Nestled on the western coast of Shizuoka Prefecture, Hamamatsu is a charming coastal city where history and nature come together in perfect harmony, especially in spring.
 
Conveniently located between Tokyo and Osaka, Hamamatsu is just one and a half hours away from either city via the Shinkansen, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of Japan’s major urban centres.
 
One of the most celebrated seasons in Japan, spring is a time when the whole country pauses to admire the fleeting beauty of its iconic cherry blossoms. Hanami, the cherished tradition of gathering under the blooms, is a way to connect with others, and welcome the arrival of spring.
 
Unlike Japan’s more crowded tourist hubs, Hamamatsu offers a more relaxed, authentic Hanami experience. Travellers can soak up the peaceful atmosphere while enjoying Japan’s seasonal beauty and unique cultural charm.
 
Here are four unforgettable spots to view cherry blossoms in Hamamatsu from late March to early April.
 
1. Hamamatsu Castle: Where History Blooms
 
Every spring, Hamamatsu Castle transforms into a serene spectacle where the past and present harmoniously converge. The Hamamatsu Castle Park Sakura Festival draws visitors from near and far, as around 330 cherry trees burst into bloom, surrounding the castle in a breathtaking display of soft pink elegance.
 
Day and night, the castle offers two faces of beauty. By day, the grounds are perfect for strolls under canopies of blossoms, with the stately presence of the castle offering a peaceful backdrop.
 
As night falls, the scene transforms as the castle is gently illuminated, casting a dreamlike glow over the blossoms and its weathered stone walls. This enchanting contrast is what makes this historic site one of the region’s most beloved seasonal spots.
 
Address: 100-2 Motoshirocho, Chuo Ward, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 430-0946
Opening hours: 8:30–16:30 (last entry 10 minutes before closing)
Closed: 29–31 December
Admission: Adults (high school and above) ¥200 / Children (junior high and below) Free
Tel: +81-53-453-3872
Website: https://www.entetsuassist-dms.com/hamamatsu-jyo/guide/hamamatsu-castle/
Note: The park area is open to the public free of charge; entry fee applies only to the castle tower. Night illumination is available for a limited time.
 
2. Hamamatsu Flower Park: A Symphony of Blossoms
 
Widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful gardens of cherry blossoms and tulips, Hamamatsu Flower Park bursts to life each spring in a symphony of colour and fragrance that awakens the senses.
 
From late March to early April, 1,300 cherry trees bloom alongside 600,000 tulips, their vibrant colours swaying in the breeze to create a stunning fusion of spring’s most iconic blooms.
 
Among the most captivating sights is the 600m avenue of double-flowered cherry trees, where layers of soft pink blossoms form a dreamlike canopy. By night, the floral path is transformed into a tunnel of glowing light, inviting visitors to experience the magic of spring in an entirely new way.
 
Address: 195 Kanzanjicho, Chuo Ward Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Opening hours:
Mar–Sep: 9:00–17:00
Oct–Nov: 9:00–16:30
Dec–Feb: 10:00–16:30
Closed: Open daily (closed 29–31 December)
Admission: Adults ¥1000 / Children (primary & junior high school) ￥500 (varies by season)
Tel: +81-53-487-0511
Website: https://e-flowerpark.com/
Note: Parking available. Night illumination during cherry blossom season.
 
3. Miyakoda River Cherry Blossom Avenue: A Walk Through Time
 
During spring, the Miyakoda River is transformed into a breathtaking corridor of colour as a 1.5-kilometre stretch of cherry trees lines its banks, forming a soft pink tunnel that gently arches over the path.
 
By day, it’s a serene spot for a riverside stroll beneath fluttering blossoms. At night, the trees are illuminated, their reflections shimmering on the water’s surface to create a mirror-like view that captures the quiet, poetic beauty of spring.
 
Adding to the seasonal charm is the Himesama Dōchū Parade, held on the last Saturday of March. This traditional festival re-enacts a noble procession from the Edo period, known as the Princess Road Procession.
 
Since 1952, the event has brought history to life, where around 100 participants don period-accurate costumes, including elaborately dressed princesses and their attendants. The procession moves gracefully through the town to offer a rare glimpse into Japan’s feudal past, set against a backdrop of cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Address: Kiga, Hosoe-cho, Hamana-ku, Hamamatsu-shi, Shizuoka
Opening hours: Open all day
Closed: None
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/kurashikankyo/shizenkankyo/sakura/1057743/1058310/1058319.html
 
4. Kanzanji Ropeway: Beauty Above the Blossoms
 
One of Hamamatsu’s rare and beautiful offerings is the chance to see cherry blossoms from above, a perspective few places can provide.
 
As Japan’s only ropeway that crosses over a lake, the Kanzanji Ropeway invites visitors to witness the beauty of spring from a truly unique angle. Connecting Hamanako Pal Pal Amusement Park with Mt. Ōkusa, the scenic ride offers sweeping aerial views of Lake Hamana’s shimmering blue waters and the delicate cherry blossoms that fringe its shores.
 
In early April, the landscape below bursts into colour. Soft pink blossoms and vivid blue water unfold beneath your feet as you float gently between the sky and lake, an incredible scene that captures the essence of Hamamatsu’s spring.
 
Address: 1891 Kanzanjicho, Chuo Ward, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 (varies by season)
Closed: Irregular (closed for maintenance or bad weather)
Fare: Round-trip Adults ¥1,300 / Children (aged 3–12) ¥650
Tel: +81-53-487-2121
Website: https://www.kanzanji-ropeway.jp/en/
Note: The Mount Ōkusa Observatory also houses the Hamanako Music Box Museum.
 
 
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About Hamamatsu
Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka is located between Tokyo and Osaka, two major Japanese cities. It can be reached easily by both land and air.
Once you've enjoyed walking about the hustle and bustle of the big city, come and take it easy in Hamamatsu, with its tranquil lakeshore.
Here you can experience the unique history and culture of this country of Japan, as well as experience everyday life, all with sights you simply can't find so easily in the city center.

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