RENT & RIDE JAPANTotomi / Kakegawa to South Lake Hamana & Kanzanji

Kanzanji Onsen & South Lake Hamana Loop

A one-day ride from Hachioji to Enshu on national and prefectural roads (no expressway toll section on the lake). Loop the south shore of Lake Hamana past the red torii of Bentenjima, enjoy lakeside winding roads, and soak in the highly saline waters of Kanzanji Onsen.

OnsenCoastGourmet

DISTANCE: 390 km
DURATION: 12 h
LEVEL: Advanced

DIST390 kmTIME12 hLVLAdvancedSEASONSpring / Autumn / WinterIN SEASON!OnsenCoastGourmet

Starting from TASHILOG GARAGE, this onsen ride loops the south shore of Lake Hamana in Enshu. Unlike the quiet north-shore route of inner Lake Hamana, the star here is the southern lakeside road squeezed between the lake and the Pacific.

Highlights

Bentenjima Seaside Park — The famous red tower-torii standing in the lake. Motorcycle parking is free, making it an easy photo stop.
Route 301 & Pref. Route 323 (Kanzanji–Bentenjima) — A southern lakeside winding road skimming the water, with the open vistas typical of a brackish lagoon.
Kanzanji Onsen — Opened in 1958, famous for one of Japan's highest salt concentrations (sodium-calcium chloride spring). A day-use bath with lake views is the perfect pause.
Lake Hamana eel — The hot-spring town is dotted with renowned unagi restaurants, many with lake views.

Riding tips

Route 301 around Bentenjima can be busy, so keep an easy pace with the flow of traffic. Check day-use bathing hours in advance to match your arrival. The return leg is long, so refuel and rest often.

ROUTE MAP

Itinerary

1
START
Tashilog Garage
Start point (Hachioji)
TIPS
An early start is recommended for this long route. Fill up and check tire pressure before departing.
2
VIEW~30 min
Bentenjima Seaside Park
A lakeside park with the famous red tower-torii standing in Lake Hamana; the start of the loop.
HISTORY
Bentenjima is said to have formed from a sandbar created when the 1498 Meio earthquake and tsunami opened the Imagire channel linking Lake Hamana to the sea. The large red torii in the water is beloved as the area's symbolic tower.
TIPS
Motorcycle parking is free and you can enter beside the gate. Around the winter solstice the sunset sinking into the torii is famous. Route 301 is busy—take care when crossing.
Photo: V&7 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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3
SPOT~15 min
Benten Shrine
A shrine along Route 301 that gives Bentenjima its name.
HISTORY
Benten Shrine has been enshrined here since 1708, dedicated to Benzaiten, goddess of water, arts, and fortune. The island of Bentenjima takes its name from this shrine.
TIPS
Right by Bentenjima Seaside Park; a quick stop for a short visit and prayer.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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4
VIEW
Route 301 South Lake Hamana Winding Road
A lakeside stretch from Bentenjima toward Kosai and Arai, running along the south and west shores with views of Lake Hamana and Lake Inohana.
TIPS
Within Shizuoka, Route 301 loops around the south and west sides of Lake Hamana. Cruise gently and enjoy the open, water-level views.
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5
FOOD~70 min
Unagi Kohan Shokubo Kanzanjien
Founded in 1951, a renowned eel and Japanese-food restaurant with superb lake views. Lunch stop.
TIPS
The specialty is Lake Hamana eel grilled with a long-aged house sauce. Hours: weekdays 11:00–15:00, weekends/holidays 11:00–19:00; closed Thursdays (open if a holiday). Parking available; allow time as it can get busy.
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6
SPOT~40 min
Kanzanji Temple
A scenic old temple overlooking Lake Hamana, giving the hot-spring town its name and known for en-musubi (matchmaking).
HISTORY
Kanzanji Temple stands on the slope of Kanzan hill jutting into Lake Hamana and is cherished for matchmaking blessings. A leisurely loop of the grounds takes about 40 minutes, with sweeping views of the lake.
TIPS
Right by the hot-spring town; the viewpoints along the hillside path over the lake are the highlight.
Photo: Greenland4 / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
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7
ONSEN~80 min
Hamanako Kanzanji Onsen Hanasaki no Yu
The only day-use-only hot spring facility in Kanzanji Onsen, with a wide variety of baths.
HISTORY
Kanzanji Onsen, opened on the shore of Lake Hamana in 1958, is a sodium-calcium chloride spring with one of Japan's highest salt concentrations, prized for warmth-retaining and moisturizing effects and said to aid neuralgia and fatigue recovery.
TIPS
Hours 10:00–23:00 (last entry 22:00); irregular closing days. Tel 053-487-0001. The ride home is long, so hydrate well after bathing. Confirm current prices and hours on the official site.
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8
SPOT~20 min
Hamanako Service Area
A rest and refuel point on the way home with panoramic views of Lake Hamana.
TIPS
Accessible from general roads via the 'Plat Park' entrance. Refuel, rest, and grab a snack before the long ride home.
Photo: しんかわな / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
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9
GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return (Hachioji)