Sightseeing Highlights

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Misaki ParkEIwaki Marine Tower
Here you can enjoy a cool sea breeze from the Marine Tower observation deck, which stands 60 metres high (106 metres above sea level). This deck provides a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean.

Shioyazaki lighthouse
Shioyazaki Lighthouse stands on a cliff, 73 metres above sea level. This lighthouse was first opened in 1899 as a beacon office in Shioyazaki and has safely guided ships since then. Its beam reaches a distance of 40 km. The contrast of the white lighthouse and the blue ocean creates a picturesque view, attracting many travellers from with in Japan. This is one of the most famous sights in Iwaki City.

Natsui River Gorge
Natsui River flows from the Abukuma Mountain Range into the Pacific Ocean, bringing an abundance of nature to the northwest plains of Iwaki. Natsui Gorge located between the towns of Kawamae and Ogawago has been designated as a Prefectural National Park. Numerous waterfalls flow over steep cliffs into rock pools, eventually turning into calm streams. In spring, rock azaleas are plentiful, while fresh greens are a feature in early summer as are red leaves in autumn.

Spa Resort Hawaiians
Using the abundant resources of Yumoto hot springs, Spa Resort Hawaiians is a huge indoor and outdoor spa complex that offers a wide variety of hot spa amusements, baths, and pools. Enjoy the atmosphere of this Hawaiian paradise and relax.

A Hot Spring for Horse
The hot spring water of Yumoto and the warm climate in Iwaki provide effective treatment and rehabilitation for injured racehorses. This facility is built only for racehorses and offers physiotherapy and hot spring therapy. The facility features a hot spring, a clinic, a paddock, a swimming pool and a race track within a 170,000 square metre location. It is said that during the Edo Period, horse auctions were held in Yumoto every spring and autumn. The existence of this rare hot spring for horses shows that Yumoto has had a close relationship with horses over a long period of time.

Coastline
Iwaki`s coastline stretches for more than 60km. Eroded over time by waves, some of the coastline features steep cliffs. A common sight along the coastal roads are flocks of black-tailed seagulls. At low tide, many offshore rocks appear. The contrast of the white lighthouse and the blue ocean creates a picturesque setting for the two islands that lie to the south. This lighthouse is a well-known symbol of Iwaki City. 9 beaches located along the coast are popular among both families and surfers.

Shiramizu Amidado Temple- A National Treasure
It is said that Shiramizu Amidado was built as a memorial to Lord Iwaki Norimichi, a feudal lord of the Iwaki area, by his widow Tokuama. This temple features Jodo Garden, a beautiful Japanese Buddhist garden, and a pond. The beautiful curved line of the roof of the temple is typical of Buddhist architecture during the Heian Period.

The Nakoso-Barrier Museum of Literature and History
According to ancient records, this was the sight of the Kikuta barrier gate. The name 'Nakoso' means 'do not enter' and the barrier gave the impression to the Michinoku (the people of the north), that they were not welcome. Ancient Japanese people had a tendency of being afraid of the unknown in northern Japan. This image of divided people, lovers and even seasons made the Nakoso-Barrier popular among poets as an 'uta-makura', or a place which inspires poetry works. Many literary works describing the Nakoso-Barrier and portraits of the poets and writers are on display in this museum. The exhibitions present the history of the Nakoso-Barrier and show the customs of ancient travellers'.

Iino Hachimangu Shrine
This shrine is said to be one of the five shrines built under the orders of Yoritomo Minamoto. This is a popular spot for New Year and Shichi-Go-San (children's coming of age) festival prayers. Two major events of this shrine are the "Yabusame" a 400-year-old archery ritual held on September 14th and 15th and the ginger festival, where ginger is sold along the path to the shrine. This festival is said to have originated during a time when Yoriyoshi Minamoto (head of the Minamoto clan) was cured by ginger.

Iwaki City Coal and Fossil Museum
This museum provides a comprehensive overlook at the history and development of the Joban coalmine. Displays include a replica of the living conditions of the miners as well many interesting fossils found from within the city. One of the featured displays is a dinosaur fossil known as the Futaba Suzuki Ryu, a kind of plesiosaurus, which was discovered in the Futaba strata group, a layer that formed in the seashore 80 million years ago. This fossil was named after the strata group and the discoverer.

Aquamarine FukushimaiThinking about man and earth's future through the seaj
This aquarium looks at the Shiome Sea, which is where the Black Current and the Kurile Current meet. Aquamarine Fukushima is a new type of sea museum that supplies various answers about the undiscovered wonders of the ocean. In addition to the main aquarium, a large Shiome Sea tank that enables you to enjoy rays of sun on the water, there is also a science museum and a botanical garden. Aquamarine Fukushima looks at the future of human beings and earth, the relationship between man and nature, the value of our lives and the importance of protecting our natural environment through learning about the sea.

Iwaki City Old Style Village
Reproduced traditional houses, household goods and villages from the late Edo to the early Meiji period are on display. Experience first hand old style Japan at this village.

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