IWAKIいわき市
The area in and around Iwaki is a testament to innovation and to the resilience of its residents.
Situated near the east coast of Fukushima Prefecture, it was part of Japan’s largest coal field until oil replaced coal as Japan’s main source of power in the 1960s. The local economy faced ruin, before the owner of the Joban Tanko coal mine had the idea of using the area’s hot springs as one of the main attractions of a new Hawaiian-themed spa resort.
As well as Iwaki’s many family-themed attractions, it is also the home to beautiful rolling hills, and shrines.
One of the 100 hidden towns in Japan chosen for this publication.