾＾

Back from Mt. Okusa by Kanzanji Ropeway, I walked along the pathway between Hamanako Pal Pal and Lake Hamana. The walkway was well paved. The pine tree and its background looked just like a painting that made me so refreshed.

Soon, in about 5 minutes maybe, a corridor was seen in the lake. Curiously, I got close to it and walked on the corridor. This is called “Ukimi-do”. Free to get in. I found a large temple bell at the end of the corridor. It is said to have been placed there in commemoration of friendship between Kanzanji and Suzhou, China.
Not very far from Ukimi-do, I found a free footbath in a small park next to Hotel Kokonoe. I put my shoes & socks off and my feet in the browny hot spring. Every Onsen hot spring has a special efficacy and this onsen is assumed ( or assured ? ) good for lumbago, neuralgia, arthralgia and the like. The water temperature was perfect to me ! I could not stand up for a while, looking out the great view that had never got me tired of.

Ferris Wheel in Pal Pal

Foot bath beside Kokonoe

Main Road to Kanzanji Temple

Soon after I began to walk again, I found a weird huge statue on the mountain in the direction of Kanzanji Temple. Looked like a Goddess of Kannon. What was that ? Next destination was just fixed !＾＾

Walking along the walkway beside the lake, you will turn in a street stretching seemingly to Kanzanji Temple. This street is the main road in Kanzanji Spa Area. You can find many hotels and Inns around. On my way to Kanzanji Temple, I found a tour boat station. “Unagiya”, the broiled eel restaurants were also seen right and left. Eels of Hamanako brand are known as one of the most famous and exquisite all over the country.

In about 20 minutes from Kanzanji Ropeway, 10 minutes from Ukimi-do, you will get to the gate of Kanzanji Temple. The view of Hamanako from the stairs was really good ! Everything is in the picture. Ukimi-do, Hotel Kokonoe, the foot bath and the tour boat. Maybe I can praise myself for having walked such far.＾＾

Now, turning your head to the direction from the sea to the mountain, you are right there at Kanzanji Temple. Kanzanji was built and established by Kobo-daishi ( Kukai ) in 810 of Heian Era. Very ancient temple with a long and distinguished history but nowadays, more famous for the Jizo of love among young women.

I looked for a map first to make sure, of course, of the mysterious statue. There it was ! Can you recognize it in the map ? Humongous isn’t it ? Trails are here and there. I strolled to the direction of the statue.

Next time, I’ll show you around Kanzanji Temple.

Have a good day !＾＾

“Shizuoka Guide” is our official English website for sightseeing, always with you ! ＾＾

So, maybe i’d better start with how to get to Kanzanji Spa Area. From the bus depot at JR Hamamatsu Station, find #1 bus stop as in the picture and take the bus #30 bound for Kanzanji Onsen. On its way, it passes by Hamamatsu Flower Park and Hamamatsu Zoological Garden that I’ve ever visited and wrote about. 45 minutes to Kanzanji, ¥550 as of Oct, 2010.

I got off the bus at “Hamanako Pal Pal”, two stops before “Kanzanji Onsen”, to walk around. Pal Pal is an amusement park where you can take more than 30 varieties of rides such as roller coasters, Ferris wheels and a carousel. Should I get in it to report ? No way ! No rides for me !＾＾；
Instead of that, I found a ropeway beside the park. I would take a ride on it later.
Now, see the world of Kanzanji. Kanzanji Spa Area is located in the center along Hamanako Lake, very famous for its extra good hot springs. Many Hotels and Ryokans can be found around.

I walked along the lake first and found many people fishing. I talked to a man if he had caught anything and he showed me in the bucket. Cute gobies were there. Very good for deep-fry. Lake Hamana is opened to the sea and many kinds of fish flow into this lake. The very treasure house of life !
Back again at the ropeway station beside Pal Pal, I looked up to see where the wires led. To the mountain beyond the water, I surmised. It seemed a little bit fearful but I gathered every courage and stepped on the gondola.

In the Gondola was a young lady to guide visitors during the ride. It goes 50m high from the water, 723m long in 4 minutes to the mountain beyond the lake, “Mt. Okusa” of 113m high. Scary enough for me. This ropeway is the only one crossing the lake in Japan. On the top of Mt. Okusa, ropeway station is connected with Lake Hamana Music Box Museum. The rooftop of the museum is the observation deck with 360 panorama view.

You will see, from this point, how large Hamanako Lake is. You can get an English brochure at the ropeway ticket desk that will help you well recognize which part is where. Pictures don’t tell everything, you know. Catch the overwhelming world with your own eyes !

By the way, this deck seems to be known as a sacred place for lovers. Angels in the garden look so peaceful and many bells on the deck sounds harmonious. These bells ring at the beginning of each hour. It might be so romantic to hear the bell ring while you talk with someone you like, looking out the spectacular view.

Next time, I’ll show you a weird temple.

Have a good day !＾＾

Kanzanji Ropeway
Access from JR Hamamatsu Station ⇒ #1 bus stop by #30 bus to Hamanako Pal Pal
Admission ： ¥ 800 for round trip for adults／¥400 for children
Open Hours ： 9:00 – 17:00 ( Closing time varies by the seasons )

“Shizuoka Guide” is our official English website for sightseeing, always with you ! ＾＾