Shiramizu Amida-do Temple (a national treasure) - showing the beauty of Heian-style architecture This is an elegant building, which is designed with the Heian-style architecture of Amida-do hall, and is said to have been built in 1160. Within the hall are five statues of Buddha. All of them have been designated as important cultural assets. The garden of this hall was modeled after the Konjiki-do Hall of Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture. The beauty of its garden is well known throughout Japan. Admission: 350 yen / Open 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., closed on every fourth Wednesday (9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. from November to March) / 0246-26-7008 25-min. bus ride from JR Iwaki Station and a 5-min. walk from Amidado.

Shioyazaki-todai Lighthouse - used in a Japanese movie This lighthouse has been a symbol of Iwaki beach and has been safely guiding ships at sea since it was built in 1899. Five days before World War II came to an end, the lighthouse was attacked by American vessels. You can still see the damage on a ceiling. The lighthouse was opened to the public and you can look over the Pacific Ocean from a height of 73 meters above sea. Admission: 100 yen / Open 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (till 5 p.m. from July to August), no holidays (closed during inclement weather) / 0246-39-3759 30-min. bus ride from JR Iwaki Station and a 10-min. walk from Todai-iriguchi.

Numa-no-uchi Benzaiten Shrine - giant eels grow in a pond This shrine was made around 810, is located in Mitsuzoin-kensho-ji Temple. Local people call the shrine "Benten-san" and worship for good catches at sea. There are also the Kashiko-numa swamp where you can see one-meter-long eels (a national monument fish) and the nishikigoi (colored fancy carps). Admission: Free / Open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sundays, holidays and Summertime) / 0246-22-7477 (Commerce and Tourism Section of the Iwaki Municipal Office) 25-min. bus ride from JR Iwaki Station and a 2-min. walk from Benten-sama.

Misaki-koen Park - where the whole family can spend a great day This park is situated on a hill of a 14.5 acre area which extends along Onahama-ko Port of the Pacific Ocean. There are several facilities such as Iwaki's new symbol of Marine Tower, a "Shiomi-dai" (observatory), a Picnic square and an open-air music hall. Admission: Free for the park / 320 yen for the Marine Tower / Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., closed on third Tuesdays / 0246-54-5707 Bus ride from JR Izumi Station (via Onahama) and get off at last stop.

Relics of Nakoso-no-seki - Iwaki was a gate to Oshu (northeastern parts of Japan)

5-min. car ride from JR Nakoso Station.

Iwaki Flower Center - where the flowers are in full bloom in all year round This is a paradise for flowers which are in full bloom at a site of extending 33 acres. Besides the rock garden and greenhouse, there is also a promenade and an athletic course. Admission: Free / Open 9:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. (the greenhouse opens from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.), closed on Tuesdays and the days following holidays / 0246-22-5667 Bus ride from JR Iwaki Station (via Yotsunami) and get off at the last stop.

Spa-resort Hawaiians - This park marks the location where the coal mine once stood This is a theme park which uses the hot spring in Joban coal mining left by. There are rich natural resources of hot spring water flows, and the park grounds are 6 times larger than the Tokyo Dome. The park is divided into two sections: a water park and a spring park. You will be amazed at its dynamic size and Hawaiian atmosphere. The temperature of the swimming pool is always kept at 27 degrees Celsius all year round. The spring park is not only for spas, but you can also play around in the huge open areas. There is a hotel where visitors can spend the night (1 night is from 11,000 yen and includes 2 meals). Admission: 2,300 yen / Regular hours: 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m., Summer hours: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m., holidays 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m., Days preceding holidays 9:00 a.m. - 10:45 p.m., no holidays / 0246-43-3191 5-min. car ride from JR Yumoto Station.

Yumoto hot spring resort - Known for its rich sea products and an open air spa Yumoto hot spring is a well known as being one of the three oldest springs in Japan's long history. The color of the spring water is clear, but it contains a little bit of sulfur. This resort is always crowded throughout the year, because the location is a very convenient place to stop by. There are many inns at the resort, and you can also enjoy their fresh fish caught from neighboring sea. Iwaki Yumoto-onsen-ryokan Kyodo-kumiai / 0246-43-3017 Just outside of JR Yumoto Station.

Sawako-no-yu - a gorgeous health spa This new hot spring opened in 1995. A wooden three-story building provides a wonderful outlook. It offers complete facilities including a bathroom for the handicapped, three big public baths and a large banquette room. Admission: 150 yen for spa/ 710 yen per visit / Open 8 a.m. - 10 p.m., closed on third Tuesdays / 0246-43-0385 10-min. walk from JR Yumoto Station.