Area Guide

Aizu Area
Aizu-Wakamatsu

Area Guide

Aizu Area

The historical spots such as Tsurugajo Castle give the former castle townof Aizu-Wakamatsu an olde-worlde feel. Take part in a sake brewery tour
or try your hand at making your traditional crafts during your time here.

Rinkaku Tea Room - Japanese Matcha
Experience Aizu-Wakamatsu CityAt the Rinkaku Tea Room, located in Tsuragajo Castle Park, enjoy
drinking matcha green tea while taking in the scenery offered by thegardens.
Business Hours: 8:30 am - 5 pm
http://www.tsurugajo.com/language/eng/

Nanukamachi-dori Street

Aizu-Wakamatsu City

Hundreds of years ago, a main highway ran through this street, which bustled withinns and restaurants. Now, the street is popular for its olde-worlde atmosphere thatremains from the romanticism of the Taisho period.
Access: Short walk from Nanukamachi Sta. on the JR Tadami Line. By Car: 10 min drive fromthe Aizuwakamatsu I.C. on the Ban'etsu Expressway
Mapcode: 97 290 626*33 http://nanuka-machi.jp/en/

Aizu CuisineFrom the best known local dishes of the region, such as
Kozuyu soup and herring pickled in sansho pepper, toDengaku (skewers of vegetables and tofu which have been
dipped in miso and baked) and Sauce Katsudon (rice bowls
topped with cabbage and cutlets glazed with brown sauce),
there is a huge variety of local Aizu foods to enjoy.

Sauce Katsudon

Tsurugajo Castle Aizu-Wakamatsu City
The remains of one of the most famous castles in Tohoku are now
preserved as Tsurugajo Castle Park. The interior of the castle is
now a local history museum where you can take your time to learn
about Aizu's past.

Access: 20 min by bus from Aizuwakamatsu Sta. on the
JR Ban'etsu West Line. By Car: 15 min from Aizuwakamatsu I.C.
on the Ban'etsu Expressway
Business Hours: 8:30 am - 5 pm(Last entry at 4:30pm)
Mapcode: 97 262 129*12
http://www.tsurugajo.com/language/eng/

Dengaku

Suehiro Sake Brewery Kaeigura
Aizu-Wakamatsu CityAt this brewery with ties to renowned scientist Hideyo Noguchi,
you can learn the process by which sake is brewed. There isalso a café that serves sweets made using Japanese sake.
Access: 10 min by bus from Aizuwakamatsu Sta. on the JR Ban'etsu WestLine. By Car: 15 min from the Aizuwakamatsu I.C. on the Ban'etsu
Expressway
Business Hours: 9 am - 5 pm Mapcode: 97 291 334*40
https://aizuwakamatsu.mylocal.jp/trip/en/

Wappa Meshi: Traditional delicacy from the Aizu Region, featuring rice withvarious toppings steamed and served in round bamboo boxes.

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Tsurugajo Kaikan

Kimono Experience

Tsurugajo Kaikan

Akabeko Painting Experience Aizu-Wakamatsu City
Akabeko is a symbol of Aizu that brings good fortune. They have long beencelebrated as traditional Aizu crafts. The Akabeko painting experience atTsurugajo Kaikan is particularly popular.

13

Access: 15 min by bus from Aizuwakamatsu
Sta. on the JR Ban'etsu West Line. By Car: 15
min from the Aizuwakamatsu I.C. on the
Ban'etsu Expressway
Mapcode: 97 262 336*34

Aizu Clan School
Aizu-Wakamatsu City

Nisshinkan

Aizu-Wakamatsu City

Why not take a stroll around the castle town in a kimono
and enjoy a meal? There is a wealth of variety available
including yukatas and kimonos made of Aizu cotton, andyou can enjoy a fulfilling tourist plan in every season.

Tr y out Zen meditation, tea ceremony, andJapanese archery at this school that was attended
by the disciples of the Aizu clan's samurai during
the Edo Period. The school allows you an up-close
look at samurai culture.

