Top Attractions in Iwaki for Sightseeing
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Located in Fukushima Prefecture, Iwaki is a charming coastal city that blends natural beauty with cultural heritage and modern relaxation. One of the top attractions is Spa Resort Hawaiians, a large hot spring theme park featuring indoor pools, traditional onsen baths, and Polynesian dance shows—perfect for families or anyone seeking a unique Japanese experience. For nature lovers, Shiramizu Amida-do, a serene temple surrounded by seasonal flowers, offers a peaceful glimpse into Iwaki’s historical and spiritual side. Iwaki is also home to Aquamarine Fukushima, a state-of-the-art aquarium showcasing marine life from the region’s rivers and seas. Whether you’re traveling with kids or solo, it’s an educational and visually stunning stop. Local food is another highlight—don’t miss Joban-mono, the name for Iwaki’s fresh, high-quality seafood caught off the coast, especially their sushi and grilled fish dishes. Accessible in under two hours from Tokyo by train, Iwaki is a great addition to your Japan travel itinerary. For those exploring things to do in Japan outside the big cities, Iwaki offers a mix of relaxation, exploration, and authentic regional charm that showcases the quieter side of Fukushima tourism.
Recommended Local Products and Traditional Crafts in Iwaki
Deep-Fried Mehikari Fish
In the coastal city of Iwaki, Fukushima, one local delicacy stands out for its simplicity and flavor—Deep-Fried Mehikari Fish. “Mehikari,” or greeneyes, are small deep-sea fish known for their shiny, emerald-colored eyes and tender, flavorful white meat. Caught fresh from the Pacific Ocean, they are lightly seasoned, dusted with flour, and deep-fried whole, creating a crisp exterior and juicy interior that locals love. This dish has become a symbol of Iwaki’s food culture, often enjoyed with a cold drink at izakayas or featured in seasonal seafood festivals. Mehikari are typically in season during the colder months, when the sea’s bounty is at its best, making it a winter highlight in the region. For those exploring Fukushima travel or looking for authentic local specialties in Iwaki, trying deep-fried mehikari is a must. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to connect with the area’s rich fishing traditions and coastal lifestyle—an experience that feels both local and memorable. Whether you’re a seafood lover or a curious traveler, this dish is a tasty piece of Iwaki’s culinary heritage.
Explore Iwaki: Top Spots and Must-Know Topic
Spa Resort Hawaiians
Spa Resort Hawaiians in Iwaki is a unique blend of hot spring relaxation and Polynesian entertainment. Originally built in a former coal mining area, this massive indoor resort transformed the town’s future and inspired the award-winning film Hula Girls. Visitors can soak in large onsen baths, enjoy thrilling water slides, or watch daily Hawaiian-style dance performances. It’s a fun year-round destination for families, couples, and wellness seekers alike. Whether you’re exploring lesser-known things to do in Fukushima or looking for a tropical break in Japan, this resort offers warmth, culture, and relaxation all under one roof.
Aquamarine Fukushima
Aquamarine Fukushima is one of Japan’s leading aquariums, located in Iwaki City. It is characterized by its faithful reproduction of the marine and river ecosystems of Fukushima, which face the Pacific Ocean.
In the large main tank, themed “The Sea of the Current” (Shiome no Umi), visitors can enjoy a dynamic scene where schools of sardines and tuna swim. The outdoor area also features popular interactive corners where guests can touch coastal creatures, making it perfect for families with children.
Its appeal lies in its beautiful architecture and spacious interior, allowing visitors to feel the wonder of the sea and the connection between life. It is an unmissable highlight of Iwaki tourism, and the surrounding area is rich with hot springs and gourmet dining spots.
As a sightseeing spot in Iwaki where nature and learning merge, you will find new discoveries every time you visit.
