Iwaki Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled along the eastern coast of Japan's Fukushima region, the city of Iwaki offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and historical sites. With its stunning coastline, vibrant festivals, and warm hospitality, Iwaki has something to offer every traveler.

One of the main draws of Iwaki is its picturesque coastline, which stretches for over 50 kilometers. The pristine beaches, such as Nakoso Beach and Onahama Beach, provide the perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying various water sports. Additionally, the coastal region is known for its delicious seafood, with numerous restaurants offering fresh catches of the day.

For those seeking cultural experiences, Iwaki boasts a rich history and a number of traditional festivals throughout the year. The Taira Tanabata Festival, held in August, is a vibrant celebration where locals decorate the streets with colorful paper streamers and bamboo decorations. Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, try traditional festival foods, and enjoy live performances.

History buffs will also find plenty to explore in Iwaki. One must-visit site is the Iwaki Castle, which dates back to the 14th century. Although mostly in ruins, the castle offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Another notable historical attraction is the Iwaki City Coal and Fossil Museum, where visitors can learn about the region's coal mining history and see a collection of ancient fossils.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the natural wonders surrounding Iwaki. Mount Iwaki, also known as the "Fuji of the Tsugaru region," offers breathtaking hiking trails with stunning vistas. In the spring, the mountain is adorned with cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque scene. Additionally, the nearby Spa Resort Hawaiians is a popular destination for relaxation, featuring hot springs, water slides, and various entertainment shows.

Local name: いわき市 Population: 340.2 thous. (2019)Area: 475.43 mi²Elevation: 49 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°3'19"N, 140°53'31"E

Location

FukushimaJapan

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Iwaki Top Attractions

Iwaki Attractions - What to See and Explore

Iwaki offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Aquamarine Fukushima, Iwakitaira Castle, Shiramizu Amidadō, Kabutozuka Kofun. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Aquarium • Park • Zoo
Aquamarine Fukushima
Aquamarine Fukushima is a beacon of marine life and education nestled in the city of Iwaki, Japan. This contemporary aquarium is a must-visit for tourists who are passionate about the ocean and its diverse inhabitants. With its focus on the environment and ecosystems...
Forts and castles
Iwakitaira Castle
Iwakitaira Castle is a hilltop-style Japanese castle located in the city of Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, in the Tōhoku region of Japan. It also called Ryūgajō Castle. Built in the early Edo period, it served as the headquarters for a succession of daimyō of Iwakitaira Domain under the Tokugawa shogunate.
Sacred and religious sites • Temple • Buddhist architecture
Shiramizu Amidadō
Shiramizu Amida-dō, is a chapel located within the Buddhist temple of Ganjō-ji in the city of Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. The Amida-dō is a National Treasure and the temple, with its paradise garden, has been designated an National Historic Site.

Archaeological site
Kabutozuka Kofun
The Kabutozuka Kofun is a kofun burial mound located in what is now the city of Iwaki, in Fukushima Prefecture in the southern Tōhoku region of northern Japan. It has been protected by the central government as a National Historic Site since 1923.
Nature • Natural attraction • Spa
Iwaki Yumoto Onsen
Iwaki Yumoto Onsen is an onsen resort in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture in Japan.
History museum • Museum • Archaeological museum
Iwaki City Archaeological Museum
Iwaki City Archaeological Museum opened in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan in 1997. It exhibits artefacts from local excavations, including items from the painted Nakata Cave Tomb.
Archaeological site
Negishi Kanga ruins
Negishi Kanga ruins is an archaeological site with the ruins of a Heian period local government administrative complex and Buddhist temple, built over a Jōmon period settlement, located in what is now part of the city of Iwaki, Fukushima prefecture in the southern Tōhoku region of northern Honshu, Japan.
Bridge
Ban-etsu Expressway
The Ban-etsu Expressway is a national expressway in the Tōhoku region of Japan. It is owned and operated by East Nippon Expressway Company.
Racetrack • Sport venue • Sport
Iwaki-Taira Velodrome
Iwaki-Taira Velodrome is a velodrome located in Iwaki, Fukushima that conducts pari-mutuel Keirin racing - one of Japan's four authorized "Public Sports" where gambling is permitted. Its Keirin identification number for betting purposes is 13#.
Universities and schools
Higashi Nippon International University
Higashi Nippon International University is a private university, located in the city of Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan.
Universities and schools
Iryo Sosei University
Iwaki Meisei University is a private university, located in the city of Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan.
Universities and schools
Iwaki Junior College
Iwaki Junior College is a private junior college, located in the city of Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan.

Things to See and Do in Iwaki by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Iwaki.

Active

Iwaki-Taira Velodrome
Iwaki
RacetrackSport venueSport
Iwaki Green Stadium
Iwaki
Sport venueSport
Iwaki Green Field
Iwaki
Sport venueSportArenas and stadiums

Day trips

Iwaki – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Iwaki, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Seizansō (Hitachiōta), Fukuroda Falls (Daigo), Abukuma-do.

41 milesSW
Historical place, Museum
Seizansō, Hitachiōta
Seizansō, a historical landmark nestled in the verdant city of Hitachiōta, offers visitors a journey back in time to Japan's rich cultural heritage. While not as towering as modern architectural marvels, Seizansō presents a different kind of grandeur, one that...
33 milesSW
Natural attraction, Park, Waterfall
Fukuroda Falls, Daigo
Nestled in the serene town of Daigo, Fukuroda Falls is a majestic natural wonder that beckons travelers from near and far. Often referred to as one of Japan's three most beautiful waterfalls, this cascade epitomizes the harmonious blend of strength and elegance that...
23 milesNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Cave
Abukuma-do
Nestled in the verdant hills of Fukushima Prefecture, Abukuma-do is a spectacular subterranean wonder that has captivated the imaginations of visitors to Japan. This expansive limestone cave, formed over 80 million years, presents a magical realm beneath the earth...
48 milesS
Park
Hitachi Seaside Park
Hitachi Seaside Park is a sprawling 190-hectare park located in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki, Japan, known for its seasonal flower gardens that create a vivid tapestry of colors. The park is a popular destination for nature lovers, photographers, and families looking for a...
37 milesW
Park
Nanko Park, Shirakawa
Nanko Park is considered to be the oldest public park in Japan, having been founded in 1801 by Matsudaira Sadanobu, the 12th daimyō of Shirakawa Domain.

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Best Time To Visit Iwaki

Learn when is the best time to travel to Iwaki weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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May, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April and November.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January and December. Most of it rains in September.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Iwaki?

The top attractions to visit in Iwaki are:

What is the best time to visit Iwaki?

May, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April and November. The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and December.