Access: 15 min by bus from Aizuwakamatsu Sta. on the JR
Ban'etsu West Line. By Car: 15 min from the Aizuwakamatsu I.C.
on the Ban'etsu Expressway
Rental Desk Hours: 9:30 am - 2 pm
Mapcode: 97 262 336*34
https://aizu-kimono-rental-tsuruga.com/english/

Access: 30 min by bus from Aizuwakamatsu Sta. on the
JR Ban'etsu West Line. By Car: 5 min from the Bandai
Kawahigashi I.C. on the Ban'etsu Expressway
Business Hours: 9 am - 5 pm (Last Entrance: 4 pm)
Mapcode: 97 503 561*4
https://aizuwakamatsu.mylocal.jp/trip/en/

14

Area Guide

Area Guide

Aizu Area

Minamiaizu / Okuaizu
Ouchi-juku Shimogo Town

The thatched-roof houses still line the streets of this post-town,
which is located along an old highway that has connected Nikko
and Aizu since the Edo Period. The atmosphere here will makeyou feel as if you have slipped back in time.

Popular View Point

Access: 10 min by taxi from Yunokami Onsen Sta. on the Aizu Railway Line.
By Car: 60 min from Shirakawa I.C. on the Tohoku Expressway
Mapcode: 433 583 590*36

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Ouchi-

Ouchi-juku Snow Festival
Date Held

Aizu Area

The area is dotted with photogenic spots admired by both local andoverseas visitors, including a post town with streets lined withthatched-roof houses, local trains whose passing reflection in the surfaceof the water changes with the seasons, and atmospheric hand-rowed boats.

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CuisinTry Negisoba (sobaeaten with one longleek instead ofc h o p s t i ck s ) a n d
Shingoro Mochi(rice that has been
mashed, put on a
skewer, and grilledwith junen-miso
paste).

2nd weekend of February

Many events are held during the Snow Festival, which is held
annually in February. The snow lanterns gently illuminate thestreets and fireworks brilliantly adorn the winter night sky.

Negisoba

Tadami River Bridge No.1 Viewpoint Mishima Town
The scenery that changes with the seasons, and the Tadami Line reflected on the surface of the river are
whimsical sites and known as popular viewing spots among the large numbers of both Japanese and overseas
visitors.
Access: 5 min by bus from Aizumiyashita Sta. on the JR Tadami Line (one bus per day). By Car: 20 min from Aizubange I.C.
on the Ban'etsu Expressway
Mapcode: 397 230 028*62
http://www.mishima-kankou.net/20160129-2/

Shingoro Mochi❶ Asanuma (Ogiya-bunke)❻ Yoshidaya⓮ Matsukawaya❷ Nakaya❼ Yamadaya⓯ Matsumotoya❸ Katoya❽ Minoya (Bunke)⓰ Honke Ogiya❹ Masuya❾ Tamakiya⓱ Minatoya❺ Kanoya❿ Yamagataya⓲ Iseya⓫ Minatokawaya⓳ Yorozuya⓬ Daikokuya⓴ Nansenin-honke❷

View Spot❶⓭ Ebisuya (Bunke)
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Ouchi-juku

MAP

Kaneyama Town / Mishima Town

Days of Operation

Business Hours: 8 am - 5 pm
(From Nov. to Mar.: 8 am - 4 pm
Please note some shops close during the winter)Ogiya (Bunke)

Misawaya Tea Rooms

Matsumiya

Tamaya (Bunke)

Reservation Required

Late April to Mid-November

The journey in this hand-rowed boat through the mist-enveloped river islike a dream. Travel beyond space and time to visit Japan's ancientlandscapes.

Misawaya

Access: 15 min on foot from Hayato Sta. on the JR Tadami Line. By Car: 25 minfrom Aizubange I.C. on the Ban'etsu Expressway
Mapcode: 397 161 372*28
http://www.kaneyama-kankou.ne.jp/en/

Yanaizu's Sauce Katsudon

WC

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⓳

Mugenkyo no Watashi River Crossing

Ｐ

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Nansenin (Bunke)
Nansenin (Bunke)

EbisuyaOuchi-juku Tourist Information Center

Tamakawaya
KomeyaYoshimiyaMatsubaya

Yamamotoya

Wakamatsuya

YamatoyaOgiya (Bunke)

Ogiya (Bunke)

Ishiharaya (Waki-honjin)

Tomiya (Waki-honjin)

Ogiya (Bunke)

Enzoji Temple Yanaizu Town

Honke Tamaya

FujiyaShin-Fujiya

MinoyaKomeya (Bunke)

Izumiya

One of three great Japanese Kokuzo Bodhisattvas temples, it boasts 1200 years of history. This temple, which isthe birthplace of the legendary Akabeko red cow, is famous for its autumnal leaves.

