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5 Things to Do in Iwaki City This Winter

5 Things to Do in Iwaki City This Winter

While most of Fukushima is blanketed with snow during the coldest months of the year, Iwaki, a city located in the prefecture’s sunny coastline, escapes much of the harshest weather, making it a popular destination.

Here are some interesting events and ideas to make the most of Iwaki this winter! 

Scroll to the bottom to find out how to get to Iwaki City (options and prices)!

1. National Ukrainian Ballet production of “Don Quixote” at Alios Iwaki Performing Arts Center

 

Photo by Hidemi Seto

As part of the National Ukrainian Ballet’s Japan tour this winter, the prestigious ballet company will be performing in Iwaki City on Friday December 23!

This is a unique opportunity to support the National Ukrainian Ballet and watch their dazzling performance of Don Quixote on the day before Christmas Eve.

Event Details

  • Place: Alios Iwaki Performing Arts Center (いわき芸術文化交流館アリオス)
  • Time: 18:30 (doors open at 17:45)
  • Date: Friday December 23, 2022
  • Fee: Ticket prices vary depending on the seats (starting at ¥4000). See website for details (available only in Japanese).

2. Visit Iwaki Yumoto Onsen Town & Spa Resort Hawaiians

Iwaki Yumoto Onsen is a nostalgic onsen town packed with attractions.

Apart from relaxing in its hot springs—which are among the oldest in Japan and popular for their skin-beautifying properties—, you can appreciate the townscape views from the tranquil Onsen Shrine, try fresh seafood at the local restaurants or roam its traditional sweet shops. 

We recommend kicking off your visit by soaking your feet in the warm waters of the public foot bath in front of Yumoto Onsen station!

The public foot bath at Yumoto Onsen Station

Known as the place where Japanese tradition meets “hula”, Spa Resort Hawaiians is a resort, water park and spa complex located nearby, which uses 3.5 tons of fresh hot springs per minute from Yumoto Onsen.

Spa Resort Hawaiians has both regular onsen facilities and onsen in which you can enter wearing a swimsuit!

Read more about Iwaki Yumoto Onsen and Spa Resort Hawaiians.

3.       New Year’s at Aquamarine Fukushima

While most attractions in Japan close during New Year holidays, Aquamarine Fukushima, an environmental aquarium and research center, remains open throughout the holiday season and is hosting a fun New Year event!

Children love meeting their favorite sea animals at Aquamarine Fukushima all year round, and during this special event they can also fetch goods using fishing rods and watch drum performances (see official website for specific dates and times).

Event Details

Place: Aquamarine Fukushima (アクアマリンふくしま)

Time: 08:00-17:30 in the winter season (open until 18:00 during other seasons)

Date: This event goes from December 28, 2022 to January 9, 2023. However, anytime is a good time to visit Aquamarine Fukushima!

Fee: General admission ¥1850, children (high school to elementary school) ¥900. There is a limited-time promotion that runs from December 1 2022 to March 31, 2023 called "Love Couple Ticket”, which is  ¥3500 for two people (this includes access to the drink bar). 

This ticket is sold only at Seven Eleven convenience stores, and is not available for purchase at Aquamarine Fukushima. See more information here.

4.       Eat, shop and sightsee at Iwaki Lalamew

Iwaki isn’t only known for its spectacular coast but also for its gastronomy, and no visit to Iwaki is complete without tasting its specialties—in fact, visiting Iwaki with the sole purpose of trying out its fresh seafood dishes is entirely justified! 

Iwaki’s Tourism and Products Center, Iwaki Lalamew, is a hub of restaurants, souvenir stores, fish shops, and even a Kids Play zone! 

 

Here, you can enjoy shopping and dining with the entire family and even take a sightseeing cruise to enjoy the sights of Iwaki by sea.

Read more about Iwaki Lalamew here.

5. Enjoy the Forest of Light Illumination Event at Nijuisseiki-no-Mori Park

Image courtesy of Iwaki Illumination Project Team

Illumination events certainly brighten up harsh winter nights. During the Forest of Light Illumination Event at Nijuisseiki-no-Mori Park (２１世紀の森公園) in Iwaki City, over 150,000 light bulbs light up the flower beds of the park, a beautiful sight that awes children and adults alike!

We recommend visiting during the weekends, when there are also food trucks and special events (check official website for details). We also featured this event in our post titled 6 Fun Things to Do in Fukushima in December 2022.

