Written by Hamamatsu City
Hamamatsu is a city located near the center of Japan and borders the Pacific Ocean. In the western area of Hamamatsu is Lake Hamana, a lake that connects to the Pacific Ocean. The lake was a freshwater lake until approximately 500 years ago, when an earthquake occurred and formed an opening. Salt water from the Pacific Ocean started flowing into the freshwater lake and created the brackish body of water in Lake Hamana we know today.
Lake Hamana has been a prime location for cultivating eels, soft-shell turtles, seaweed and oysters since ancient times. As a result, the Hamamatsu and Hamanako area is a known place of specialty food, where you can experience the unique fishing style of the local fish farmers and enjoy the fresh seafood.
You can learn about the food culture of both East and West Japan, while enjoying th
e delicious broiled eel of Hamamatsu.With a history of more than 100 years as the birthplace of eel and soft-shell turtle cultivation, there are more than 100 eel specialty restaurants in the Hamamatsu and Hamanako area. Since Hamamatsu is situated halfway between Eastern and Western Japan, eels prepared in both East Japan style and West Japan style can be enjoyed in the city. In the East Japan style, the eels are slit open along the backs before broiling; in the West Japan style, the eels are slit open along the belly and then broiled.
