About Iwaki
Fukushima Prefecture is divided into 3 regions, from east to west: Hamadori, Nakadori and Aizu. Iwaki is the main city of Hamadori.
In 1966, Iwaki City was created through the merger of 14 municipalities: the cities of Iwaki, Uchigo, Joban, Taira, and Nakoso; the towns of Ogawa, Tono, and Yotsukura and the villages of Kawamae, Tabito, Miwa, and Yoshima in Iwaki District; and the towns of Hisanohama and Ohisa in Futaba District. At the time of the merger, it was Japan’s largest city by area.
Iwaki has a population of about 340,000, making it the largest city in Fukushima Prefecture and the second largest in the Tohoku region after Sendai. However, Koriyama, the main city of Nakadori, has a higher population density and a larger metropolitan population.
Major attractions such as Spa Resort Hawaiians and Aquamarine Fukushima are scattered across the city’s extensive area.
Things to See in Iwaki
Here are the recommended attractions in Iwaki, presented as a ranking.
October 3, 2026 We checked each attraction’s official information.
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1stAquamarine Fukushima
Aquamarine Fukushima is an aquarium themed around the “Shiome,” where ocean currents meet off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture. Its official name is the Fukushima Marine Science Museum.
Inside the glass-filled building, you can see a large tank representing the Kuroshio and Oyashio currents, as well as “living fossils” such as coelacanths.For more information about Aquamarine Fukushima, see the article below.
Aquamarine Fukushima: highlights, opening hours, admission fees and accessThis guide covers the highlights of Aquamarine Fukushima, including the Sea of Tidal Currents and coelacanth exhibits, along with opening hours, admission fees, and access, based on official information and local research as of 2026 9.michikusatravel.com -
2ndSpa Resort Hawaiians
Image: Sakaori / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0, cropped, resized, and sharpened)This iconic Iwaki resort offers insight into how a former coal-mining town reinvented itself by harnessing its hot springs.With pools, hot springs, and even Hula Girl shows all in one place, it is easy to include in either a family trip or a longer stay.
For more information about Spa Resort Hawaiians, see the article below.
Spa Resort Hawaiians: Attractions, opening hours, tickets, and accessThis guide covers the attractions at Spa Resort Hawaiians, including the Hula Girl Show, water park, and hot springs, as well as opening hours, tickets, and how to get there, based on official information as of September 2026.michikusatravel.com -
3rdShiramizu Amida Hall
This National Treasure building preserves the Heian-period culture that survives in Iwaki. It is a tranquil temple where visitors can explore both the Pure Land garden and the Amida Hall.
Visitors can experience a historic landscape unlike Iwaki's coastal attractions and enjoy views of the pond garden as they change with the seasons.For more information about Shiramizu Amida Hall, see the article below.
Shiramizu Amidadō: Highlights, visiting hours, admission fees and accessThis guide covers the architecture of the National Treasure Shirazu Amidado, its Pure Land garden and other highlights, along with visiting hours, admission fees and access, based on official information and local reporting as of 2026 9.michikusatravel.com -
4thShioyasaki Lighthouse
Image: hiroaki / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0, cropped, resized, and sharpened)Shioyasaki Lighthouse is a white lighthouse that stands out against the blue sea. Selected as one of Japan's 50 best lighthouses, it is one of the few in the country open to visitors, with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from the top floor.At the foot of the lighthouse is Hibari no Sono, a garden associated with Misora Hibari's song “Midaregami.”
For more information about Shioyasaki Lighthouse, see the article below.
Shioyasaki Lighthouse: Highlights, opening hours, admission fees, and accessWe explain the white tower of Shioyazaki Lighthouse, its views of the Pacific Ocean, its connections with the film “Years of Joy and Sorrow” and Misora Hibari’s song “Midare-gami,” as well as its opening hours, fees, and access, based on official information as of September 2026.michikusatravel.com -
5thHibari Misora Song Monument
Hibari no Sono, at the foot of the lighthouse, features a monument inspired by Hibari Misora’s song “Midaregami,” a memorial bearing her portrait, and a bronze statue. Visitors can trace the singer’s legacy while looking out over the sea, and a sensor plays “Midaregami” in front of the portrait memorial.
