Learn from Locals – 5 top hands-on-experiences to enjoy in Hamamatsu

Hamamatsu is the ideal place to roll-up-your-sleeves and get into authentic local Japanese experiences. Whether it's the excitement of fishing by night or staying in a classic old folk house in the Japanese mountains and learning home cooking techniques, this selection of experiences will help you get to know Japan through the eyes of locals, enriching your travel and giving you memories to cherish and share forever.

Traditional fabric dying experience

“Hamamatsu Chusen Some” is a traditional method of dying fabric dating back to the mid-18th century. Skilled craftsmen deemed “cultural treasures” still practice the art right here in Hamamatsu. You can tour the factory and watch skilled professionals before having a go yourself. Using the authentic process, you can create your own unique Japanese tenugui hand towel. Allow 1.5 to 3 hours for the experience. The factory can accommodate 1 to 20 visitors at a time. More information: LINK

Make your own soy sauce with a master

Soy sauce is arguably the most important seasoning in Japanese cooking and who better to explain it than Meijiya Shoyu, makers of soy sauce since 1875. The wooden factory building is a designated cultural asset and has been used for over 100 years. The 6th generation owner master guides you through the soy sauce making process, introducing the tools, equipment and essential ingredients. The master has made special workshop presses so you can try soy sauce squeezing for yourself and create your very own sauce which is then pasteurized and bottled ready to take home. Allow 3 hours for the tour and experience. Groups of up to 10 visitors welcome. More information: LINK

Night Fishing- "Takiya-Ryo" Stay on Lake Hamana

For over 100 years, Lake Hamana locals have practiced a unique style of fishing at night. From May to September ships depart at sunset and head to the shallows of the southern part of Lake Hamana. Using lights, the fishermen illuminate the fish and marine life below. The waters of this famous salt lake are so calm you can see the bottom of the lake and the plentiful fish. The fish are speared or scooped into nets. The fish are then grilled and enjoyed on a 'dining raft.' Your traditional Japanese inn accommodation "Inoue" at Bentenjima, is located on the lake with its own dedicated dock. Enjoy sleeping on a futon in a Japanese-style room and wake to a Japanese-style breakfast. More information : LINK

Tour a historical sake brewery, taste sake and create your own label

Hananomai sake brewery, founded in 1864, is one of the oldest and most established breweries in Hamamatsu. Using the highest quality ingredients, the brewery is known for its master brewer's commitment to excellence. On this guided tour, you will learn about quality sake made from the pristine natural groundwater of Southern Alps Akaishi and using Yamada Nishiki rice, the highest quality brewer's rice from local farmers. The experience includes a full tour, sake tasting, creating your personalised label and a commemorative photo is taken at the end. A guide-interpreter (English, Chinese, Indonesian, or Portuguese) is included in the experience which can be booked for a minimum of 2 visitors. Allow 2 hours. More information: LINK

Mountain village stay with seasonal home cooking

Spend the night in a mountain village at a classic old folk house "Atagoya". Atagogawa is the clear stream flowing through the village where traditions are passed down from generation to generation. Learn how to use local seasonal ingredients to prepare and cook your evening meal with expert instruction from a local. Experience traditional tatami rooms with futons or a modern cabin style room with beds. Everyone is welcome at Atagoya, bookings from 2 to 7 guests. More information: LINK
* Tags: #Japan, #Hamamatsu, #Japanese culture, #Japanese tradition, #hands-on experiences, #experiences, #traditional experiences, #Home Cooking, #sake brewery, #sake tasting, #Soy Sauce, #Japanese craft, #Fishing
* Hamamatsu & Lake Hamana Tourism Bureau https://www.hamamatsu-japan.com/en/
* Alison Roberts-Brown at alison@tourismgarden.com.au