Learn About the History of the Earth at the Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum “Horuru” in Fukushima Prefecture

The Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum "Horuru" is a facility that exhibits the history of coal mining in the Joban coalfield, fossils excavated within the city, and various fossil specimens that tell the story of Earth’s history. At the entrance, you’ll find a powerful display of the Futabasaurus suzukii.
If you want to learn more about the local area or are looking for a great place for children’s independent research projects, a visit to the Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum "Horuru" will lead to many new discoveries.
This time, we’ll give you a detailed introduction to the Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum "Horuru".

History of the Joban Coal Mine

Inside the facility, you can learn about the history of the Joban Coal Mine. Rare video materials, which are now hard to find, are regularly shown, allowing visitors to learn about the history of coal mining in Iwaki and Japan as a whole. Since you can see the real-life situations of people who worked in the mines through these films, it’s a great educational experience. A few screenings are held each day, and the content changes depending on the period. Because of this, every visit can feel fresh and new.
One of the popular exhibits from this long history is the "D51" locomotive, which you can view up close. Nicknamed "Degoichi," this locomotive ran on the Joban Line for an impressive 25 years and 10 months, covering a distance said to be equivalent to circling the Earth 31 times.

Fossil Exhibit Room

A notable feature of the Fossil Exhibit Room is its collection of rare fossils from around the world. Without traveling abroad, you can enjoy a rich and satisfying fossil experience right in Iwaki City. The use of sound and lighting effects enhances the display, making it feel even more dynamic. Visitors can get a glimpse into the evolution of life and the world before humans were born.
Even those not particularly interested in fossils will find plenty of engaging features. The room includes a wide variety of fossils, allowing visitors to learn about the many creatures that once inhabited Iwaki long ago. Exhibits include the long-necked plesiosaur that lived around 85 million years ago and the Iwaki whale from about 4 million years ago—making it a dream destination for fossil enthusiasts.

Simulated Mine Tunnel

The Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum "Horuru" also features a simulated mine tunnel. While fossil-related facilities are common, very few focus on mine tunnels, making this a rare and valuable opportunity. The setup gives you the feeling of actually being inside a coal mine, helping you better understand how mining work was done in the past.
The structure replicates the actual frames used and simulates the atmosphere of 600 meters underground. Various mining methods from different time periods are recreated to help visitors trace the history of coal mining from the past to the present. Historical mining-related materials are also displayed throughout, so take your time exploring.

Lifestyle Hall

The Lifestyle Hall recreates scenes from the Showa era. For children, it’s a novel experience, while for adults, it may feel nostalgic—as if revisiting the era when their grandparents lived. The hall features reproductions of coal miners’ homes from around 1935, postwar care centers, and communal kitchens, offering a glimpse into daily life at the time.
There are also displays on the history of Iwaki Yumoto Onsen, giving you a better understanding of the surrounding area's history. Since the exhibits focus on the early Showa period, this spot is highly recommended for families.

Educational Specimen Exhibit Room

In the Educational Specimen Exhibit Room, you can learn that Iwaki is a land made up of various rocks. Specimens and panels are displayed to capture the interest of children who don’t normally think about the earth beneath their feet, and slideshows are shown to supplement the learning experience.
The room is a replica of an old-fashioned classroom, making it feel as if you've time-traveled into the past to become a student of that era. The concept is well thought out, so even adults will enjoy it. With various specimens of coal, rocks, and more, this exhibit offers hands-on learning unlike ordinary textbooks.

Rokkōen Garden

Rokkōen Garden is a "Forest of Showa." On August 5, 1947, Emperor Showa visited to encourage coal mine workers who were key to Japan’s postwar economic recovery. The Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum preserves the entrance of the No. 6 incline mine tunnel at the Joban Coal Mine Yumoto Pit, which he entered. A monument with a poem composed by the Emperor and photographs of his visit are also on display.
Outside the building, you can also find exhibits such as the single-drum cutter, diesel locomotive, battery-powered locomotive, and coal wagons that were used thanks to the efforts of coal workers. Take your time to explore these as well.

Summary of the Appeal of Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum "Horuru"

The Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum is a unique museum that reflects the history of Iwaki City, known for its prosperous coal mines and numerous fossil discoveries. It’s enjoyable for children and adults alike, making it especially ideal for families. If you're visiting Iwaki City, why not consider making this a sightseeing stop?

Note: The museum is temporarily closed until around spring 2024 due to restoration work following the offshore Fukushima earthquake. Please check the official website for the latest updates.

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Learn About the History of the Earth at the Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum “Horuru” in Fukushima Prefecture