Introducing the charming tourist spots of Nakore Town, Fukushima Prefecture!

Introducing the charming tourist spots of Nakore Town, Fukushima Prefecture!

"Nakoso" is read as "Nakoso." Nakoso was located along the Pacific coast of Fukushima Prefecture, near the border with Ibaraki Prefecture. After undergoing several administrative changes, Nakoso Town became part of Iwaki City through a municipal merger in 1966. Situated by the Pacific Ocean and blessed with a mild climate, it is known as a comfortable place to live.

This time, we will introduce a variety of tourist attractions in Nakoso Town.

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Introducing the charming tourist spots of Nakore Town, Fukushima Prefecture!

1. Spa Resort Hawaiians

When it comes to Nakoso’s most iconic tourist attraction, "Spa Resort Hawaiians" stands out. Open 365 days a year, this resort offers a tropical atmosphere all year round, making it a great place to stay warm and have fun even during winter sightseeing in Nakoso.

This large-scale leisure facility features five main activities: pools, hot springs, shows and events, beauty treatments and exercise, and golf. It is a tourist attraction in Nakoso that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.

The shows at Spa Resort Hawaiians are truly spectacular. Enjoy the mesmerizing Hawaiian dance performances by the "Hula Girls," the thrilling fire knife dance, and live Hawaiian-style music that immerses you in the island’s atmosphere. You will feel like you are in Hawaii.

The entrance fee for daytime admission is 3,570 yen for middle school students and older, 2,250 yen for elementary school students, and 1,640 yen for children aged three and above. Evening admission is available at a discounted rate. Additionally, swimwear is available for rent, allowing visitors to enjoy the pools and hot springs even without bringing their own. This makes it easy to stop by on a whim during your Nakoso sightseeing trip.

With so many different activities to enjoy, you won’t be able to experience everything in just one day at "Spa Resort Hawaiians." Be sure to visit when you travel to Nakoso!

*The listed entrance fees are as of December 2023.

2. Iwaki City Coal and Fossil Museum "Horuru"

The "Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum," introduced here, is a facility that showcases the history of the Joban coalfield and fossils while linking them to Earth's geological history. It is a popular destination, drawing many tourists to Nakoso.

The Joban coalfield extends from northern Ibaraki Prefecture to the southern coast of Fukushima Prefecture, making Nakoso historically significant for coal mining.

At the "Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum," visitors can learn about fossils such as the "Futabasaurus suzukii," a dinosaur discovered by a high school student in Iwaki City, as well as other dinosaur fossils, coal, and the rocks that shape Iwaki’s landscape. These exhibits, presented through specimens and panels, help visitors understand how coal, a product of Earth's processes, has influenced human life.

This is a must-visit sightseeing spot in Iwaki City when traveling to Nakoso.

3. Aquamarine Fukushima

Would you like to explore the marine world of Nakoso at the "Aquamarine Fukushima" aquarium?

Aquamarine Fukushima takes advantage of the unique characteristics of Fukushima’s coastal waters, which are influenced by both the Kuroshio and Oyashio currents. The aquarium highlights various fish and marine creatures while also focusing on educating visitors about marine ecosystems.

Of course, visitors can also enjoy popular marine animals such as sea lions and spotted seals, along with vibrant sea anemones. Tourists visiting Nakoso always have a great time here. Additionally, Aquamarine Fukushima offers many hands-on activities, making it an essential stop on any sightseeing trip to Nakoso.

4. Shiramizu Amida Hall (Ganseiji Temple)

Shiramizu Amida Hall is the only nationally designated treasure in Fukushima Prefecture, making it a recommended site for temple sightseeing in Nakoso.

Inside the National Treasure-designated Amida Hall, five Buddhist statues, including an Amida Nyorai and bodhisattvas, are enshrined. The hall is also surrounded by a pond, showcasing architectural influences from the Ōshū Fujiwara clan, the temple’s historical patrons.

Nakoso was affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, which temporarily halted public access to the temple. However, restoration work has been completed, and the temple has regained its solemn beauty.

During autumn, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking sight of golden ginkgo trees in full color. Be sure to visit during the fall foliage season to witness this magnificent scenery.

5. Iwaki Yumoto Hot Springs

Iwaki Yumoto Hot Springs is a renowned onsen located in Iwaki City. Why not take a relaxing dip in the hot springs during your Nakoso sightseeing trip?

This famous hot spring has been mentioned in ancient literature and became well-known as a therapeutic bathing site. During the Edo period, it flourished as a bustling post town centered around its hot springs.

During the Meiji era, coal mining began in the Joban coalfield near Nakoso, leading to a temporary depletion of the hot spring. However, the water is now drawn from several hundred meters underground through modern drilling techniques. Today, over 20 inns and hotels line the area, welcoming a steady flow of tourists.

With the sea, delicious seafood, and rejuvenating hot springs, this is one of Nakoso’s most remarkable attractions!

6. Iwaki La La Mew

For tourists wondering where to buy souvenirs in Nakoso, "Iwaki La La Mew" is the perfect answer!

Iwaki La La Mew is a large tourist facility where visitors can find seafood, marine products, specialty goods, souvenirs, local gourmet foods, traditional crafts, and even Nakoso’s mascot, "Hula Ojisan." With its vast selection, this is the one-stop shop for everything Nakoso has to offer.

The facility is divided into four zones: the "Seafood Zone," the "Dining Zone," the "Shopping Zone," and the "Restaurant Zone."

In the "Seafood Zone," visitors can purchase dried fish, tuna, king crab, and other seafood, including fresh and affordable options for a seafood barbecue. The "Dining Zone" offers a variety of meals, including seafood rice bowls, sushi, udon, soba, and even gourmet hamburgers, all carefully prepared by skilled chefs.

The "Shopping Zone" sells a wide array of Iwaki’s specialties, souvenirs, and sweets, making it feel like a department store. Meanwhile, the "Restaurant Zone" serves extravagant meals featuring local seafood, including set meals and rice bowls.

7. Shioyasaki Lighthouse

Shioyasaki Lighthouse is one of Nakoso’s best scenic attractions.

This grand white lighthouse stands on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It measures 24 meters in height, and its light is positioned over 70 meters above sea level.

Visitors can climb the exterior stairs to reach the lighting area and enter the exhibition room inside the lighthouse.

The view from the top is breathtaking, offering panoramic scenery of vast mountains and the open sea. This spectacular view is exclusive to those who make the climb, making it a must-visit spot in Nakoso. The lighthouse is generally open year-round, but entry may be restricted during bad weather, so be sure to check the forecast before visiting.

◎ Summary of tourist attractions in Nakoso Town, Fukushima Prefecture

This guide introduced several must-visit tourist attractions in Nakoso Town, Fukushima Prefecture. Blessed with abundant seafood and hot springs, Nakoso is a treasure trove of tourism resources that can be enjoyed with ease.

Nakoso is also known for its shallow coastal waters, making it home to many famous swimming beaches. With its rich marine life, diverse seafood, well-stocked souvenir shops, continuously flowing hot springs, beautiful aquarium, and breathtaking lighthouse views, Nakoso is a true paradise for travelers. Be sure to visit Nakoso Town in Fukushima Prefecture for an unforgettable sightseeing experience!

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