Hotto in Yanaizu stands adjacent to the Michi-no-Eki Roadside Station.
Visitors can try making their own Awamanju sweet buns, or painting an
Akabeko. Make sure to try Yanaizu's original Sauce Katsudon during yourvisit. Groups welcome.

Access: 10 min on foot from Aizuyanaizu Sta. on the JR Tadami Line. By Car: 10 min from the Aizubange I.C. on the Ban'etsu
Expressway
Mapcode: 397 417 550*71

Access: 20 min on foot from Aizuyanaizu Sta. on the JR Tadami Line. By Car: 10
min from the Aizubange I.C. on the Ban'etsu Expressway
Business Hours: 9 am - 6 pm
Mapcode: 397 417 095*77

Kanoya (Bunke)

15

KomeyaOuchi-juku Town Museum

Itoya

Shinkomeya
Inn

Restaurant

Souvenirs

Hotto in Yanaizu Yanaizu Town

Reservation Required16

Area Guide

Aizu Area

Kitakata / Kitashiobara

Area Guide

Kitakata City is known for its storehouses and ramen, while Kitashiobara
area boasts a varied selection of beautiful ponds and lakes against
picturesque scenery. There is plenty to do in both areas, including a varietyof outdoor activities to help you unwind in nature.

Aizu Area

Bandai-Azuma
Lakeline
Inawashiro Town /Kitashiobara Village

Plenty of activities
for enjoying
nature to the full!

This sightseeing road has aviewpoint that gives you a view ofLake Akimoto, Lake Onogawa, andLake Hibara from one spot. The
Nakatsugawa Valley is a particular
highlight for enjoying autumnal leaves
and the beauty of the valley.
Access: 30 min by car from the Inawashiro
Bandaikogen I.C. on the Ban'etsu Expressway
Mapcode: 413 596 568*37

Kitakata
Storehouse

Bandaisan Goldline

MAP

Bandai Town / Kitashiobara Village

A number of small and large ponds and lakes are scatteredalong the sightseeing road that connects Aizu andUrabandai. Enjoy the great outdoors along its trekking
routes and sightseeing paths.

Lake Inawashiro Water Sports

Inawashiro Town / Aizu-Wakamatsu City / Koriyama City

Japan's fourth largest lake, Lake Inawashiro is known as
the "Heavenly Mirror Lake" for its transparent waters. A
variety of leisure activities, such as swimming, marine
sports, and pleasure cruising, can also be enjoyed here.
Mapcode: 377 272 622*13
http://www.bandaisan.or.jp/ib/en/

Access: 20 min by car from the Bandai Kawahigashi I.C. on the
Ban'etsu Expressway
Mapcode: 413 288 257*12

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Kitakata - Japanese Storehouses Galore Kitakata City

Kurazashiki
Art Gallery
Wakaki Shoten
Brick Storehouse

More than 4,000 storehouses, including sake breweries and miso paste storehouses, still stand in Kitakata
City, and are still used in the daily lives of its people. Taking a stroll through the city, you will find storehouses
with a retro atmosphere dotted throughout. You can even take a tour at some of them.

Kitakata

Sta.

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Kita

From early August until early September, roughly 2
million sunflowers bloom on the slopes of Sannokura Ski
Resort. The yellow canola flowers that bloom in spring
are also a sight to behold.

Kitakata Ramen
Best Season(Sunflowers)
Early August - Early September(Canola Flowers)
Mid-May - Early June

Access: 30 min by car or taxi from Kitakata Sta. on the JR
Ban'etsu West Line. By Car: 50 min from the Aizuwakamatsu I.C. on the Ban'etsu Expressway
Mapcode: 674 299 492*61

17

Kitakata Ramen is one ofJa p a n ' s t h r e e fa m o u sramen. It is characterized byits curly noodles and soy
sauce-base soup. You can even have it for
breakfast at some shops. Burgers and pizza
inspired by this ramen are also popular.