Iwaki Coal & Fossil Museum Horuru
Iwaki Coal & Fossil Museum Horuru – Unearth Japan’s Industrial Past Iwaki Coal & Fossil Museum Horuru offers a fascinating journey through the region’s industrial and prehistoric history. Located in central Iwaki, this museum showcases the city’s role as a major coal mining area during the 20th century and also houses impressive fossil collections, including dinosaur skeletons and ammonites. The combination of geology, industry, and paleontology makes it both educational and entertaining for all ages. Special exhibitions and hands-on experiences add to the appeal. If you’re exploring off-the-beaten-path things to do in Fukushima, Horuru gives you a deeper look at how Iwaki’s past shaped its present.
Shioyasaki Lighthouse
Shioyazaki Lighthouse is a beautiful white lighthouse standing along the Pacific coast of Iwaki City and is a popular sightseeing spot selected as one of the “50 Best Lighthouses in Japan.” The contrast between the deep blue sea and the pure white lighthouse is stunning, and on clear days you can see all the way to the distant horizon.
In October, the inside of the lighthouse is open to the public, and from the observation deck you can enjoy sweeping views of the majestic Pacific Ocean. The scenery is especially magical at sunrise and sunset, making it a favorite location for many photography enthusiasts.
In the surrounding area, there is a monument to the singer Hibari Misora as well as well-maintained walking paths, making it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll. As one of the must-see spots in Iwaki, Shioyazaki Lighthouse, where nature, history, and people’s sentiments come together in harmony, is a place that leaves a lasting impression.
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Misaki Park
Onahama Port is a representative port town of Iwaki City and a popular sightseeing destination where visitors can enjoy both tourism and gourmet experiences. Facing the Pacific Ocean, this beautiful harbor area features attractions such as the shopping complex Iwaki La La Mew and the aquarium Aquamarine Fukushima, offering plenty of shopping and activities for everyone to enjoy. The port is also famous for its local cuisine, including fresh seafood dishes, sushi, and beachside grill specialties unique to Onahama. The surrounding area is perfect for a relaxing stroll—feel the refreshing sea breeze as you walk along and unwind. At night, the illuminated harbor creates a romantic atmosphere, revealing a different charm from the daytime. As one of the highlights of Iwaki tourism, Onahama Port is an Iwaki sightseeing spot where visitors can fully experience the sea, food, and scenery all in one place.
Shiramizu Amida-do
Shiramizu Amida-do is a historic building located in Iwaki City and the only National Treasure designated in Fukushima Prefecture. Said to have been built in the late Heian period, its elegant Japanese-style architecture and serene atmosphere captivate all who visit. The pond and trees surrounding the hall create beautiful scenery that changes with each season—cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and snowy landscapes in winter. The nighttime illumination during the autumn foliage season is particularly enchanting, making it one of the highlights of Iwaki tourism. Blending history and nature, Shiramizu Amida-do is a beloved Iwaki sightseeing spot where visitors can spend peaceful, reflective moments. It is a tranquil sanctuary where one can escape the bustle of the city and feel the quiet flow of time.
Onahama Port
Onahama Port – Where Industry Meets the Ocean Located on the Pacific coast of Iwaki, Onahama Port blends industrial activity with local charm. It’s home to Aquamarine Fukushima, a modern aquarium highlighting marine ecosystems of the surrounding seas. Visitors can also enjoy local seafood at the nearby fish market or take in ocean views from the marina. The port is active year-round, with special events held in summer and holiday seasons. Easily accessible from Iwaki Station, Onahama offers a unique mix of urban coastal life and family-friendly attractions, making it a worthwhile addition to your Fukushima travel itinerary.
Roadside Station Iwaki La La Mew
Roadside Station Iwaki La La Mew is a large sightseeing and local product complex located in the Onahama Port area and is one of Iwaki City’s signature facilities. Inside, you’ll find a market lined with fresh seafood, restaurants where you can enjoy seafood rice bowls and sushi, as well as sweets, take-out snacks, and souvenir shops offering specialty products from Fukushima and Iwaki, allowing you to enjoy gourmet food and shopping all in one place. Many of the eateries offer views of the port through large windows, making it an appealing spot where you can dine while feeling the sea breeze. Within the facility, the “Iwaki Live Museum” introduces the history and maritime culture of Iwaki, and if you board a sightseeing cruise, you can fully enjoy the scenery from the sea. Packed with the highlights of Iwaki tourism, Roadside Station Iwaki La La Mew is an Iwaki sightseeing spot recommended both for first-time visitors and repeat travelers.
