On the shores of Lake Hamana is the relaxed Hot Spring Town of Kanzanji.
LAKESIDE HOTSPRING RESORT
KANZANJI IS A RESORT TOWN PERFECTLY SET UP TO HELP YOU RELAX
ONSEN, KANZANJI TEMPLE, STUNNING SUNSETS, GREAT FOOD
Kanzanji Onsen located on the eastern shores of Lake Hamana is Shizuoka Prefecture’s largest onsen resort area – easily accessible from Hamamatsu Station.
Kanzanji became popular in the 1950’s when a hot spring was discovered and drilled.
Kanzanji features hotels and ryokan with hot spring baths, the Hamanako Pal Pal fun park, a ropeway up to Mt. Okusa Sightseeing Platform, Kanzanji Temple, Hamamatsu Zoological Gardens, Hamamatsu Flower Park and lots of places to pick your own fruit in season.
In summer, Kanzanji Onsen also draws wind surfers, sea kayakers and parasailing enthusiasts.
A PLACE TO FIND YOUR ZEN
Kanzanji Temple is said to have been founded by famous Buddhist Monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai) in the 9th Century.
Kobo Daishi remains one of the most influential buddhist monks in Japanese history, famous for establishing the temples on Mt. Koya in Wakayama Prefecture.
Kanzanji Temple is located on Mt. Tateyama, a small hill on the coast of Lake Hamana.
Tateyama is only about 50m high so it is a great place to wander around – there are a number of attractions to discover.
Kanzanji Temple itself is a classic Buddhist temple and the centerpiece of Mt. Tateyama – other attractions include a 16m tall Kannon Statue and a shrine within a cave (Ana Daishi) in which it is said Kobo Daishi practiced.
But perhaps the biggest attraction of Mt. Tateyama is the tranquility of walking through the woods and finding zen sitting on the coast and taking in a famous Lake Hamana Sunset.
A PLACE TO STAY & PLAY OR CHILL
Like many Hot Spring Resorts in Japan, Kanzanji is set up to help you relax and forget about your daily life as soon as you arrive.
But comfortable rooms, fantastic food and great hot spring options are just the beginning to your stay in Kanzanji.
Kanzanji gives you the option to either stay indoors, soak away your worries or venture out to explore the local township and surrounding areas.
In the Kanzanji area Hamanako Pal Pal, a small amusement park with rides, has a pool in summer, a roller coaster and other attractions that the kids will love.
There is also a short cable car ride to Mt. Okusa Observatory which provides a great view of the lake.
If you want to get out on the water, Fantom Marine offers a number of great on water experiences such as parasailing, jet boat rides or sunset cruises.
The Hamamatsu Flower Park is a 30,000 sq meter flower park, which is extremely popular with a wide range of different flowers blooming through the year.
HOW TO GET THERE & AROUND
From Hamamatsu Station many of the Hotels in Kanzanji have free shuttle buses and this is possibly the best way to get there.
If you have a car Kanzanji is easily accessible from the Tomei Expressway.
Lake Hamana prides itself on its cycling routes, aid stations and rental bike options. It is a great destination for all levels of cyclists and bikes are a great way to explore the area.
MORE INFORMATION
Check iN HAMAMATSU website for more information and community-based experiences in Hamamatsu area.