Morohashi Museum ofModern Art Kitashiobara Village
This art museum displays the works of Impressionist
and Surrealist artists, with a special focus on those of
Salvador Dali. It is known for being the only art
museum in Asia with a permanent Dali exhibition.

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Access: Alight from the JR Ban'etsu West Line at Kitakata Sta.

Sannokura Highlands
Sunflower Fields Kitakata City

Kurazashiki
Azumasa

0100m 200m 300m 400m 500m

Try
soft-serve ice cream
made using
Aizu-grown peanuts!

Cycling around Lake Hibara

Access: 25 min by bus from Inawashiro Sta. on the JR
Ban'etsu West Line. By Car: 20 min from the Inawashiro
Bandaikogen I.C. on the Ban'etsu Expressway
Business Hours (Late Apr. - Late Nov.): 9:30 am - 5:30 pm*.
*Open until 5 pm in November. (Entrance is permitted until
30 min prior to closing)
Mapcode: 413 566 141*17
https://dali.jp/en/

Kitashiobara Village

Cycling around the circumference of Lake Hibara (around
31 km) while feeling the highland breeze is popularamong visitors. Bicycles can be rented from hotels andother facilities.
Mapcode: 413 562 235*16
https://www.urabandai-inf.com/en/

Winter Sports

Peanut soft-serve
ice cream
Access: 5 min on foot from Kitakata
Sta. on the JR Ban'etsu West Line.
By Car: 25 min from the
Aizuwakamatsu I.C. on the
Ban'etsu Expressway
Mapcode: 97 824 160*15

Kitashiobara Village / Inawashiro Town / Bandai Town

Goshikinuma Ponds
Nature Trail Kitashiobara Village
8 ponds are scattered along this trail - the most popular hiking
course in Urabandai. Take in the mystical scenery and thedifferent colors of the ponds that change depending on season
and weather.

Enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding in
addition to nature skiing, backcountry skiing, andsnowshoe trekking.
Access: 35 min by bus from Inawashiro Sta. on the JR
Ban'etsu West Line. By Car: 25 min from the Inawashiro
Bandaikogen I.C. on the Ban'etsu Expressway
Mapcode: 413 566 311*67
http://www.urabandai-inf.com/en/

https://www.aizuski.jp

18Area Guide

Area Guide

Nakadori Area

Hanamiyama is just one of the famous scenic spots of Nakadori Area. It isso picturesque that it has been referred to as a floral paradise. Other
highlights include eating fresh fruit you pick straight from the tree, andother trips which introduce you to local history and tradition.

Fukushima / Koriyama /MiharuNakadori Area
Fruit-Picking Fukushima City
Along the road running through thesuburbs of Fukushima City known as"Fruit Line", visitors can pick cherries,
peaches, pears, grapes, and apples.
Don't miss out on the delicious tasteof fresh-picked fruit!

Fruit Harvest Calendar
Jun

Jul

Aug Sep

Oct

Nov

Cherries

Mapcode: 76 216 158*02
https://fukushima-guide.jp

Peaches
GrapesJapanese Pears
ApplesJapanese Pear

These colorful ﬂowers make up
the quintessential spring scenery of Fukushima
Hanamiyama

Fukushima City

Best Season

Late March - Early April

One of Japan's leading photographers praised this famous location with the words "Paradise can be found in
Fukushima". Large numbers of people come from all over the country to see the plum, cherry blossoms,
magnolias, and flowering peaches in their full glory.

Access: 20 min by bus from Fukushima Sta. on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line.
By Car: 20 min from Fukushima Nishi I.C. on the Tohoku Expressway
Mapcode: 475 269 239*75
https://fukushima-guide.jp

Kokeshi Painting Experience Fukushima City

Tsuchiyu Onsen Fukushima City
This onsen town has more than 10 types of hot springs and more than 1400 years ofhistory. It is also known for being home to one of the three most famous types of kokeshi
dolls.

Hanamomo no Sato Fukushima City

Commutan Fukushima Miharu Town

Best Season

Learn all about the current situation of Fukushima's environment, and how it has changed.
Displays on nuclear radiation and the current state of Fukushima's environment, as well as
events such as science shows, will ensure you are well-informed. If you reserve in advance,
an English-speaking guide can join you during your visit.

