Nakatajima Sand Dunes

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Facts & Figures

The Nakatajima Dunes in Hamamatsu belong to one of the three largest sand dune areas in Japan. The dunes cover an area of app. 2.4 square kilometres (0.6km x 4.0km).  Explore Hotels in Hamamatsu >
Pick your right place from a large selection of hotels, hostels, resorts and more. It is a very popular spot to watch sunsets. During summertime Loggerhead turtles arrive there to lay the eggs onto the beach. My tip: On New Years Day residents from Hamamatsu watching together the first sunrise of the year. Maybe you have time to join them.

History

The Nakatajima Sand Dunes existing for thousands of years. But in recent years the shoreline is shrinking by more than 200 metres. Mainly due the fact that the natural sand supply for the dunes from the Southern Japanese Alps are interrupted (building of dams, tsunami protection). Some measurements are taken by the government to protect the dunes like dumping sand offshore.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

ACT Tower Observatory - enjoy the view from the 45th floor, the height of the skyscraper is 213m

Hamamatsu Castle - an impressive landmark, Tokugawa Ieyasu stayed here from 1571 till 1588

Hamamatsu Flower Park - located at Lake Hamana with 100.000 plants on display

Hamamatsu Fruit Park - Japanese or international fruits are cultivated in this park

Hamamatsu Municipal Zoo - you will find there over 100 animal species

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

April

Princess Road Procession (first Saturday and Sunday)
This festival is recreating a princess procession during the Edo period with actors dressed as samurais, maids, servants and the princess.

May

Hamamtsu Matsuri (3rd till 5th)
This festival attracts more than 1,5 Mio visitors every year. It is dating back 430 years when large kites were flown to celebrate the birth of a son for the Lord of Hamamatsu Castle. Watch over 100 kites (3.5m x 3.5m) in the sky over the Nakatajima Dunes. At night you must follow the parade of 100 palace-like floats. During the Hamamatsu festival the whole city is full of entertainment.

June

Enshu Hamakita Hiryu Festival (first Saturday and Sunday)
The festival (matsuri) honors the god of the Tenryu River - Ryujin. You can watch a fire-festival parade, kite flying and Japanese drums performances.

November

Inasa Puppet Play Festival (end of Nov.)
During 3 days more than 60 puppet plays are performed from 30 theatrical companies from all over Japan. It is a great joy for children and adults.

December

Akiha Fire Festival (15th till 16th)
Held at midnight at the Akiha Shrine. The festival is including 3 performances - bow dance, sword dance and fire dance.