【Shizuoka・Hamanako】From Bentenjima Seaside Park to Hotel by Boat. Local Boat Association Collaborates for Lake Cruise Starting June 15th [Grand Mercure Hamanako Resort & Spa]

Grand Mercure Hamanako Resort & Spa (Shizuoka Prefecture, Hamamatsu City, General Manager: Watanabe Masahiro) will start offering 'Traditional Fishing Boat Cruise Experience' in collaboration with the local Bentenjima Boat Association from June 15, 2026 (Monday). At the same time, the resort will also start offering craft experiences at the 'HAMANA Workshop', an in-house craft experience facility that utilizes the culture and regional resources of Hamanako and Hamamatsu.

This initiative is a joint project that combines traditional navigation techniques and regional resources, which have been cherished in the region for a long time, with hotel stays to communicate new value for travel. The hotel will serve as a place that connects the region with guests, providing opportunities to experience the natural and cultural aspects of Hamanako.

With the craft experiences at the newly opened 'HAMANA Workshop' and the existing rich in-house content, the resort aims to become a 'destination hotel for stays' where the stay itself becomes the purpose of the trip.

Traditional Fishing Boat Cruise Experience Connecting Bentenjima Seaside Park and the Hotel

View of Bentenjima's red torii gate, 'Bentenjima Tourism Symbol Tower,' from the lake

The cruise experience that starts this time utilizes the navigation techniques of shallow waters and waterways that have been cherished in the Bentenjima area for many years to offer 'Welcome Cruise' and 'Goodbye Cruise' that connect Bentenjima Seaside Park and the hotel. In addition to boarding at Bentenjima Seaside Park, which is a short walk from Bentenjima Station, and heading towards the hotel while touring the lake, you can also head towards Bentenjima Seaside Park while feeling the afterglow of your trip when departing from the hotel.

The boats used have the characteristic of being close to the lake surface, unique to fishing boats. You can enjoy the distance from the water surface, which is difficult to experience on large ships, the impact of passing under bridges, and the scenery unique to Hamanako, such as the Shinkansen and the red torii gate of Bentenjima, from the lake.

Protecting the natural environment of Hamanako and inheriting the navigation techniques of the region by the Bentenjima Boat Association

The Bentenjima Boat Association, which collaborates with us, is also engaged in activities to protect the seaweed fields of 'Amamo,' which serve as hiding places for many living creatures. In April 2025, a group of Amamo was confirmed for the first time in five years along the coast of Bentenjima. Through collaboration with the Bentenjima Boat Association, our hotel will provide a stay experience that allows you to learn about not only the scenery of Hamanako but also the techniques and natural environment that have been passed down in the region.

<Overview of Traditional Fishing Boat Cruise Experience>

[Menu]

・Welcome Cruise (Bentenjima Seaside Park → Hotel) * A special trip starts from the moment of arrival.

・Goodbye Cruise (Hotel → Bentenjima Seaside Park) * Enjoy the afterglow of your trip while heading to the station.

・Hamanako Boat Cruise (Hotel departure and arrival, lake sightseeing) * Enjoy as an activity during your stay.

[Price (common for 3 courses)] Adults 2,500 yen, Children 1,500 yen, Infants free * Boat cruises can also be chartered for an additional fee (please contact us for details).

[Capacity] Maximum of 10 people (including free infants)

[Notes] Operation may be canceled depending on the weather.

Details of Traditional Fishing Boat Cruise

Craft Experience Facility 'HAMANA Workshop' that Shapes the Culture of Hamanako and Hamamatsu

The 'HAMANA Workshop,' which will be newly set up on the first floor of the building, will offer craft experiences that utilize the culture and regional resources of Hamanako and Hamamatsu. Using materials related to the region, such as shells from Hamanako and tea from Shizuoka, you can create souvenirs of your trip through the process of making things. Hamamatsu City is the birthplace of several world-famous companies and has aspects of being a 'city of manufacturing' and a 'city of music.' At its core is the 'Yaramika spirit' of 'let's try' and 'challenge new things.' The HAMANA Workshop will provide opportunities to experience the manufacturing culture of Hamamatsu through craft experiences that utilize regional resources. The HAMANA Workshop plans to add more experience programs in the future in collaboration with local craftsmen, traditional crafts, and regional resources. It will continue to evolve as an experience spot that you will never get tired of visiting, where you can touch the 'Yaramika spirit' that changes with each season.

[Example of Experience Menu]

Shell Accessory Making Mini Piano Paper Craft

・Shell Accessory Making: Create original accessories using shells from Hamanako.

・Mini Hamamatsu Kite Making: Craft inspired by the large kites that symbolize the traditional 'Hamamatsu Festival.'

・Tea Leaf Sachet Making: Make deodorant bags by reusing tea leaves used in the building.

・Mini Piano Paper Craft: Three-dimensional craft with a piano as a motif, reminiscent of the city of music, Hamamatsu.

(Source: General Incorporated Association All Japan Piano Instructors Association) Overview of HAMANA Workshop

[Location] Grand Mercure Hamanako Resort & Spa 1st Floor

[Business Hours] 9:00～11:00 / 15:00～20:00

[Target] Guests (also suitable for summer vacation free research and rainy day activities)

[Price] Basically free (included in accommodation fee) * Some special programs are charged

Details of HAMANA Workshop

Expanding the fun during your stay with in-house content

In addition to the luxury of 'All-Inclusive' that can be enjoyed without additional charges, our hotel offers a variety of content that can be enjoyed all day long in the building.

Book Chapel & Hamana Konokowai Yoru

[Book Chapel]

The chapel has been renovated into a fantastic space surrounded by beautiful books. It is a sacred place where you can enjoy reading quietly.

[Hamana Konokowai Yoru]

A hotel-exclusive walking horror attraction that families can enjoy thrillingly, based on local legends.

Bocce & Molkky

[Courtyard Bocce & Molkky]

A popular universal sport that can be enjoyed casually by everyone from small children to seniors in an open courtyard.

Executive Lounge with a View of Hamanako

[Luxurious Lounge & Buffet]

Enjoy local sake and dishes that make the most of ingredients from around Hamanako to your heart's content. This summer, the seasonal limited shaved ice bar will also appear, making both adults and children excited.

<Schedule Example>

Day 1

15:00 Check-in with 'Welcome Cruise' Listen to the captain's explanation while touring the lake's Amamo, Shinkansen, and the breathtaking view of the red torii gate, and head straight to the hotel. After arrival, take a breather at the All-Inclusive lounge.

16:00 Create shell accessories, etc. at 'HAMANA Workshop' Experience upcycling using shells from Hamanako and discarded tea leaves, and touch the 'Yaramika spirit' of the region.

17:00 Take commemorative photos with works inspired by Hamamatsu at 'Book Chapel'

18:00 Dinner at the buffet restaurant while watching the sunset over Hamanako

19:30 Explore the hotel with your smartphone and experience the local legend horror 'Hamana Konokowai Yoru'

21:00 Enjoy local drinks and snacks at the night lounge without additional charges

Day 2

8:00 Enjoy the flavors of Hamamatsu and Shizuoka at the breakfast buffet

9:30 Head to Bentenjima Seaside Park with 'Goodbye Cruise' and feel the wind of traditional fishing boats

10:30 Experience regional culture by visiting the turning table of the Tenryu Hamanako Railway and strolling along the line

13:00 Tour spots that exude the history of 'Hamamatsu, the city of music,' and experience the world's sound culture

15:00 Return home with memories of your trip

With the start of the cruise experience and HAMANA Workshop, the natural, cultural, manufacturing, and human connections of Hamanako