The location of the Hibari Misora Song Monument and information about the grounds are available on the “Hibari no Sono” page of the Iwaki City tourism website.
雲雀乃苑故美空ひばりさんの「みだれ髪」舞台にちなみ建つ歌碑、遺影碑、永遠のひばり像、ブロンズ像｜故美空ひばりさんが大病後の復帰第一弾として発表した名曲「みだれ髪」がこの塩屋岬が舞台であるため、灯台のふもとに歌碑、遺影碑、ブロンズ像が建つ、...kankou-iwaki.or.jp -
6thIwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum Horuru
The Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum Horuru displays materials from the heyday of the Joban coalfield, along with fossils such as Futabasaurus suzukii, which was discovered in the city. Another highlight is a reconstructed mine tunnel that recreates the life and history of coal mining.
Opening hours and exhibition information are available on the official website of the Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum Horuru.
いわき市石炭・化石館 ほるるいわき市石炭・化石館 ほるるは、常磐炭田の採掘の歴史と、市内で発掘された化石や、 地球の歴史を物語る諸外国の化石資料を展示する施設です。www.sekitankasekikan.or.jp -
7thNatsui River Gorge
At Natsui River Gorge, you can enjoy views of cliffs, unusual rock formations, and waterfalls along the clear-flowing river. This natural attraction changes with the seasons, with Akayashio azaleas in spring, fresh greenery in summer, and colorful foliage in autumn.
Information about highlights and visiting the area is available on the Natsui River Gorge page of the Iwaki City tourism website.
夏井川渓谷迫力満点の滝や断崖・奇岩を楽しめる美しい渓谷｜清流のせせらぎ、木の葉が風に揺れる音が聞こえる夏井川渓谷は自然の中でリフレッシュできる人気スポット。長い年月をかけて削り取られた断崖や、奇妙な形をした岩、轟々と響く滝など見どころは盛り...kankou-iwaki.or.jp -
8thIwaki City Ammonite Center
The Iwaki City Ammonite Center is a museum built on a fossil site. Visitors can see ammonites in the state in which they were discovered and, on scheduled days, try excavating fossils at the outdoor dig site.
Opening hours and information about the fossil excavation experience are available on the official Iwaki City Ammonite Center website.
いわき市アンモナイトセンターammonite-center.jp -
9thNakoso Barrier Ruins
Image: Ibaraki101c / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped, resized, and sharpened)The Nakoso Barrier Ruins are counted among the three historic barriers of Oshu, together with the Shirakawa and Nezugaseki barriers. This literary landmark is known for the poetic epithet meaning “do not come.” The surrounding area is designated as Nakoso Prefectural Natural Park.Suifuden Hall in the park is a hands-on learning facility modeled on the shinden-zukuri architectural style of the Heian period. It can be visited together with the Nakoso Barrier Ruins.
Information about the location and historic site is available on the Nakoso Barrier Ruins page of the Iwaki City tourism website.
勿来関跡「来る勿れ」(くることなかれ)の勿来関｜白河の関(福島県白河市)・念珠ヶ関(山形県鶴岡市)と共に奥州三関のひとつに数えられている、勿来関の跡地です。「来る勿れ」(くることなかれ)という枕歌で知られる文学上の関として知られています。...kankou-iwaki.or.jp -
10thMisaki Park
Misaki Park is a seaside park extending east of Onahama Port. The Iwaki Marine Tower in the park offers 360-degree views, while the Shiomidai observation deck, which projects over the sea, looks out over the Pacific Ocean below.
Information about the park’s facilities and visitor guidelines is available on the official Misaki Park website.
三崎公園（マリンタワー）太平洋といわきの街を一望できるシーサイドパーク。マリンタワーからは360度の大パノラマが広がります。 「東北の…iwakicity-park.or.jp -
11thShiomidai Observation Deck
This observation deck in Misaki Park extends out over the sea. It offers a close view down onto the Pacific waves and cliffs, creating the sensation of being surrounded by the ocean.
