Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum (Horuru)

Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum (Horuru)

Lovingly referred to as 'Horuru' by locals, Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum is home to exhibitions on the city's history of coal mining. Horuru also exhibits a range of fossils, including the locally-excavated Plesiosaur Futabasaurus, which was discovered by a high school student. There are also some hands-on experiences to try out, such as making your own amber accessories. Horuru is accessible on foot from Iwaki Yumoto Onsen town, and is a great addition to any trip to the Iwaki area.

Venue Details

Venue Details
Websitehttps://kankou-iwaki.or.jp/spot/10038
Contact

Iwaki Tourism and City Planning Bureau

Best SeasonAll Year
Estimated Visit Time1h
Opening Hours

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)

Closed the 3rd Tuesday of the month (or the following day if the 3rd Tuesday falls on a national holiday). Closed on January 1.

ParkingAvailable
Entrance FeeAdults 660 yen; Junior High, High School, University Students 440 yen; Elementary School Students 330 yen
Access Details
Access3-1 Mukaida, Joban-Yumoto-machi, Iwaki City, Fukushima Pref. 972-8321
View directions
Getting there

By Car: 10 min drive from the Iwaki Yumoto I.C. exit off the Joban Expressway.

By Train: 10 min walk from JR Yumoto Sta. (JR Joban Line).

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