Early April - Early May

Access: 15 min by bus from Miharu Sta. on the JR Ban'etsu East Line. By Car: 5 min from
Funehiki-Miharu I.C. on the Ban'etsu Expressway
Business Hours: 9 am - 5 pm
Mapcode: 129 047 742*18
https://www.fukushima-kankyosozo.jp/eng/index.html

Access: 15 min by taxi from Iizaka Onsen Sta. on the Fukushima
Kotsu Iizaka Line. By Car: 15 min from Fukushima Iizaka I.C. on the
Tohoku Expressway
Mapcode: 76 278 549*63
http://iizaka.info/sightseeing-spots/

19

Access: 40 min by bus from Fukushima Sta. on the JR Tohoku
Shinkansen. By Car: 20 min from Fukushima Nishi I.C. on the Tohoku
Expressway
Business Hours: 9 am - 6 pm
Mapcode: 475 039 537*60

Access: 40 min by bus from Fukushima Sta. on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen. By Car: 15 min from
Fukushima Nishi I.C. on the Tohoku Expressway
Mapcode: 475 039 522*33
http://www.tcy.jp/en/

Approximately 300 flowering peach stems have beengathered from around the world and planted here where
they bloom in a variety of colors from early April to earlyMay.

Bandai-Azuma Skyline Fukushima City

Nakano Fudoson Temple Fukushima City

Takashiba Dekoyashiki

This mountain road stretches for 29 km connecting Takayu
Onsen and Tsuchiyu Toge Pass. The road that is said to"run through the sky" seems to weave through the mountain,
and it is known as a scenic spot for viewing autumnal
leaves.

This sacred place, where many people have come toworship since ancient times, is said to ward off evil andhelp in avoiding hardships.

4 residences-turned-craft-workshops, known for being thefirst place to create the Miharu-goma decorative items andother papier-mâché crafts from Miharu Town. These
residences continue to preserve tradition and create avariety of new products. Try painting your own traditional
crafts here.

Access to Jododaira: 60 min by car from Fukushima Nishi I.C. on
the Tohoku Expressway
Mapcode: 475 181 457*55 https://fukushima-guide.jp

Experience painting your own Tsuchiyu kokeshi doll at Yume
Butai (Tsuchiyu Onsen Tourism Center) which opened in
2019.

Access: 25 min by bus from Fukushima Sta. on the JR Tohoku
Shinkansen Line. By Car: 10 min from Fukushima Iizaka I.C. on the
Tohoku Expressway
Business Hours: 8:30 am - 5 pm (Mid-Oct. - Dec.: 8:30 am - 4 pm)
Mapcode: 76 245 576*60
http://iizaka.info/sightseeing-spots/

Koriyama City

Access: 5 min by car from Miharu Sta. on the JR Ban'etsu East Line. By Car: 10 min from Koriyama
Higashi I.C. on the Ban'etsu Expressway
Mapcode: 129 130 785*53

20

Area Guide

Area Guide

Nakadori Area

Nihonmatsu / Shirakawa

Mt. Adatara Ropeway

Nakadori Area

The castle towns of Nihonmatsu and Shirakawa, home to Kasumigajo Castle
and Komine Castle respectively, have many famous confections andtraditional crafts which have been handed down for generations. These cities
have their own unique culture and stunning natural scenery which can beenjoyed year-round.

Nihonmatsu City

A 10-minute aerial ride on the ropeway will take you to Mt. Adatara's
8th station and hiking trailhead. In autumn, you can look down upon amajestic view of the autumnal leaves and experience the "real sky",which has been praised in Japanese poetry.

Access: 50 min by bus from Nihonmatsu Sta. on the JR Tohoku Main Line.
By Car: 25 min from Nihonmatsu I.C. on the Tohoku Expressway
Mapcode: 377 744 339*74

Gaze up at “the real sky”
praised in poetry

Reﬂections of fall leaves andsurrounding landscapes on the lake's
surface are beautiful.
Nanko Park Shirakawa City
This park was made more than 300 years ago and issaid to be the oldest public park in Japan. Nanko Park
has around 800 cherry blossom trees and also boasts
trees changing leaves in the autumn. It maintains its
elegant appearance throughout the seasons of the year.

