Jul 3, 2015 - 2 min read

Kanzanji Ropeway, Hamamatsu

Take in the the beautiful Hamana-ko from the skies

By Lester Goh

Community writer

Kanzanji Ropeway offers marvelous views of Lake Hamana and all the surrounding attractions!

Beautiful views of the entire Lake Hamana, especially with the sun shining down upon it.

The entrance to Kanzanji Ropeway! Are you ready?

This is the entrance to Kanzanji Ropeway from within Hamanako Pal-Pal Amusement Park,

The lower terminus of Kanzanji Ropeway is connected to the Hamanako Pal-Pal Amusement Park!

The technical specifications of the Kanzanji Ropeway is displayed prominently within the waiting area. I'm not too sure what it all means, but the attendant let me know that this is one of the safest ropeway systems available.

Here we go! The trip starts when u board the cabin on this side of Lake Hamana. It felt sturdy and safe.

The cabin has started moving! From the beginning the cabin moves over the Hamanko Pal-Pal, offering you aerial views of all the rides here.

And then we move away from land, and over the beautiful lake!

Beyond lake Hamana, and bound for Okusayama on the other shore of the lake.

A friendly guide will explain various trivia about Lake Hamana during the short 5 minute ride toward the top.

And we've reached the top! Here on the other shore, there is an observatory from which to enjoy a panoramic view of the entire region.

This carillon on the observation deck chimes out beautiful tunes on the hour every hour.

You can see the entire Kanzanji Onsen region from atop the observation deck.

Even on the other side of Lake Hamana, you can still get stunning views of Hamamatsu.

Looking back at the ropeway that you came from!

The Hamanako Orgel Museum is found on the same building as the observatory. Combination tickets can be purchased for both the Museum and the Ropeway, and I highly recommend it. The observatory is free-of-charge.

The Hamanako Orgel Museum is located in the Okusa-yama Observatory at the summit terminus of the ropeway.

For tourists visiting Hamammatsu City in Shizuoka Prefecture, Hamanako, or Lake Hamana, is a must visit destination. Combining the spectacular views of a saltwater lake with the rustic allure of an onsen town, together with modern amusement amenities at Pal-Pal Amusement Park and the nearby Hamamatsu Municipal Zoo, a date with Hamana-ko can easily become a day or two of fun-filled family-friendly activities.

There are many amazing ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Hamana-ko and the surrounding mountains of Okusayama and Tateyama (also read Kanzan for the famous Kanzanji), but my favorite has to be taking to the skies on the Kanzanji Ropeway. The ropeway traverses Hamana-ko, from the lower terminus at the Pal-Pal Amusement Park to the summit terminus atop Okusayama.

The summit terminus is also home to the Hamanako Orgel Museum, which can be explored by purchasing a combination ropeway/museum ticket before riding the ropeway (and I highly recommend it). The cherry on the cake has to be the free-of-charge observation deck located above the museum, providing even more amazing panoramic views over the entirety of Hamana-ko.

A return ropeway ticket costs ‎¥820 for adults and ¥410 for children. The combination ticket that also allows entry into the Hamanako Orgel Museum costs ¥1,450 for adults and ¥700 for children. Discounts of up to ¥200 can be obtained via vouchers readily available at most hotels in Hamamatsu. Hamanako is a 40 minute bus ride on local Entetsu bus No.30 from JR Hamamatsu Station.