One wrong move and you’ll plunge into the lake—Hamana Lake speedboat “extreme challenge”

▲ A must-try speedboat experience on Hamana Lake—this stylish boat is one of only five in the world.

Reported and photographed by Chen Ziying / Japan

Among the most thrilling experiences in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is riding one of only five speedboats in the world that race across Hamana Lake at speeds of 70 km/h. For an entire hour on the speedboat, there’s never a dull moment—it’s non-stop thrills.

With its picturesque surroundings and calm waters, Hamana Lake is perfect for a variety of water sports. Many Japanese water activities originated here, including the speedboat experience introduced here, which is one of the most sought-after water activities for visitors to Hamana Lake. A unique feature of Hamana Lake is that its southern part is connected to the seawater of the Pacific Ocean, giving the lake its saline quality. The lake stretches 114 km in length and covers an area of 65 square kilometers, making it the tenth largest lake in Japan.

▲ The ruby-red speedboat is made in Japan, with a sleek design and foldable wings like those of a convertible.
As soon as you board the speedboat, the driver asks, “Anyone want to sit at the front to feel the speed?” But what you don’t expect is just how intense it is—you won’t dare let go of the railing for even a second, as it feels like you could be thrown off the boat and into the lake at any moment.

The speedboat takes off accompanied by upbeat music, and the lush green hills along the shore, as well as the giant Ferris wheel at the amusement park, all blur past in a flash. The exhilaration of 70 km/h is completely different from a sightseeing cruise—your eyes can barely take in the scenery, but the feeling can only be described as “absolutely thrilling,” with no better word to capture it.

▲ Small but mighty—the driver’s seat looks commanding and impressive.

The “high-speed speedboat” zooms under the Shinkansen railway bridge, also known as the Kinsetsu section, where land collapsed due to an earthquake during the Muromachi period, connecting Hamana Lake to the open sea. This spot is now also a great place for fishing. After passing under the Shinkansen bridge, the driver tells everyone that not far ahead lies the Pacific Ocean, and if the waves aren’t too rough, you can “ride the waves out to sea.” Unfortunately, just as we reach the boundary between the Pacific and Hamana Lake, the boat starts to rock with the swells, forcing us to turn back—another high-speed ride at 70 km/h.

A Hamana Lake water activity is a must-do on your itinerary. You can choose a relaxing sightseeing cruise to enjoy the lake view at a leisurely pace, or opt for the heart-pounding thrill of a speedboat ride. The minimum price for a speedboat ride is 1,100 yen (about NT$352), with additional charges based on the duration of the ride.


▲ The reporter captures the moment while experiencing the thrill of the speedboat firsthand.


▲ Fun fact: These two boats made in Taiwan also appear on Hamana Lake—the boat captain speaks highly of the Taiwanese vessels.