Access: 10 min by bus from Shirakawa Sta.
on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line. By Car:
15 min from Shirakawa I.C. on the Tohoku
Expressway
Mapcode: 203 416 010*75

uisineawa C
ShirakThe castle town of Shirakawa has
many Japanese confectionaries
with famous sweets, such as
dango (sweet rice dumpling), that
continue to be passed down fromgeneration to generation.

Suirakuen Garden Shirakawa City

Shirakawa Daruma Painting Experience

Enjoy tea in the teahouse with a view of the lake and mountains, located in the Japanese garden
within Nanko Park.

Shirakawa Daruma have a history of 300 years. Their eyebrows are shaped like cranes,
their mustaches are turtles, their beards are pine trees, and their ears are plum trees. Allof these things are symbols of good luck - making Shirakawa Daruma good luck charms.
Paint your own daruma at one of two workshops in the city.

Access: 10 min by bus from Shirakawa Sta. on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line. By Car: 15 min from
Shirakawa I.C. on the Tohoku Expressway
Business Hours: 9 am - 5 pm (Dec. - Mar.: 9 am - 4:30 pm)
Mapcode: 203 416 045*15

Dake Onsen
Nihonmatsu City

Kasumigajo Park Nihonmatsu City
The castle once maintained by the first feudal lord of Nihonmatsu is now a prefecturalpark and famous viewing spot for cherry blossoms in spring. It also acts as a venue forthe local Chrysanthemum Doll festival in fall.
Access: 20 min on foot from Nihonmatsu Sta. on the JR Tohoku Main Line.
By Car: 5 min from Nihonmatsu I.C. on the Tohoku Expressway
Mapcode: 129 636 597*11

21

Dake Onsen, which is unusual forthe slightly acidic nature of its hot
spring waters, boasts over 1000
years. The hot spring water isgentle and soft, and is known for its
beautifying effects on the skin. It isthought to be effective for soothing
skin conditions.
Access: 20 min by car from
Nihonmatsu Sta. on the JR Tohoku
Main Line. By Car: 15 min from
Nihonmatsu I.C. on the Tohoku
Expressway
Mapcode: 377 688 333*73
http://www.dakeonsen.or.jp/en/

awa
Shirak e
CuisinShirakawa Ramen
The popularity of this ramen gives Kitakata Ramen a run for its
money. Shirakawa City is home to more than 100 shops specializingin Shirakawa Ramen, which is known for its crimped noodles and thelight flavor of its soy sauce-based broth.

Shirakawa City

/Sagawa Daruma Seizosho/ Business Hours: 8:30 am - 7 pm
/Watanabe Daruma Shop/ Business Hours: 10 am - 5 pm
Access: 10 min by taxi from Shirakawa Sta. on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen. By Car: 10 min from
Shirakawa I.C. on the Tohoku Expressway
Mapcode: 203 476 021*72

Kashi Onsen
Nishigo Village

This secluded hot spring has ahistory of more than 600 years
since its founding. The sole ryokan
of Kashi Onsen was a favorite of the
Shirakawa feudal lord. Do visit infall, when the entire mountain iscovered in brilliant colors.
Access: 40 min by bus from Shirakawa
Sta. on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen.
By Car: 40 min from Shirakawa I.C.
on the Tohoku Expressway
Business Hours: 10 am - 3 pm (Dec. Mar.: Closed on Wednesdays)
Mapcode: 433 059 339*14

22

Area Guide

Area Guide

Hamadori Area

Iwaki

Hamadori Area

The Iwaki area, which sits along the Pacific coast, has a wealth of leisurefacilities that make use of the great volume of hot spring water, anaquarium, and restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood.

Aquamarine Fukushima (Fukushima Ocean Science Museum) Iwaki City
An aquarium themed on the Pacific tide. It has exhibits replicating
the ecosystems of the seas, mountains, and lakes in Fukushima,
one of the world's largest touch pools, where you can interact withthe creatures found in the ocean, and a display of coelacanthspecimens among a variety of other available experiences.

