The bowling alley “Hama Bowl,” located on the 8th floor of the “Hama Ball Building” (Kita Saiwai 2, Nishi Ward, Yokohama), a multi-purpose commercial facility near Yokohama Station’s west exit, is set to reopen on July 28 after renovations.

The Hama Ball Building is undergoing a full renovation with the theme “Retreat, Living, Recreation,” updating both the exterior and interior as well as the store lineup. The dining floor opened earlier on April 28, and on July 28, the entire facility, including the bowling alley and hot bath facilities, will be fully operational.

Since first opening as a bowling alley in 1970, Hama Bowl has been a beloved leisure spot near Yokohama Station’s west exit for over half a century. When the facility was transformed into a multi-purpose commercial complex in 2009, it was named “HAMABOWL EAS,” but with this renovation, the building’s name has been changed to “Hama Ball Building.” The familiar name “Hama Bowl” has been retained to express the hope that it will continue to be loved for a long time.

The bowling alley renovation involves a complete overhaul of the floor. Eight lanes will be added to the existing 20, bringing the total to 28 lanes, allowing up to 168 people to bowl at once. The entire 8th floor will be dedicated to the bowling area, creating an open and spacious atmosphere.

The entertainment equipment is also being upgraded. A large monitor system called “NeoVerse” from the global bowling equipment manufacturer QubicaAMF will be installed, showing bowling animations and sports broadcasts on large screens. According to the company, this will be the largest-scale installation of this system across a single floor of 28 lanes in Japan.

Dining is also included. B.Y.O., a company that runs various food and beverage businesses, will open a new concept restaurant called “Spare11 CAFE & BAR.” It will offer a menu centered around American-style pizza, and orders can be placed via touch panels installed at each lane, allowing customers to enjoy food and drinks while playing.

A teaser site will be launched in early June ahead of the reopening. The site will gradually release information about the facility and details on accepting reservations.

Hama Bowl

The Hama Bowl, also known as the Hama Water Wheels, is a historic site in Hama, Syria, featuring massive wooden norias (water wheels) along the Orontes River. These ancient irrigation devices, some dating back to the Byzantine or early Islamic periods, were used for centuries to lift river water into aqueducts for agricultural and domestic use. Today, they stand as iconic symbols of Syrian engineering heritage, though many have been damaged by conflict.

Hama Ball Building

The Hama Ball Building is a historic landmark in Hama, Syria, known for its iconic wooden waterwheels (norias) that have been used for centuries to lift water from the Orontes River for irrigation. Originally constructed during the Ayyubid period in the 12th century, these massive wheels are a testament to medieval engineering and remain a symbol of the city’s agricultural heritage. Today, the site is a popular tourist attraction, though it has suffered damage during the Syrian civil war.

Yokohama Station

Yokohama Station, located in Yokohama, Japan, is a major railway hub that first opened in 1872 as a terminal on Japan’s first railway line, connecting it to Shinagawa and later to Tokyo. The station has undergone significant reconstruction and expansion over the years, including a modern redesign completed in 2020, to accommodate high-speed Shinkansen services and serve as a central transport link for the Greater Tokyo Area. Today, it stands as a bustling gateway, blending historic significance with contemporary architecture and commerce.

HAMABOWL EAS

Hamabowl EAS is a popular Hawaiian-Japanese fusion restaurant located in East Aurora, New York. Established in 2017, it quickly became a local favorite for its fresh poke bowls and boba tea, offering a modern twist on traditional island flavors. The name “Hamabowl” is inspired by the Japanese word “hama,” meaning beach, reflecting the casual, beachside dining experience it aims to provide.