Fukushima offers many popular tourist destinations perfect for rainy days, attracting visitors from both within and outside the prefecture, even during bad weather. From thrilling limestone caves that test your sense of adventure to large-scale hot spring resorts, aquariums, and places to learn about history and dinosaur fossils, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy Fukushima to the fullest—even when it rains!
1. Spa Resort Hawaiians – A Tropical Paradise, Even on Rainy Days
Spa Resort Hawaiians is a large-scale hot spring theme park where visitors can enjoy hula girl shows, pools, and hot springs. As most of the facilities are weatherproof, you can experience a tropical vibe regardless of the weather.
The Water Park features a large indoor hot spring pool, using water sourced from Iwaki Yumoto Onsen. Its 50-meter pool and three water slides with five courses are particularly popular.
After swimming, head to the hot spring area. On rainy days, try the indoor spa “Spring Town”, where visitors wear swimsuits and enjoy a spacious atrium spanning from the 3rd to the 5th floors, making it ideal for families or couples. The gender-segregated "Palace Grand Bath" offers various baths, including stone and hinoki wood tubs, across a vast area of 960 square meters.
Once you’ve refreshed in the hot springs, enjoy some Hawaiian cuisine such as loco moco, Hawaiian burgers, and pancakes. Don’t miss the famous Polynesian show, popularized by the movie Hula Girls!
2. Aquamarine Fukushima – The Largest Aquarium in the Prefecture
Aquamarine Fukushima, known for its distinctive design with curved glass, is the largest aquarium in the prefecture. As an indoor venue, it’s perfect for rainy-day visits.
The aquarium’s highlight is the “Sea of Tides,” which showcases the meeting of two ocean currents, the Kuroshio and Oyashio. Visitors can walk through a triangular tunnel to observe bonito and sardines up close. The “Northern Sea Seals & Seabirds” exhibit features rare animals such as ribbon seals and adorable spotted seals from the Bering and Okhotsk Seas. Meanwhile, the “Coral Reef” section displays vibrant tropical fish and corals found in the Kuroshio Current.
Visitors can also enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, feeding experiences, and fishing activities where you can cook the fish you catch.
Located along the coast, Aquamarine Fukushima is about a 25-minute drive southwest from Spa Resort Hawaiians and is a popular attraction for visitors from both inside and outside the prefecture.
Name: Aquamarine Fukushima
Address: 50 Tatsumi-cho, Onahama, Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture
Official Website: https://www.aquamarine.or.jp/
3. Experience Tranquility with Seikou-Udoku at Aizu Clan School Nisshinkan
Another great destination for rainy days is Aizu Clan School Nisshinkan, famous as the setting of the NHK drama Yae no Sakura. This historical school, originally built to educate Aizu samurai and the Byakkotai youth, has been faithfully reconstructed after being destroyed during the Boshin War.
Popular programs at Nisshinkan include the Zazen meditation experience, where participants learn proper sitting techniques and listen to Buddhist teachings, and the naginata (polearm) experience, which covers basic movements and techniques. Group reservations of 10 or more are required for these activities, so it’s ideal for families or friends to visit together. Other activities, such as archery, painting red “Aka-beko” cows, and decorating “Okiagari Koboshi” dolls, don’t require reservations and are open to all visitors. With many interactive programs to choose from, you’re sure to find an experience that suits your interests. Nisshinkan offers a meaningful way to spend a rainy day in Fukushima.
Name: Aizu Clan School Nisshinkan
Address: 10 Takatsukayama, Minami-Kawado Town, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
Official Website: https://nisshinkan.jp/
4. Explore in Depth on a Rainy Day: Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum "Horuru"
The Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum, known as "Horuru," is a rare museum in Japan dedicated to coal and fossils. Since most of its exhibits are indoors, rainy days are an excellent time to visit. The quieter atmosphere on rainy days also allows visitors to take their time exploring the exhibits.
The former city of Joban, now part of Iwaki City, flourished thanks to the Joban Coal Mine and is also known for its fossil discoveries. One of the museum's highlights is the impressive display of Futabasaurus suzukii, a rare fossil of international importance, along with other fascinating finds such as the plesiosaur and the Iwaki whale.
The museum also features a reconstructed mine tunnel, offering visitors a realistic experience of what it was like inside a coal mine. In addition to the tunnel, there are exhibits detailing the history of the Joban Coalfield and the tools used in mining, making it an ideal destination for educational visits.