Access: 15 min by bus from Izumi Sta. on the JR Joban Line.
By Car: 20 min from Iwaki-Yumoto I.C. on the Joban Expressway
Business Hours: 9 am - 5:30 pm (Dec. until mid-Mar.: 9 am - 5 pm)
Mapcode: 82 078 707*66
https://www.aquamarine.or.jp

Iwaki City Coal and Fossil Museum
Horuru Iwaki City
Features exhibitions on the history of the Joban Coal Mines of Iwaki,
and displays of fossils discovered in the city. At the entrance, you will
be greeted by the Futabasaurus Suzukii fossil discovered in Iwaki City.
Access: 10 min on foot from Yumoto Sta.on the JR Joban Line. By Car: 10 min
from Iwaki-Yumoto I.C. on the Joban Expressway
Business Hours: 9 am - 5 pm
Mapcode: 82 342 126*61
https://kankou-iwaki.com

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Wonder Farm Iwaki City

Shiramizu Amidado Temple Iwaki City

Whether it's by picking tomatoes, having a BBQ outdoors, or eating abuffet lunch including dishes made using freshly-picked tomatoes,
enjoy nature to the full at Wonder Farm.

The main hall built at the end of the Heian period is the only building in the prefecture designated as a National
Treasure. Its elegant appearance harmonizes with the surrounding Japanese garden.

Access: 15 min by car or taxi from Yotsukura Sta. on the JR Joban Line. By Car:
3 min from Iwaki-Yotsukura I.C. on the Joban Expressway
Mapcode: 82 744 480*30

Access: 18 min by bus and then 5 min on foot from Iwaki Sta. on the JR Joban Line. By car, 15 min from Iwaki-Yumoto I.C. on the
Joban Expressway
Business Hours: 8:30 am to 4 pm (Nov. - Mar.: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm)
Mapcode: 82 430 026*62
https://kankou-iwaki.com

Michi-no-Eki
Yotsukurakou

Mori-no-Kitchen(Roadside Rest Area)

Iwaki Yumoto Onsen

Iwaki City

This onsen town has over 1000 years of history and is rare in that the onsen water has
mixed hot spring sources. The "Bijin no Yu" bath is said to have skin beautifying properties.
Access: Alight at Yumoto Sta. on the JR Joban Line. By Car: 10 min from Iwaki-Yumoto I.C. on the Joban
Expressway
Mapcode: 82 311 418*33
https://kankou-iwaki.com

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Step into summer at any time of year here, where onsen waters are used to maintain thetemperature of this domed facility at 28 degrees. 6 theme parks are located within Spa
Resort Hawaiians, and the hula show and water park are two of the facility's main
attractions.
Access: 15 min by bus from Yumoto Sta. on the JR Joban Line. By Car: 3 min from Iwaki-Yumoto I.C. on
the Joban Expressway
Business Hours: 10 am - 10:15 pm (Open from 9 am* on Sat., Sun., and Public Holidays. * Subject tochange depending on the season.)
Mapcode: 82 248 819*58
https://www.hawaiians.co.jp/english/e

Access: 15 min by car or taxi from Yotsukura Sta. on the JR
Joban Line. By Car: 3 min from Iwaki-Yotsukura I.C. on the
Joban Expressway
Business Hours: 11 am - 3 pm (Sat., Sun., and Public Holidays:
11 am - 3:30 pm)
Mapcode: 82 744 480*30

Food Court Business Hours: 10 am - 6 pm (Nov. - Feb.: 10 am 5 pm)
Mapcode: 82 689 467*27

Iwaki City

CuisinAt Wonder Farm, enjoy freshly-picked tomatoes, tomato
curry, and brick-oven grilled pizza among the 40 dishes
on the all-you-can-eat menu.

Enjoy a variety of foods, including kamameshi dishes,sushi made with fresh fish, and an incredible, mega-sizedseafood rice bowl.

Spa Resort Hawaiians

Iwaki

Halal Shokudo
A restaurant featuring halal dishes. There is also an
adjacent prayer room.
Access: 5 min on foot from Yumoto Sta. on the JR Joban Line.
By car: 10 min from Iwaki-Yumoto I.C. on the Joban Expressway
Business Hours: 11 am - 7:30 pm (Sat. and Sun.: 11 am - 2 pm)
Mapcode: 82 312 542*73
http://www.halal-iwaki.jp/english/

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Area Guide

Area Guide

Hamadori Area

Soso

Hamadori Area

Soso offers a number of places where visitors can experience samurai
culture, such as Samurai Armor Experiences and attending the Soma
Nomaoi festival, during which man and horse work together to win
challenges. This area also has many spots for appreciating nature.

