Lake Hamana and Tenhama Railroad, Shizuoka Prefecture, Nov 2022
Lakes and rails
I like small rail roads and lakes. That is why today I am in Shizuoka prefecture riding Tenryu Hamanaka rail line along northern coast of Lake Hamana.
Tenryu Hamanaka line (also called Tenhama) was opened in 1935. It still has this nostalgic charm of the past: many stations are unmanned and made of simple wood; trains are normally just one car and are operated by single person.
I boarded the train at Mikkabi station (this one has staff and shelters cozy burger cafe).
Train approaching with joyful whistles: hello stranger!
I am happy and ready to board having purchased day pass for 1750 yen.
Train going in the opposite direction.
Cozy and clean.
Great relaxing scenery.
Sunza station near the lake.
Totally there are 39 stations on this 67 km long rail line. So, you will need slightly more than 2 hours to ride the whole length from Shinjohara station to Kakegawa, both being final points of the Tenhama Line.
There are plenty of historic sites and cultural attractions along the track. An attempt of English guide is here.
I wanted to get off at the Fruit Park station, walk the park, then hike towards suspension bridge, but heavy rain interrupted my plans. I just did one hour walk from Haranoya to Sakuragi station. It was a pleasant nature stroll along the tracks. I will continue tomorrow.
Now to the lake. Lake Hamana is Japan’s 10th largest. The area is 65 sq km and circumference is 114 km! It used to be a freshwater lake, but after the earthquake long time ago it became connected to the ocean, so water here is salty or what is called brackish (not as salty as in the ocean).
Fishermen love this area, and eel and oysters are taken here, hence you can see many eel restaurants in Shizuoka.
I booked myself into Hamanako Lakeside Plaza Hotel which offers great views of the lake (hotel has natural hot baths).
You can hike around the lake: there are signs and often walking trail is shared with bicycles. I walked from Sunza station to Nishi Kiga. Walk is along highway.
On the way I spotted the sign directing to a longer walk, so I have continued towards Kiga station along bicycle track.
According to the map below I could possibly walk all the way to Kanzanji onsen which is a tourist hub of Lake Hamana.
Now is harvest season for persimmons and Japanese mikan (mandarin). I bought some on the way:just put money in the box and grab your fruits.
All in all good walk, but Hamamatsu and Hamana Lake have some industrial feel: Suzuki, Yamaha and Honda have their factories here.
So, I would prefer Biwa Lake area for hiking.
But for all the train buffs:Tenhama Line is waiting for you.
Tomorrow I am hiking in Izu Peninsula (
Yours in travel
IZ