Hamamatsu Shizuoka, Japan Travel Guide
Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) in Nagoya is the closest major international hub, around 1 hour to Hamamatsu by Shinkansen. Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) and Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) are Japan's largest international hubs, approximately 1.5-2 hours away by Shinkansen from Tokyo Station.
Shizuoka Airport (FSZ) offers limited international flights, mainly to East Asia, and about 1 hour to Hamamatsu by bus and train. Long-haul international flights do not directly serve FSZ. Booking your flights well in advance (3-6 months) is recommended for better prices, especially during popular periods.
Take Meitetsu Limited Express to Nagoya, then Shinkansen (Kodama or Hikari) to Hamamatsu. Approx. 1 hour.
Take Narita Express to Tokyo Station, then Shinkansen (Kodama or Hikari) to Hamamatsu. Approx. 2.5-3 hours.
Keikyu Line to Shinagawa or Monorail to Hamamatsucho, then JR to Tokyo Station, then Shinkansen to Hamamatsu. Approx. 1.5-2 hours.
Offer full range of traveler facilities: currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shopping, dining, lounges, free Wi-Fi, rental cars, tourist info.
Provides more limited facilities as a result of its smaller size and regional focus.
Book flights 3-6 months in advance for better prices, especially during peak seasons.
Japan's extensive and efficient land transportation network Hamamatsu by train a comfortable experience. Hamamatsu Station is a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line (Hikari and Kodama services). The fastest Nozomi services do not stop here.
Highway buses provide a budget-friendly alternative to the Shinkansen. They connect Hamamatsu with major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Kyoto. While taking longer, they offer considerable savings.
For greater flexibility, consider renting a car. Japan drives on the left side of the road. Toll roads, like the Tomei Expressway, are common and can be expensive.
Rental cars often come equipped with navigation systems offering English options. Traffic can be heavy in urban areas. Book in advance, especially in the high season.
Japan levies a "Departure International Tourist Tax" of ¥1,000 per person on all international departures by air or sea. This tax is typically included in the price of your ticket, so you usually do not need to pay it separately.
Major airports have extensive facilities for departing travelers: check-in counters, bag check, security screening, immigration, extensive duty-free shops, diverse restaurants, lounges, and Wi-Fi.
International Tourist Tax is usually included in your ticket price.
Allocate enough time for check-in, security, and border control at airports.
Utilize duty-free shops at major airports before departure.
