Located in Mikkaichi-cho, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu City, as a service area on the Tomei Expressway between Tokyo and NagoyaEXPASA Hamana LakeThis station is a centralized facility that shares facilities for both the up and down lines, and is located on a hill overlooking Lake Hamana, boasting a spectacular location!
This service area began renovation work in May 2019, and after a phased renovation, it grand opened as "EXPASA Hamana Lake" on December 5th of the same year, becoming a popular tourist spot.
The rest facilities on the premises are divided into the "West Wing" on the northbound side, the "East Wing" on the southbound side, and the "Restaurant Wing," with the "East Wing" being open 24 hours a day for added convenience.
Outside, there are rows of food stalls offering takeout, where you can enjoy light meals such as Hamana Lake specialties like eel and dumplings, as well as skewers and yakisoba.
Hamamatsu gyoza, a representative of Hamamatsu's local cuisine and a popular choice for casual, affordable food, is also attracting long lines. It's perfect as a quick and easy snack!
At the entrance to the shopping center, they also sell locally grown vegetables directly from the producers. This time of year, they're selling new onions, garlic, lemons, apples, and sweet potatoes. I even managed to get a large quantity of lemons myself.
The shopping area is packed with popular souvenirs, including items exclusive to Lake Hamana and sweets made with the famous eel. Please note that dogs are not allowed inside the building, so take turns enjoying the shopping!
The weather was beautiful on this day during Golden Week, making it a perfect day for a drive with our dog, Chocolat. When traveling with a dog like us, it's essential to check whether the service area has a dog run or a grassy area. Service areas are also very important places for our dogs to take a refreshing break!
As you walk along the promenade, you'll find the "Food Hall with Lake Views" on your right. This spacious food court has approximately 440 seats and a popular terrace with great views. To your left is a vast, sloping lawn area where you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of Lake Hamana.
A sightseeing boat tour around Lake Hamana is also a popular attraction here. Boats depart approximately twice an hour, and the tour lasts about 20 minutes. The fare is 1,000 yen per adult and 500 yen per child (ages 4 to elementary school age).
A staircase is provided in the center of the grassy area, allowing access to the sightseeing boat dock.
Hamana Lake Service Area Sightseeing Boat Pier
The "Sea Lake Boat Tour" is a sightseeing boat that departs from a specially constructed pier. This is the only sightseeing boat in Japan that departs from a service area. The boats are captained by active fishermen!
[Days when the sightseeing boat operates]
Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from April 22nd (Sat) to May 28th (Sun), 2023
Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from July 15, 2023 to November 26, 2023
Lake Hamana boasts the third longest shoreline after Lake Biwa and Lake Kasumigaura. Its complex topography creates a unique landscape, and this brackish lake, home to approximately 800 species of fish and shellfish, has become a symbol of local tourism, earning it the nickname "Lake of the Sea." The tour departs from the scenic spot of "Sunza Rakugan," one of the Eight Views of Tōtōmi, and enters Hamana Lake's Uchiura Bay, the scenic spot of "Tateyama no Akizuki." The view of Tateyamaji Onsen from the boat is highly praised!
Many families with dogs visit the service area, and it's common to see dogs greeting each other.
Our dog, Chocolat, is an only child and not used to other dogs, so she's not very good at greeting other dogs. But, unusually, she was able to get close enough to this Toy Poodle to sniff each other!
Chocolat seems to be afraid of slopes, as she stops in her tracks as soon as we step onto the grassy area, pulling hard on her leash. She's a stubborn girl who's not easy to handle! (lol)
Once they got off, a comfortable lawn seemed to be waiting for them, and they looked quite pleased.
As is typical of small breeds like Chihuahuas, long walks aren't their strong suit, but they seem to enjoy the different atmosphere of their usual walking route along Lake Sanaru!
Bathed in the bright and warm sunshine of early summer, she has a big smile on her face (it's just the moment she yawns: lol).
With a pleasant breeze blowing through this lakeside resting spot, it's easy to see why it's so popular.
At the back of the lawn area, there is an object called "The Bell of Happiness" commemorating the "Lover's Sanctuary," making it a popular spot for taking commemorative photos!
At this lovers' sanctuary, couples can pledge their love with heart-shaped padlocks called "heart locks." After obtaining a heart lock, they write a message on it and lock it to the fence along with their love. The entire fence is covered in love!
When you ring the "Bell of Happiness," the sound of the bell is carried on the wind, creating a soothing melody. This service area is considered a "lovers' sanctuary" because it's a place where lovers can meet in one location, which is considered auspicious for couples.
If you head to the right of the "Lover's Sanctuary," which juts out like a cape, you'll find a wooden deck, which is also a great photo spot!
Enjoy the views of the Tomei Expressway, hotels on the opposite shore, the dazzling green mountains, and Lake Hamana on the other side!
The spacious grounds allow you to enjoy a break of about an hour.
After enjoying the walk to your heart's content, sit down on a bench in the grassy area to rehydrate and take a short break.
As a place to go out with my beloved dog, Chocolat,
This service area boasts an excellent location for enjoying the breathtaking views of Lake Hamana!
I happened to meet a fellow Porsche enthusiast in the parking lot, got permission to take a photo, and snapped a picture. Now, on to our next stop: a dog-friendly cafe where you can enjoy a meal with your beloved dog!
Hamana Lake Service Area / EXPASA Hamana Lake
Address: 47-1 Sakume, Mikkaichi-cho, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
TEL: 053-526-7220
Parking: (Lower) 54 spaces for large vehicles, 374 spaces for small vehicles; (Upper) 40 spaces for large vehicles, 287 spaces for small vehicles.
Open all year round