Hattachi Coast
Hattachi Coast, located in the northern part of Iwaki City, is a seaside area characterized by rugged rocky shores and crystal-clear waters, and is one of Iwaki’s sightseeing spots where you can fully enjoy natural scenery. The view of Bentenjima, a massive rock jutting out from the sea, together with the vermilion Benten Bridge leading to the island, creates an iconic landscape, and the area is also known as one of the best sunrise spots in the prefecture. Another distinctive feature is the beach covered with smooth pebbles, which is associated with a local legend that says taking these stones home will cause eye disease. Across the road from the coast stands Hattachi Yakushi Temple and other historic temples, where countless hydrangeas come into bloom during the rainy season. With its dynamic ocean views and the tranquil atmosphere of the shore existing side by side, Hattachi Coast is one of the highlights of Iwaki tourism and an Iwaki sightseeing spot well worth remembering.
Natsuigawa Gorge
Natsuigawa Gorge is a valley that stretches along the upper reaches of the Natsui River, which flows through Iwaki City, and is one of Iwaki’s sightseeing spots where you can experience magnificent nature up close. Sheer cliffs and oddly shaped rocks carved out over many long years, along with waterfalls roaring as they cascade down, create a dynamic landscape that changes with each of the four seasons. In spring, delicate azalea blossoms color the area, in summer the gorge is filled with deep, lush greenery, and in autumn, maples and other trees turn the entire valley bright shades of red and yellow, drawing many visitors as a famous spot for autumn foliage. Walking paths are maintained along the gorge, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely stroll while listening to the murmuring of the river and the rustling of the trees. The sight of the JR Ban’etsu East Line running along the gorge also adds to the charm and is popular with railway enthusiasts. Natsuigawa Gorge is one of the highlights of Iwaki tourism and an Iwaki sightseeing spot well worth visiting to refresh yourself in the heart of nature.
List of Local Products and Traditional Crafts from Iwaki
Branded Seafood (Joban-mono)
The seafood landed in Iwaki City is known as “Joban-mono,” a regional brand that is highly regarded even by professional chefs. Fish that grow in the nutrient-rich convergence zone of ocean currents, where plankton is abundant, are characterized by firm flesh with a rich fat content. Representative species include mehikari (greeneye), which is designated as the official fish of Iwaki City, as well as Pacific saury, bonito, flounder, and anglerfish. There is also a wide variety of local dishes made with Joban-mono, such as deep-fried mehikari, mirin-marinated dried Pacific saury, “sanma no pōpō-yaki” (grilled minced saury), and hearty winter dishes like anglerfish hot pot and “dobu-jiru” fish stew.
Sunshine Tomatoes
Sunshine Tomatoes from Iwaki are cultivated in greenhouses that make the most of the region’s abundant sunlight. As the name suggests, these tomatoes are bursting with color and flavor—sweet, tangy, and juicy with every bite. Their bright red skin and balanced taste make them popular in fresh salads or simple side dishes. Greenhouse farming in Iwaki has grown steadily over the years, and these tomatoes are now a symbol of innovation in local agriculture. A fun fact for visitors: the name “Sunshine” reflects both the product and the positive energy of the region’s farmers.
Iwaki Pears
Iwaki Pears, known for their round shape and juicy crunch, are a seasonal delight harvested mainly in late summer and early autumn. Grown in the fertile lands around Iwaki, these pears have a light sweetness and refreshing texture that’s perfect for hot weather. The pear orchards in the area have a long history, often passed down through generations. For travelers visiting Fukushima during the harvest season, seeing the local pear farms—or even joining a picking event—can be a memorable experience. This fruit is a delicious reminder of the region’s deep ties to the land.