How to get to Iwaki

 There are many ways to get to Iwaki from Tokyo and other cities in Japan!

By Train from Shinagawa, Tokyo or Ueno Stations to Iwaki Station:

  • JR Joban Line’s Hitachi trains (Tokiwa trains don’t go to Iwaki!).
  • Travel time: Less than 3 hours (the exact time depends on the point of departure and which train you take)
  •  Cost: ¥6290 one way (as of December 2022).

This trip is covered by the JR East Tohoku Pass.

By bus from Tokyo Station to Iwaki Station:

  •   JR Tokyo-Iwaki Highway Bus
  •   Travel time: Approximately 3 hours
  •   Cost: ¥3800 one way (as of December 2022).

By Train from Koriyama Station (Fukushima) to Iwaki Station:

  • JR Ban-etsu East Line
  • Travel time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Cost: ¥1690 one way (as of December 2022)

This trip is covered by the JR East Tohoku Pass.

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  1. Useful Information

    A Complete Guide to Visiting Fukushima During Winter

    The coldest months of the year bring beautiful scenery to Fukushima prefecture.  Kaneyama Fureai Hiroba Viewpoint From snow-capped mountains and thatched-roof houses in the Aizu area to the refreshing view of the sunrise over the iconic Bentenjima Shrine in the Hattachi coast, there is a wide variety of attractions and activities to enjoy during winter in Fukushima. We’ve compiled some useful information to make your winter getaway to Fukushima prefecture smoother and more enjoyable! Yanaizu Town Transportation Checking the Status of the Roads Before Departure Especially in the Aizu and Central areas of Fukushima, a snow storm could occasionally block some roads or affect visibility (a phenomenon known as a whiteout). Checking the status of the roads makes your trip safer and can help you foresee potential delays. This webpage shows camera footage of the status of the roads (available only in Japanese). Click or tap on the camera button in the area you’re planning on visiting. Select the road you’d like to see on the new pop-up window. In most rent-a-car facilities, you'll be asked where you’re going and be given a vehicle equipped with what you need (winter tires, chains, etc.). Preparing for Longer Travel Times Because road conditions change unexpectedly, it’s best to expect longer travel times, particularly if you’re traveling by bus or car. As an example, check the following estimates: Aizu-Wakamatsu City to Ouchi-juku: normally takes around 45 min. (90 min on snow-covered roads) Ouchi-juku to Tadami: normally takes around 90 min. (150 min. on snow-covered roads) Tadami to Kaneyama Town: normally takes around 40 min. (90 min. on snow-covered roads) Kaneyama Town to Mishima Town: normally takes around 30 min. (90 min. on snow-covered roads) Mishima Town to Aizu-Wakamatsu City: normally takes around 50 min. (120 min. on snow-covered roads). Finding the Public Transportation Winter Schedule Some buses or trains, like the Saruyuugou loop bus in Ouchi-juku, have different schedules in the winter. The service can either become reduced or extended for special events. If you’ll be relying on public transportation, take a close look at the time schedule for any notations of changes during the winter. If it’s only in Japanese and you can’t read it, inquire at the closest station or local tourist information office (or send us a message and we’ll do our best to assist you). Some hotels and ski resorts offer shuttle bus services to and from the closest station, such as the Minowa Ski Resort free shuttle bus service from Fukushima station. Be sure to make a reservation in advance. Activities Extreme Onsen Experience We’ve been getting many inquiries about the Extreme Onsen Experience recently. For safety reasons, it’s not possible to climb Mount Adatara when it’s covered by snow, so the tour becomes temporarily unavailable until the snow melts in the spring (write us a message if you’d like to be notified once the tour becomes available again!). Alternatively... Soaking in the hot springs while contemplating a