Iwaki いわき
From the mine to the dances of Hawaii
Iwaki is a city located in the southeast of Fukushima Prefecture. A former mining town converted to tourism by hosting Japan's first theme park in 1966, the famed Spa Resort Hawaiians.
Iwaki was affected by the earthquake and tsunami that hit the Tohoku region in March 2011. Many sites had to close but they all reopened in 2012. The city of Iwaki will soon welcome athletes to its training camp for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Coal mines…
Iwaki was part of what was known in English as "Joban Coal Fields", a region rich in coal mines that extended from the north of Ibaraki prefecture to the south of Fukushima. From the 1870s to 1960, the region lived from the exploitation of this ore.
The Iwaki City Coal and Fossil Museum (Horuru Iwaki-shi Sekitan Kaseki-kan) traces the history of coal mining in the area. An elevator takes visitors down to a reconstructed mine where they can see the working conditions of miners in the past. The museum also includes a significant collection of fossils from around the world. The huge dinosaur skeleton that greets visitors at the entrance is the largest dinosaur fossil in Asia.
Access: the museum is about a 15 min walk from Yumoto Station
From the early 1960s, oil replaced coal and the mines closed in turn. To revive the economy, the municipality of Iwaki undertook the construction of a theme park in the hot spring resort of Yumoto Onsen. Thus in 1966, Joban Hawaiian Center, the first theme park in Japan, comes into being. To make people forget the greyness and the cold of this region in the North-East of the country, we chose to make a water park with the theme of Hawaii, one of the favorite destinations of the Japanese.
- Also read: Top 10 amusement parks
…to Hawaiian dances
Renamed "Spa Resort Hawaiians", the former Joban Hawaiian Center is a huge water park that houses many swimming pools and spring water pools.
But since these beginnings, the Hula Girls, dancers swaying to the sound of Hawaiian melodies, have been its main attraction. They were even the subject of an eponymous film.
Visitors can admire them on stage several times a day.
The park is divided into several parts:
- The Water Park includes indoor pools, water slides, and the stage where the dancers perform. The theme obliges, tropical vegetation and staff in Hawaiian attire give the place an exotic atmosphere.
- Outside, the Spa Garden Pareo (closed in winter) transports visitors to the land of sun and relaxation, with swimming pools surrounded by deckchairs, jacuzzis, and a sauna.
- Spring Park is one of two hot springs originating from Yumoto Onsen. Inside, various pools welcome visitors of both sexes in bathing suits.
- Edo Jowa Yoichi is a spa with outdoor pools reserved for women and others for men, you bathe in Adam and Eve outfits. It has reproduced the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603-1868).
- At the Vir Port, you can try your hand at Hawaiian dancing, and enjoy massages or beauty treatments.
- A 27-hole golf course completes these fun facilities.
- For those who want a real vacation, two hotels welcome travelers within the park.
Access: free shuttles run between Yumoto station (15 min) and the water park. Those who stay at the hotel can take advantage of the free buses from Tokyo (3 hrs) and Yokohama (3h30).
Shiramizu Amida-do Temple
Iwaki is also known for its magnificent temple: Shiramizu Amida-do designated a national treasure. It was built in 1160, during the Heian period (794-1185). The main hall houses five representations of Buddha dating from the Heian era, including that of Amida Nyorai, classified as an Important Cultural Property.
Shiramizu Amidado is famous for its "Buddhist Pure Land" (Jodo Teien) garden. There is a pond, islets, and pavilions that are said to represent the Buddhist idea of the "Pure Land Paradise". This garden is one of the few of its kind, part of which has remained intact.
From July to the beginning of September, the lotuses cover the bodies of water and in the fall, the glowing foliage makes this place a real delight.
The temple building suffered damage in the March 2011 earthquake. It was closed to the public for renovations and reopened in July 2012.
Access: The temple is located 20 min by bus from Iwaki station. It is closed every fourth Wednesday of the month.
Aquamarine Fukushima
Iwaki is also famous for its beautiful coastline bordering the Pacific Ocean. The Aquamarine Fukushima includes an aquarium where you can admire very rare fish and sea creatures, but also green spaces.
There is a tropical garden, a reproduction of a village from the Jomon period (15,000 years ago until about 400 BCE), and even a rice field. You learn everything about marine animals and the ecosystem of oceans, rivers, and currents. Many fun and educational activities are offered there. You will have understood: it is a place to visit absolutely, with or without children.
Access: From Yumoto Station, take the bus to Onahama and get off at the Onahama stop (25 min, 1-2 buses/hour). The aquarium is a 15-20 min walk away.
Address, timetable & access
Address
Timetable
Yumoto Station (closer to major attractions) and Iwaki Station are connected to Ueno Station (in Tokyo) by the Shinkansen Super Hitachi limited express on the JR Joban Line (2 hrs). Covered by the Japan Rail Pass.