The location of the Shiomidai Observation Deck and visitor information are available on the Misaki Park page of the official Iwaki City website.
三崎公園（施設の概要）｜いわき市役所いわき市役所のホームページにジャンプします。www.city.iwaki.lg.jp -
12thIwaki Marine Tower
This observation facility stands on elevated ground in Misaki Park. From the observation deck, you can enjoy sweeping views of Onahama Port and the Pacific Ocean, as well as a 360-degree panorama of the coastal scenery.
For opening hours and facility information, see the Iwaki Marine Tower page on the Iwaki City tourism website.
いわきマリンタワー太平洋そしていわきを一望できるスカイデッキは360度の大パノラマ｜三崎公園内に立つ高さ59.99mの展望台。いわき市市制施行20周年を記念し、昭和60年8月1日オープン。ガラス張りの展望室の青と白のコントラストが遠目にも映えます。...kankou-iwaki.or.jp -
13thRoadside Station Iwaki La La Mew
Roadside Station Iwaki La La Mew is a tourism and shopping complex in Aquamarine Park. Visitors can shop for seafood and souvenirs, enjoy meals such as seafood dishes, and visit an exhibition facility documenting the earthquake disaster in Iwaki.
Opening hours and information about the complex are available on the official Iwaki La La Mew website.
道の駅いわき・ら・ら・ミュウ道の駅いわき・ら・ら・ミュウは新鮮な魚介類市場や、レストラン、お土産コーナーなどがいっぱいのいわきを代表する総合施設です。観光遊覧船やいわきの歴史紹介コーナー「いわきライブミュウじあむ」も。いわき観光の際にはぜひお立ち寄りください...www.lalamew.jp -
14thWonder Farm
Wonder Farm is an agricultural theme park where visitors can pick tomatoes throughout the year. It also has a restaurant serving local ingredients and a farm shop selling processed tomato products, vegetables, souvenirs, and more.
Opening hours and activity information are available on the official Wonder Farm website.
ワンダーファーム - 福島県いわき市｜公式サイトトマトのテーマパークで、ワンダーな体験を。福島県いわき市四倉町にあるワンダーファームです。www.wonder-farm.co.jp -
15thYotsukura Port Roadside Station
Yotsukura Port Roadside Station sells local vegetables, prepared foods, souvenirs, and more. It also has a food court specializing in seafood and terrace seating overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Opening hours and facility information are available on the official Yotsukura Port Roadside Station website.
道の駅よつくら港いわき観光の際のお食事・お土産なら「道の駅よつくら港」へ。1階直売所では、新鮮野菜や大人気のお弁当・お惣菜、こだわりの水産加工品、手作りの工芸品など地元の名品を多数販売しております。2階フードコートでは、美しい太平洋を眺めながら、...www.michinoeki-yotsukurakou.jp
Iwaki Cuisine
The information below was checked against official sources on September 16, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
Iwaki Specialties
- Sea Urchin Steamed in a Clam Shell: A local dish made by placing raw sea urchin in a surf clam shell and steaming it.
- Pōpō-yaki Grilled Pacific Saury: A fisherman's dish made by mixing minced Pacific saury with miso, green onions, ginger, and other ingredients, then grilling it.
- Deep-Fried Mehikari: A fragrant deep-fried dish featuring mehikari, which has also been designated the city's official fish.
Information about Iwaki's seafood and local cuisine is available on the Iwaki City tourism website.
Renowned Establishments in Iwaki
Before visiting, check the official information for opening hours and booking details.
Mehico Seafood Restaurant, Iwaki Marine Tower Branch
This restaurant offers ocean views. Its traditional crab pilaf is made with snow crab and a blend of rice specially selected for pilaf, with a choice of crab in the shell or shelled crabmeat.
For more information about the restaurant and its dishes, see the official page below.
Maruichiya Izumi Branch
This shop sells seafood from Iwaki, including sea urchin grilled in its shell.
For more information about the store, visit the official Maruichiya website.
Getting Around Iwaki
The information below was checked against official sources on September 16, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
Iwaki covers a large area, and attractions such as hot springs, coastal sites, museums, and the aquarium are spread far apart. Planning the order of your visits, including onward travel by bus or car after arriving by train, will make it easier to get around.