snowy landscape is a truly magical experience that you can enjoy in many other onsen towns in Fukushima, like the nostalgic Tsuchiyu Onsen Town. Tsuchiyu Onsen Town Goshiki-numa Ponds If you’d like to visit the Goshiki-numa ponds during winter, we recommend booking a snowshoe tour and going with an experienced guide, as travelers are discouraged from visiting independently. Goshikinuma Ponds Snowshoe Experience If you’re interested in the experience, recommend contacting Aizu Dream Development, which organizes winter tours to Goshikinuma, and has English support. Other Places That Are or May Become Closed for the Winter Here are some sightseeing spots, experiences and tours that are only (or mostly) available from spring to fall (usually April to November) and could thus become unavailable during the winter: Unavailable In the Winter Still available, but... The Bandai-Azuma Skyline Ebisu Circuit could become closed in case of heavy snowfall (check the live camera and contact Ebisu Circuit directly for more information)   Crossing Mugenkyo Ravine by Ferry (Mugenkyo no Watashi)   Goshiki-numa and Oze National Park are closed to individual travelers and some of their facilities become unavailable. For safety reasons, it is advised for travelers to only visit as part of a guided tour organized by a reputable company or with an appropriate permit. Extreme Onsen Experience, Soma City Bamboo Fishing Tour, SUP Experience at Menuma Pond and the Ouchi-juku Time Slip & Soba Making Experience. Experiences that are still available during the winter months: The Ouchi-juku kimono experience,  Kitakata Ramen-Making Experience, Kitakata Organic Vegetable Harvesting Experience & Lodging, Minamiaizu Private Taxi Program and the Minamisoma Coast Trekking.     Finding Winter Destinations While some places and experiences enter an hibernation of sorts, others take center stage. Ski slopes, with powder snow and lots of activities for the entire family, become one of the main attractions in Fukushima (check out our 2-day skiing itinerary here). Winter festivals, illuminations and other events enliven several spots around Fukushima (check our calendar for winter events in Fukushima in 2023). If You’re Planning The Ultimate Winter Road Trip... Bring snacks and drinks with you! Japanese convenience stores and vending machines are spread out in remote rural areas. It’s always safer to bring snacks and drinks with you, particularly if you are traveling with children. If you would like to know where to go for pit stops, roadside stations, known in Japanese as “michi no eki” (道の駅) usually have local specialty foods and souvenirs. Prepare for the Unexpected—and the Beautiful We recently visited the famous No. 1 Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint with my coworker. In the morning, we were told that the JR Tadami Line, which famously runs over the scenic bridge, had canceled operations for the day due to heavy snowfall, but we decided to go anyway. When we arrived at the viewpoint, it was snowing heavily and there was zero visibility—the iconic view was nothing but an indistinguishable mass of white and gray. We decided to drive to another scenic point (Kaneyama Fureai Hiroba Viewpoint) hoping the sky would clear up. It finally did and we were lucky to get beautiful shots of both places. You never know when you can enjoy a snow-covered landscape with clear skies. Winter is a delightful season to travel around Fukushima and take in the views of its many scenic towns, winter festivals, and glistening lakes nested in the mountains. Miyakoji Area in Tamura City The coastal area is also worth a visit during this time; its famous sunshine and tropical feel make it a perfect getaway from the harsher cold inland. If you’re thinking of visiting the sunny city of Iwaki, check out our recent post, 5 Things to Do in Iwaki City This Winter. If you have any questions about traveling in Fukushima, please send it to us using the contact form you can find on our website. We hope you enjoy your stay in Fukushima!

