Iwaki Area One Day Trip

  • 3 destinations
  • One Day

Iwaki has plenty to offer families traveling in Japan! This area is well-known for its delicious seafood & its amazing interactive environmental aquarium Aquamarine Fukushima. Here’s a suggested day-trip for traveling by public transportation in Iwaki.

Start

Iwaki Station

It takes 25 min by bus (or 20 min by taxi) from Iwaki Sta. to Shiramizu Amidado Temple.

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Shiramizu Amidado Temple

  • Coastal Area
  • 90

Constructed in 1160, Shiramizu Amidado Temple has been designated as a National Treasure. Marvel at its tranquil atmosphere and garden; it's especially beautiful in autumn.

Take a bus back to Iwaki Sta. (about 25 min). Next, take the Joban Line train to Izumi Sta. From Izumi Sta., take a bus headed to Onahama, and get off at Aeon Mall Iwaki Onahama (15 min). You will reach Aquamarine Fukushima on foot in 5 min. (Alternatively, take a taxi straight from the temple to Aquamarine Fukushima, which takes 30 min)

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Aquamarine Fukushima

  • Coastal Area
  • 120

Explore Aquamarine Fukushima aquarium, and make sure to include time for a seafood curry lunch at Aqua Cross, Aquamarine Fukushima’s own restaurant. Stroll through Aquamarine’s impressive glass tunnel, which represents the meeting of the Kuroshio & Oyashio currents that occur off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture. This huge display that represents the border between these two ocean currents holds 2050 tons of water!

Walk 5 min to Aeon Mall Iwaki Onahama. From there, take a bus to Izumi Sta. (15 min), then take the Joban Line train to Yumoto Sta., which takes 5 min. Alternatively, take a 25 min taxi straight to Iwaki Yumoto Onsen.

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Iwaki Yumoto Onsen

  • Coastal Area

Spend the night at a ryokan or hotel in this quaint onsen town. There are many traditional family-run ryokan to choose from, such as Koito Ryokan. You could also stay at Spa Resort Hawaiians – a Hawaii-themed complex of hotels with a water park perfect for families.

Stay in the relaxing Iwaki Yumoto Onsen town at any of the many onsen ryokan available.

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Finish

Stay: Iwaki Yumoto Onsen Town

Other Trips

Fukushima’s Revitalization Educational One-Day Tour
Fukushima’s Revitalization Educational One-Day Tour
Fukushima’s Revitalization Educational One-Day Tour
Culture

Fukushima’s Revitalization Educational One-Day Tour

This is a model itinerary for visitors who would like to learn about Fukushima’s revitalization. The coastal area of Fukushima is the only place in the world to have survived a triple disaster: an earthquake, a tsunami and a nuclear disaster. Following extensive decontamination efforts and a great deal of demolition and reconstruction, several areas that were once designated as ‘difficult to return’ have started welcoming both residents and visitors again, with many residents eager to share their stories with the world. This itinerary centers on the towns of Futaba and Namie, both of which were severely affected by the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident in 2011.  The first stop is Futaba station and the surrounding Futaba Art District, a mural art initiative that pays homage to the residents and folk art of the town. From there, you’ll visit the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum, which has a detailed account of the area before, during, and after the disaster. At the museum, you’ll learn about the stories and testimonies of locals, as well as the plans and ideas for the future of Fukushima. The last stop is the remains of the Ukedo Elementary School in Namie town. Although the school building, located only 300 meters from the sea, sustained great damage from the tsunami, students, teachers and staff were able to evacuate from the school safely, for which it is known as a ‘miracle’ school.  This is a one-day itinerary, but we recommend staying somewhere in the coastal area of Fukushima after your visit.

Relaxation in Tsuchiyu
Relaxation in Tsuchiyu
Relaxation in Tsuchiyu
Culture

Relaxation in Tsuchiyu

You can enjoy this multi-day relaxation tour of Fukushima any time of year. But that’s not the only thing to make this trip so enticing. You’ll find something for everyone in the family or quiet spots of solitude to be enjoyed alone. Whether you’re traveling with someone or by yourself, this is the perfect way to enjoy Fukushima. Take a bus ride from Fukushima Station to Hotel Sansuiso. Enjoy a quiet room at this lovely hotel where you can soak away your worries in one of their many hot spring baths. Especially nice during winter are the outdoor baths, let the cool air wash over your exposed face while the waters keep you warm. After a day sequestered in baths, why not take a stroll about town and visit the famous shop Matsuya. See their own unique kokeshi dolls, which are popular toys around Japan with each area creating completely unique kokeshi dolls. After you’ve admired the curious little wooden dolls, try your hand at painting your own under the guidance of one of the shop’s staff. Take your very own kokeshi doll back with you as a unique souvenir and memory of your time in Fukushima Prefecture. Finally, explore the other hot spring baths that Tsuchiyu Onsen has to offer. Choose from public baths, baths in other ryokan, or a number of a foot baths dotted around the town. No matter where you turn, you’re sure to enjoy the calming and rejuvenating waters. When you’ve finished enjoying everything that the area has to offer, head back to Fukushima Station by bus.  

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