The Coast of Fukushima
  • Adventure
  • Coastal Area
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn

  • 3 destinations
  • One Day

Refresh yourself along the coast of Fukushima with this one-day plan, which includes three of Iwaki's best spots. You can enjoy these places any time of the year, so it’s perfect to fit into your pre-existing travel plans.

Start out at Iwaki Station and make your way down to Aquamarine Fukushima. This beautiful aquarium and aquatic museum will take your breath away with its amazing exhibits of sea creatures and habitats. Let your imagination run free as you walk through the interior and discover something new everywhere you look.

After you’ve finished at Aquamarine Fukushima, make your way to Shiramizu Amidado Temple. This temple is a National Treasure of Japan and was first commissioned by a princess. It has a unique history and the atmosphere lends itself well to relaxation and introspection.

Once you’ve found inner peace, head over to Natsuigawa Valley. The pristine river waters and cool countryside breeze will relax your body and rejuvenate your spirit. No matter where you turn to, the coastal area of Fukushima is sure to astound you.

This plan is best enjoyed by renting a car from Iwaki Station.

Start

Iwaki Station

Aquamarine Fukushima is a 35 min drive from Iwaki Sta.

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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!

Reach the temple from Aquamarine Fukushima in 35 min by car.

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Shiramizu Amidado Temple

  • Coastal Area
  • 45

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.

Reach Natsuigawa Valley in 45 min by car from Shiramizu Amidado Temple.

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Natsuigawa Valley

  • Coastal Area
  • 120

Natsuigawa Valley continues 15 km along JR Ban-etsu East Line. In autumn, the train passes the valley at a slow speed so that passengers can enjoy the awesome views from its windows. The beautiful view of the waterfalls and clear streams meandering through rocks is definitely worth seeing.

It takes 30 min to get back to Iwaki Sta. from Natsuigawa Valley.

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Finish

Iwaki Station

Other Trips

Diamond Route (4 Days, 3 Nights)
Diamond Route (4 Days, 3 Nights)
Diamond Route (4 Days, 3 Nights)
Adventure

Diamond Route (4 Days, 3 Nights)

Have you ever wanted to take a cross-prefecture tour of Japan, from Tokyo to the impeccable countryside of Fukushima? Well, now is your chance to travel from the international hub of Tokyo and see what else Japan and—especially—Fukushima have to offer. Enjoy this cross-country tour of Japan over the span of a few days, so that you can enjoy things at your pace. Start your trip from Tokyo Station and ride a short distance to Asakusa. See one of the busiest shrine-and-temple locations in Tokyo. You’ll love the bustling atmosphere and the street stalls with their many trinkets and souvenirs. Once you’ve finished in Asakusa, head out of the city and make your way for Tochigi Prefecture’s Nikko. Nikko is perhaps most famous for the three monkey statues that people equate with “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil”. You’ll see these wonderful statues and more while you stop over in Nikko. From there, travel north to Higashiyama Onsen and enjoy the sights form the train along the way. Higashiyama Onsen is Fukushima’s home to some truly great hot springs and Japanese-style inns. Soak up the hot waters and relax your tired muscles. At Tsuruga-jo Castle, you can walk the pristine gardens and enjoy the castle grounds. Be sure to make note of the red-roof tiles of the castle as well, this is the only castle in Japan that boasts having these deep-red tiles. Inside the castle keep, discover the history of the Aizu samurai through the many exhibits and displayed artifacts. Make your way to Nanokamachi-dori Street and admire the local architecture, which is quite different than that from the rest of the area. Search out local hidden gems along the narrow streets and find the perfect souvenir to take home. Enjoy your time in Tokyo, Tochigi, and Fukushima like never before with this route.  

Two Days, One Night in Fukushima Prefecture
Two Days, One Night in Fukushima Prefecture
Two Days, One Night in Fukushima Prefecture
Culture

Two Days, One Night in Fukushima Prefecture

Looking to visit the best of Fukushima Prefecture in only a short time? This itinerary aims to cover some of the prefecture's most popular spots in the space of a two day, one night stay, including lunch options and potential activities. The transport hub of Koriyama, served by both shinkansen (bullet train) services from Tokyo and local trains, is an excellent place to start your trip. The journey from Tokyo Station to Koriyama Station takes as little as 1 hour and 15 minutes on the shinkansen. On this trip, you'll visit, among others: The ethereal thatched-roof village of Ouchi-juku Tsurugajo Castle, samurai fortress of the Aizu clan The double-helix architecture at Sazaedo Temple Goshikinuma Ponds, one of northern Japan's most beautiful natural areas The astonishing colours along the Bandai-Azuma Skyline sightseeing road The Fukushima 'Fruit Line' with dozens of orchards This itinerary can also be combined with a beautiful cherry blossom spot like Hanamiyama or the thousand-year-old cherry tree Miharu Takizakura, if your trip falls in mid-April. These spots are most easily traversed by car, so this article recommends renting a car at Koriyama Station. There are four rent-a-car spots near the station with English support and online bookings available:  Toyota Times Car Rental ORIX JR Rent-A-Car However, much of the course can be accessed by public transport. The sights towards the mountainous Inawashiro region (Goshikinuma Ponds, Bandai-Azuma Skyline etc.) can be more difficult without a car.

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