    A Complete Guide to Visiting Fukushima During Winter
  2. Useful Information

    2023 Winter Festivals in Fukushima: Dates and Times

    During the first months of the year, Fukushima prefecture becomes enlivened with colorful festivals and traditional events. Craft displays in Iwaki, snow festivals in Tadami and Ouchi-juku, and one of Japan’s most famous daruma markets in Shirakawa, to name a few, are excellent ways to experience the true folk of Fukushima! Here are the dates and times for some of the winter festivals taking place in Fukushima prefecture in 2023: Tadami Snow Festival (只見雪まつり) The Tadami Snow Festival is scheduled this year after a three-year hiatus. Place: In front of Tadami Station, Tadami Town, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Pref. 968-0421 Date: Festival eve celebration: February 10 (Friday) February 11 (Saturday) and 12 (Sunday), 2023 Time: All day during the weekend, evening on Friday More information here. Ouchi-juku Snow Festival (大内宿雪まつり) Ouchi-juku’s Snow Festival features traditional Japanese performances, an incredible firework show, and a town that feels like it still exists in the Edo Period, illuminated solely by the light of lanterns made of snow. Place: Ouchi-juku (Yamamoto, Ouchi, Shimogo Town, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Pref. 969-5207) Time: Varies depending on the event (see event website for details) Date: February 5 (Sunday) to February 11 (Saturday) More information here. Higashiyama Onsen Candle Festival (雪見ろうそく) Every evening from Christmas until around the end of February (depending on the amount of snow), Higashiyama Onsen town is filled with the lights of candles. Place: Higashiyama Onsen, Aizu-Wakamatsu City (map) Date: From December 17, 2022 (Saturday) until February 28, 2023 (Tuesday) Time: In December and January: from 16:30 to 18:00. In February: From 17:00 to 18:30. Aizu Painted Candle Festival (会津絵ろうそくまつり) Aizu Painted Candle Festival is when Oyakuen Garden really comes into its element, as the garden becomes 1 of 2 main stages during the 2 day festival period. The other stage is at Tsuruagajo Castle. Oyakuen Garden often hosts live performances of traditional Japanese music during the evening during the festival. Tens of thousands of candles illuminate the castle and the garden over the 2 day festival period, creating absolutely stunning scenes as the sun sets. Place: Tsurugajo Castle and Oyakuen Garden Date: February 10 (Friday) and 11 (Saturday), 2023. Time: From 17:30 until 20:30 More information here.   Shirakawa Daruma Market (白河だるま市) 700 stalls selling daruma standing along a 1.5km long street in central Shirakawa City during the Shirakawa Daruma Market. There are 18 different varieties of daruma to choose from, all looking for a loving home and an owner to give them a goal or wish to look after!   Place: The main street in front of Shirakawa Station that runs parallel to the train line. Date: February 11 (Saturday), 2023. Time: Not specified. More information here. Iwaki Tsurushi-bina Matsuri (いわきつるしびな祭り) This festival was started in recent years as a way of celebrating the Nakanosaku district of Iwaki City, and rejuvenating the area. During the festival, hundreds of decorative items hand-made by local people from chirimen fabric – the fabric used to create kimonos – are displayed and sold over a period of two days. Place: Nakanosaku, Iwaki City (Map) Date: From January 28 (Saturday) to February 5 (Sunday), 2023. Time: From 10:00 to 16:00. More information here. Nanokado Hadaka Mairi Festival (七日堂裸詣り) During this traditional event - which draws many tourists every year - local men clad in loincloths make the challenging climb to the top of Enzoji Temple, in the hopes of ensuring happiness and protection from disease in the year to come. This event is celebrated every year on January 7th. It was already held in 2023. Place: Enzoji Temple, Jikemachi-ko 176, Yanaizu Town, Kawanuma District, Fukushima Pref. 969-7201 Date: January 7 (Saturday), 2023. Time: From 20:00. More information here.

