I didn’t plan to make a visit to Yakuo-ji Temple during my trip to Iwaki, but the entrance the temple ground really caught my eye and enticed me in. After I had driven past it for a few metres, I couldn’t stop myself from turning the car around and going back to explore. The pathContinue reading The Enchanting Yakuo-ji Temple
I got to explore some very historic, beautiful areas of Iwaki this spring, including the ancient Okunitama Shrine. Okunitama Shrine Okunitama Shrine is the oldest Shrine in the whole of Iwaki City – which is seeing something, seeing as Iwaki is over 1200 km2 – and stands in an incredible historic part of Iwaki. Upon arrival,Continue reading Off the Beaten Path: Okunitama Shrine
Peaches are the most famous produce of Fukushima, but blessed with a climate slap bang in the middle of Japan, Fukushima produces countless types of delicious fruit and veggies. At Wonder Farm, a ‘new age farm’, visitors can learn about farming and also eat lots of delicious, local food. If you like fresh fruit andContinue reading Tomato Heaven in Wonder Farm, Iwaki
In the heart of Ogawa Suwa Shrine in Iwaki, Fukushima, is a beautiful weeping cherry tree, which has stood strong for over 500 years. Ogawa Suwa Shrine is one of the prefecture’s most popular cherry blossom viewing spots, and also happens to be one of the first to blossom in early April. I went toContinue reading Ogawa Suwa Shrine’s Beautiful Cherry Blossom
Tucked away in the mountains, by the coast, or overlooking stunning lakes, there are over 130 hot spring establishments in Fukushima Prefecture for onsen lovers to choose from. Regardless of whether you want to visit a hot spring for its health benefits, or just to relax, and whether you want to chat with the locals,Continue reading Onsen for Horses
A town on the eastern coast of Fukushima is probably the last place you would expect to find a Polynesian Hula Girl Show. Since the 1960s, Spa Resort Hawaiians (a resort complex, home to countless spas, swimming pools, hotels and the world’s largest open-air bath) has been a venue for daily Polynesian dance performances. I wasContinue reading The Hula Girls of Iwaki Yumoto Onsen
During my time in Iwaki Yumoto Onsen I was able to meet a number of local workers. It’s no understatement to describe my meeting with Mr Morita as one of the highlights of my trip to Iwaki. Mr Morita Mr Morita is an 82 year old woodworker and potter who has been carving and creating inContinue reading Meeting Locals from Iwaki, Fukushima
Iwaki Yumoto Onsen has been famous for its onsen (natural thermal baths) for 1200 years. Although I did not have a chance to hunt for fossils, I stayed at Koito Ryokan overnight, and got to experience the town’s legendary onsen first-hand. Iwaki Yumoto Onsen town’s hot springs are special due to their long history and the healing properties ofContinue reading Praying at a Shinto Shrine