Rail and Intercity Travel
From the Tokyo area, you can reach Iwaki Station on the Hitachi limited express via the JR Jōban Line. According to official information from Iwaki City, the journey from Ueno Station on the Hitachi takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Check the JR East route planner for timetables and current service information.
JR East route searches, timetables, and service updates are available here.
Local Buses
Local buses run from Iwaki, Yumoto and Izumi stations to destinations including Onahama, Aquamarine Fukushima and Spa Resort Hawaiians. If you are heading to Onahama, compare routes from Iwaki and Izumi stations to find the one that best suits your schedule. Check the official Shin Joban Kotsu information for bus times and stops.
Click here for Shin Joban Kotsu bus routes, timetables, and fares.
Driving Between Attractions
If you plan to visit several coastal and inland attractions in one day, traveling by car or taxi can be more efficient. The Onahama and Aquamarine Park area is accessible by local bus from Izumi Station, or by car via the Iwaki-Nakoso and Iwaki-Yumoto interchanges on the Jōban Expressway.
Click here for information on reaching Onahama and the Aquamarine Park area by public transportation or car.
Suggested Itinerary for Iwaki
Spend day 1 at Spa Resort Hawaiians, then explore Uchigo, Onahama and Shioyasaki Lighthouse by car on day 2.
Iwaki Day 1: Spa Resort Hawaiians
Open the same route in Google Maps
Spend Day 1 enjoying Spa Resort Hawaiians. The main driving route from the Iwaki-Yumoto IC to Spa Resort Hawaiians is approximately 2 km and takes about 3 minutes.
Loading the map.
- ①Iwaki-Yumoto IC → ②Spa Resort HawaiiansCalculating the route in Google Maps
Exit at the Iwaki-Yumoto IC and head east along the toll section of the Iwaki-Ishikawa Bypass/Prefectural Route 14. Its convenient location is about a 3-minute drive from the interchange.
Iwaki Day 2: From Shiramizu Amida Hall to Onahama and Shioyasaki
Open the same route in Google Maps
Starting at Spa Resort Hawaiians, this route passes Shiramizu Amidado, Aquamarine Fukushima, and Misaki Park before continuing to Shioyasaki Lighthouse and the Hibari Misora Song Monument. The main driving route is approximately 36 km and takes about 1 hour and 9 minutes.
Loading the map.
- ①Spa Resort Hawaiians → ②Shiramizu AmidadoCalculating the route in Google Maps
Head north from Spa Resort Hawaiians and take the Iwaki-Ishikawa Bypass/Prefectural Route 14, followed by Prefectural Route 371, to Shiramizu Amidado. In a single leap, you will travel from Hawaii to Japan’s Heian period.
- ②Shiramizu Amidado → ③Aquamarine FukushimaCalculating the route in Google Maps
Head northeast via Prefectural Routes 20 and 66, Kashima Kaidō/Prefectural Route 26, and Prefectural Route 156 to reach Aquamarine Fukushima.
- ③Aquamarine Fukushima → ④Misaki ParkCalculating the route in Google Maps
Continue north and follow the signs to Misaki Park.
- ④Misaki Park → ⑤Shioyasaki Lighthouse and Hibari Misora Song MonumentCalculating the route in Google Maps
From Misaki Park, head northeast via Prefectural Routes 15 and 382 to reach Shioyasaki Lighthouse. This beautiful lighthouse is one of the “50 Best Lighthouses in Japan.” You can also visit the Hibari Misora Song Monument at the foot of the lighthouse. However, there may not be enough time to enter the lighthouse. If entering the lighthouse is a priority, you will need to visit it before Aquamarine Fukushima.
Detours in Iwaki
Here we share scenes we happened upon in Iwaki and views that caught our attention.
This is the Iwaki Performing Arts Center Alios.
This public artwork by Satoshi Yabuuchi is titled “Inu mo arukeba.” If a dog goes for a walk, does it pass right through the wall?
A rare circular traffic light. There is a similar one at the west exit of Shinjuku Station.