    2023 Winter Festivals in Fukushima: Dates and Times
  3. Useful Information

    Ideas for Winter Trips in Fukushima

    I decided to write a bucket list of things to try out in Fukushima during the winter months!   1) TAKE IN THE VIEWS OF BEAUTIFUL OKU-AIZU   The Tadami Line train connects Aizu-Wakamatsu City with Niigata Prefecture via some of Fukushima’s most beautiful rural towns and villages. The route of this train ride is breath-taking throughout the year, and winter is no exception. I especially want to check out the view of Oshi Shuraku Hamlet (大志集落) in Kaneyama Town, which you can see in the photo below. This view spot is located at Kaneyama Fureai Hiroba (かねやまふれあい広場 – Map), which is a 10-minute walk from Kaneyama Station on the Tadami Line.       2) ATTEND SNOW FESTIVALS (AIZU, MINAMIAIZU)   Most of the snow festivals held in Fukushima take place on the same weekend of the year, meaning that it’s pretty difficult to visit more than one per year! I have attended both Ouchi-juku and Tadami Snow Festivals (mentioned below) in the same day, but I would recommend taking your time at each festival instead of rushing between them.       AIZU PAINTED CANDLE FESTIVAL   Aizu Painted Candle Festival is when Oyakuen Garden really comes into its element, as the garden becomes 1 of 2 main stages during the 2 day festival period. The other stage is at Tsuruagajo Castle. Oyakuen Garden often hosts live performances of traditional Japanese music during the evening during the festival. Tens of thousands of candles illuminate the castle and the garden over the 2 day festival period, creating absolutely stunning scenes as the sun sets. This festival is held to celebrate the traditional craft of Aizu’s painted candles, which have been produced in the region for 500 years. DATE: Second Friday and Saturday of February LOCATION: Tsuruga-jo Castle Venue (Map) & Oyakuen Venue (Map)     HIGASHIYAMA ONSEN CANDLE FESTIVAL   Every evening from Christmas until around the end of February (depending on the amount of snow), Higashiyama Onsen town is filled with the lights of candles. The lighting of these candles usually occurs between 16:00 to 18:00, so if you are staying in this onsen town during the winter, be sure to check it out. DATE: Late December – Late February LOCATION: Higashiyama Onsen, Aizu-Wakamatsu City (Map)     OUCHI-JUKU SNOW FESTIVAL   Ouchi-juku’s Snow Festival features traditional Japanese performances, an incredible firework show, and a town that feels like it still exists in the Edo Period, illuminated solely by the light of lanterns made of snow. There are plenty of nearby onsen ryokan where you can warm up & stay overnight at the end of the evening. Not much beats that for a snow festival, does it? DATE: Second weekend of February LOCATION: Ouchi-juku, Shimogo Town   TADAMI SNOW FESTIVAL   This snow festival is the largest in Fukushima Prefecture. Often welcoming special guests (such as Kumamon) this snow festival features snow sculptures, igloos, places for kids to play, and lots of traditional crafts and tasty food to check out. Oh, and also a fantastic fireworks show. DATE: Second Saturday and Sunday of February LOCATION:Tadami Eki Mae Hiroba (JR只見駅前広場) (Map)   3) PICK-YOUR-OWN STRAWBERRIES IN SOMA (SOMA CITY)   Soma area is well known for its bright-coloured, juicy strawberries. I’ve been lucky enough to try some in my office when visitors have brought them as gifts for my colleagues, but I really want to go to Soma and pick some strawberries of my own!   4) ATTEND CRAFT FESTIVALS (SHIRAKAWA CITY, IWAKI CITY)     SHIRAKAWA DARUMA MARKET   Daruma are good luck charms originating from Buddhism. It is a common new year’s traditional in Japan to buy a daruma soon after the start of the new year. After purchasing a daruma, you should think carefully and decide on 1 wish or goal that you want to achieve during the year. Then, draw in the daruma’s left eye (or right eye if you are facing it), and then draw in the other eye when your wish or goal is completed. 700 stalls selling daruma standing along a 1.5km long street in central Shirakawa City during the Shirakawa Daruma Market. There are 18 different varieties of daruma to choose from, all looking for a loving home and an owner to give them a goal or wish to look after! DATE: Held annually on February 11 LOCATION: The main street in front of Shirakawa Station that runs parallel to the train line.     IWAKI TSURUSHI BINA FESTIVAL   This festival was started in recent years as a way of celebrating the Nakanosaku district of Iwaki City, and rejuvenating the area. During the festival, hundreds of decorative items hand-made by local people from chirimen fabric – the fabric used to create kimonos – are displayed and sold over a period of 2days. These Tsurushi Bina decorations are traditionally given to young girls on Girls’ Day, in March. They come in all shapes and sizes, but in Fukushima I have seen lots of decorations shaped like animals and vegetables. This festival represents a rare opportunity to see so many of these beautiful, painstakingly handmade decorations in one place, so I really want to go check it out next year. DATE: Early February LOCATION:清航館, Nakanosaku, Iwaki City (Map) ENTRANCE FEE:100 yen     5) HIT THE SKI SLOPES   This year I really hope I get to try out skiing in Fukushima Prefecture. There are so many different ski areas spread all over the huge prefecture, from the relatively temperate slopes in Inawashiro, where skiiers are blessed with a view of Lake Inawashiro as they descend down the slopes, to the deep snow country of Hinoemata. Aizu Ski Japan is a really good English-language website to use as a resource for getting to grips with the type of ski areas available in the prefecture.       6) GO WAKASAGI (SMELT) FISHING Rent out a tent at the centre of Lake Hibara in Urabandai, make a hole in the ice in front of you, and try out smelt fishing this winter! There are a number of different companies that take visitors out onto the lake during the winter months, when smelt fishing is allowed to take place, but it may be a little difficult to try this out if you don’t speak Japanese. Rental costs all depend on the individual company or organisation. LOCATION: Lake Hibara (Map)       7) WATCH THE SUN RISE ON NEW YEAR’S DAY This beautiful spot on the coast of Iwaki City is a very special place for local people, especially fisherman, who visit Hattachi Coast on New Year’s Day to show their faith to the Buddha of Hattachi Yakushi. The Hattachi Coast is one of many places on the coast of Fukushima that was devastated by the 2011 tsunami, and is therefore a very bittersweet place for many locals. It has not lost its spiritual hold over visitors though, or its breathtaking scenery. A seriously beautiful spot for those who like photography, and those who would like to make connections with local folk from Iwaki during the early hours of the new year. LOCATION: Hattachi Coast, Iwaki City (Map)

    Ideas for Winter Trips in Fukushima
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