Name: Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum "Horuru"
Address: 3-1 Mukaida, Yumoto-machi, Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture
5. Embark on an Adventure in a Limestone Cave ①: Abukuma Cave
Fukushima is home to two well-known limestone caves: Abukuma Cave and Irimizu Cave. Since these caves are cut off from the outside world, the weather doesn’t affect your experience. On rainy days, step inside the caves for an unforgettable adventure. The variety of experiences available, from beginner-friendly tours to more thrilling exploration courses, is a major attraction of these caves.
Abukuma Cave, located on the Sendai Flat Karst Plateau, stretches for over 3 kilometers. Formed by the erosion of underground water over 80 million years, the cave houses endangered species such as the long-fingered bat and the giant salamander.
About 600 meters of the cave is accessible to tourists. The "Takine Palace" section, with ceilings up to 30 meters high, features stunning crystal curtains and cave corals. Other highlights include the Ryugu Palace, with its massive stalagmites and stone pillars, and the "Tower of Monsters," known for its eerie rock formations.
For those seeking more excitement, the cave offers an exploration course with narrow passages, providing a thrilling experience for adventurous visitors.
Name: Abukuma Cave
Address: 1 Higashikamayama, Sugaya, Takine-machi, Tamura City, Fukushima Prefecture
Official Website: https://abukumado.com/
6. Embark on an Adventure in a Limestone Cave ②: Irimizu Cave
For those thinking, “Is that it? I want more adventure!”, Irimizu Cave offers a more intense caving experience where you can get completely soaked. Designated as a national natural monument, this cave lies about 1.5 km northwest of Abukuma Cave. True to its name, Irimizu Cave is filled with flowing water, giving visitors the chance to experience darkness, narrow spaces, and cold conditions—a thrilling adventure awaits.
The cave spans about 900 meters in total length. The first 150 meters make up the “A Course,” a safe area for casual sightseeing. Beyond that lies the “B Course,” stretching about 450 meters, where adventurers wade through icy water up to their knees. Parts of the route require crawling, making this section ideal for intermediate-level explorers. Be sure to bring a change of clothes and a light source!
The final 300 meters comprise the “C Course,” an advanced section that requires a guide. This highly challenging area is only accessible with reservations, available on weekends, holidays, and during summer vacation from mid-March to mid-November. If you're up for a daring challenge, this course offers a unique underground adventure.
After your exploration, warm up at Hoshi no Mura Fureai Center, just a short walk from the cave. Relax in the bath filled with the mineral-rich “Abukuma Natural Water” to prevent catching a cold after your thrilling adventure.
Name: Irimizu Cave
Address: 89-3 Dairoku, Sugaya, Takine-machi, Tamura City, Fukushima Prefecture
Official Website: https://www.irimizu.com/
7. Enjoy the Rainy Scenery from the Castle Tower of Tsuruga Castle
Finally, we introduce Tsuruga Castle, one of Fukushima’s most famous tourist attractions. Also known as Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle or Kurokawa Castle, this fortress was renowned for being nearly impenetrable. It played a key role in the late Edo period and remains a beloved historical site, inspiring countless visitors with its majestic beauty.
In 2011, the castle’s roof tiles were restored to their original red color. Visitors say the red tiles look even more elegant on rainy days, making the castle especially picturesque. From the top of the tower, you can enjoy the serene scenery of the town below, enhanced by the gentle rain.
Inside the castle, the first to fourth floors house the Tenshu Museum, where you can learn about Aizu’s history, including displays on the Byakkotai youth corps and the castle’s past rulers. The salt storehouse ruins are also open for exploration. Regardless of the weather, Tsuruga Castle is a popular destination loved by locals and tourists alike.
Name: Tsuruga Castle
Address: 1-1 Otemachi, Aizu-Wakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
◎ Summary: Recommended Tourist Spots in Fukushima That You Can Enjoy Even on a Rainy Day
Even on rainy days, Fukushima offers a wealth of attractions where visitors can spend their time meaningfully and enjoyably. From thrilling adventures in limestone caves to relaxing hot springs and historical landmarks, there are plenty of ways to make the most of a rainy day in Fukushima. So why not take a trip and explore what this beautiful region has to offer, rain or shine?