Iwana-no-Sato Kawauchi Village
Lodges designed like traditional houses, a watermill, Japanese garden - Iwana-no-Sato isvery picturesque. You can catch iwana (char), grill it with salt, and enjoy it as part of a meal
with soba noodles you prepare from scratch as part of their soba-making experience.
Access: 70 min by car from Iwaki Sta. on the JR Joban Line. By Car: 35 min from Joban-Tomioka I.C. on
the Joban Expressway
Business Hours (Restaurant): 11 am - 4 pm, (Fishing): 9 am - 4 pm
Mapcode: 451 083 657*53

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Michinoku Coastal Trail
Soma City / Shinchi Town

This long trail stretches along the coast of the Pacific Ocean from Hachinohe City in Aomori
Prefecture to Soma City in Fukushima Prefecture. Within the prefecture, the trail includes
the Shinchi Town route which takes you up Mt. Karosan, and from its summit you can see
Matsukawaura, and if the weather is good, as far as Mt. Kinka. And the Soma City Routewhich allows you to experience the history and culture of the city when it flourished as acastle town.
http://tohoku.env.go.jp/mct/english/

Tenzan Bunko Museum Kawauchi Village
The thatched-roof facility houses a library of roughly 3,000 books
donated by the famed poet and honorary villager, Kusano Shinpei.
There is a festival held in his honor every year in July.
Access: 60 min by car from Iwaki Sta. on the JR Joban Line. By Car: 20 min
from Joban-Tomioka I.C. on the Joban Expressway
Business Hours: 9 am - 4 pm
Mapcode: 451 021 409*66

Soma Nomaoi Festival
Date Held

Soma City / Minamisoma City

Last Sat., Sun., and Mon. of July

This traditional festival still lives on even after more than 1000 years.
Horse-mounted samurai in full armor create a magnificent and heroic display intheir procession weaving through the streets, the fervent armor-clad horse races,
and heated competition over sacred flags all form a splendid and magnificent
display of samurai culture.

Access: Shuttle bus is available from Haranomachi Sta. on the JR Joban Line (Only for the main festival held on Sunday).
By Car: 15 min from Minamisoma I.C. on the Joban Expressway
Mapcode: 208 145 463*63
http://soma-nomaoi.jp/en/top-page/

Nakamura Castle Remains Soma City
Home to Soma Nakamura Shrine, one of the venues for events held as part of Soma Nomaoi
Festival. The Otemon gate of old remains standing today along with remnants of the stone
walls, earthen walls, and moat.
Access: 15 min from Soma Sta. on the JR Joban Line. By Car: 10 min from Soma I.C. on the Joban
Expressway
Mapcode: 208 770 333*12

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Nomaoi-dori Meijokan Samurai Armor Experience
Minamisoma City

Reservation Required

Try wearing samurai andfoot soldier ar mor andexperience the atmosphereof the Sengoku period.
Access: 15 min on foot from
Haranomachi Sta. on the JR
Joban Line. By Car: 10 min
from Minamisoma I.C. on the
Joban Expressway
Business Hours: 9 am - 5 pm
Mapcode: 208 205 521*07

uisinerea C
Soso A

Namie Yakisoba ( Namie Town )This yakisoba is characterized by its simple ingredients ofthick noodles, rich sauce, pork, and bean sprouts. Thisflavor, well-loved for more than 50 years, can be eaten atplaces such as Sedette Kashimaya, Michi-no-Eki
Minamisoma (Roadside Rest Area), and Machi Nami
Marché.

Café Amazon ( Kawauchi Village )The first of this popular Thai café to open in Japan. Enjoy coffee
made from beans imported from Thailand at this café whose
interior resembles a log cabin.
Access: 75 min by bus from Funehiki Sta. on the JR Ban'etsu East Line.
By Car: 20 min from the Joban-Tomioka I.C. on the Joban Expressway
Business Hours: 10 am - 7 pm
Mapcode: 451 022 570*56

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