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.

…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.

Les Hula girls du Spa Resort Hawaiians

The Hawaiians Spa Resort Hula Girls

Sakaori (talk), Wikimedia

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.

 

 

L'entrée du temple  Shiramizu Amida-do

The entrance to Shiramizu Amida-do Temple

くろふね, Wikimedia

Bâtiment du templeShiramizu Amida-do

Temple building Shiramizu Amida-do

M Murakami, Flickr

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.

 

Aquamarine Fukushima

Aquamarine Fukushima

DAJF


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.

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