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Iwaki: A Hidden Gem of Scenic Beauty and Delicious Street Food
Nestled on the eastern coast of Japan, Iwaki is a picturesque city that boasts of breathtaking natural scenery, a rich cultural heritage and delectable street food. As a National Geography Journalist, I was lucky to visit this gem of a city and explore its many wonders. In this article, I will share my experiences of the city, covering the must-see places, the delicious street food and the best places to stay.
Scenery of the City
Iwaki is a city full of natural wonders, from the majestic mountains to the pristine beaches. The most notable scenic spots in Iwaki include the Tadami River, which flows through the center of the city, and the Abukuma River, the longest river in the region. Another must-visit spot is the Abukuma-do caves, which offer a unique glimpse of natural stalactite formations.
What I Liked Most
The best part of Iwaki, in my opinion, is its authentic Japanese culture. From the traditional temples to the local festivals, there is always something that showcases the city’s cultural heritage. One of the most memorable events I attended is the Iwaki Hula Festival, where over 2000 hula dancers gather to perform.
What I Dislike
One of the few downsides of Iwaki is its limited public transportation system. While taxis are easy to find, there are not many buses or trains, making it difficult to reach remote destinations. However, renting a car is a convenient and affordable option.
Cost of Living in a Day
The average daily cost of living in Iwaki is around 10000 yen, which is roughly equivalent to $90 USD. This includes accommodation, food, transportation and entertainment.
Top 20 Points of Interest
1. Tadami River – Tadami-cho, Iwaki
2. Abukuma River – Iwaki, Fukushima
3. Abukuma-do Caves – Iwaki, Fukushima
4. Aquamarine Fukushima – Iwaki, Fukushima
5. Spa Resort Hawaiians – Iwaki, Fukushima
6. Shiramizu Amida Temple – Iwaki, Fukushima
7. Iwaki Yumoto Onsen – Iwaki, Fukushima
8. Kita-Matsushima – Iwaki, Fukushima
9. Nakoso Beach – Iwaki, Fukushima
10. Iwaki Castle – Iwaki, Fukushima
11. Yumoto Ski Resort – Iwaki, Fukushima
12. Nakagawa Funabansho Museum – Iwaki, Fukushima
13. Michi-no-Eki Iwaki Onahama – Iwaki, Fukushima
14. Iwaki City Heitokan – Iwaki, Fukushima
15. Shirakawa Shrine – Iwaki, Fukushima
16. Enzo-ji Temple – Hanawa, Fukushima
17. Nakatajima Sand Dunes – Iwaki, Fukushima
18. Iwaki Marine Tower – Iwaki, Fukushima
19. Sakuramachi Street – Iwaki, Fukushima
20. Nakaizu Winery – Taira, Fukushima
Top 20 Street Food and Prices
1. Iwaki Croquette – $5 USD – Nakoso Beach
2. Kiritanpo – grilled rice skewers – $3 USD – Fukushima Station
3. Soba noodles – $7 USD – Minamisoma Station
4. Mochi – glutinous rice cake – $2 USD – Taira Station
5. Satoimo – taro root tempura – $5 USD – Michi-no-Eki Iwaki Onahama
6. Ika-meshi – squid stuffed with rice – $8 USD – Iwaki, Fukushima
7. Sakura shrimp – sautéed shrimp with Sakura flower – $10 USD – Shirakawa Shrine
8. Wagyu skewers – grilled beef skewers – $15 USD – Yumoto Ski Resort
9. Tamagoyaki – sweet omelette – $3 USD – Iwaki Station
10. Taiyaki – fish-shaped pastry with filling – $2 USD – Kita-Matsushima Station
11. Okonomiyaki – savory pancake – $8 USD – Nakaizu Winery
12. Takoyaki – octopus balls – $5 USD – Nakatajima Sand Dunes
13. Yakitori – grilled chicken skewers – $5 USD – Michi-no-Eki Iwaki Onahama
14. Oden – boiled food skewers – $4 USD – Iwaki Station
15. Karintou – deep-fried sweet dough – $2 USD – Taira Station
16. Anpan – sweet bread with red bean paste – $3 USD – Iwaki Station
17. Mame-daifuku – daifuku with beans – $4 USD – Fukushima Station
18. Grilled eel – $15 USD – Aquamarine Fukushima
19. Kaki fried – fried oyster – $5 USD – Iwaki Castle
20. Ramen – $8 USD – Spa Resort Hawaiians
Top 10 Hotels and Airbnb Rentals
Hotels
1. Grand Park Hotel Excel Fukushima – $70 USD/night – 4.5 stars
2. Apa Hotel Iwaki-Ekimae – $60 USD/night – 4 stars
3. Crowne Plaza Hotel ANA Iwaki – $120 USD/night – 4.5 stars
4. Yumoto Grand Hotel – $90 USD/night – 4 stars
5. Hotel Pearl City Iwaki – $55 USD/night – 4 stars
Airbnb Rentals
1. Iwaki Station Luxury Apartment – $75 USD/night – 5.0 stars
2. Tatami Room near Abukuma-do Caves – $40 USD/night – 4.5 stars
3. Modern Japanese Home near Nakoso Beach – $60 USD/night – 4.8 stars
4. Cozy Apartment near Spa Resort Hawaiians – $50 USD/night – 4.6 stars
5. Traditional House near Iwaki Castle – $80 USD/night – 4.7 stars
Top 5 Worth and Reasonable for Cost-Effective
1. Apa Hotel Iwaki-Ekimae – This hotel offers a great value for money, with clean and comfortable rooms, convenient location and reasonable prices.
2. Iwaki Station Luxury Apartment – This Airbnb rental is perfect for those who want a luxurious stay at a reasonable price. With a modern design and plenty of amenities, it’s hard to beat this value.
3. Modern Japanese Home near Nakoso Beach – Another great Airbnb option, this home is perfect for families or large groups who want to save some money without sacrificing comfort and convenience.
4. Yumoto Grand Hotel – This hotel may be slightly more expensive than others, but its location near Iwaki Yumoto Onsen and its luxurious facilities make it worth the price.
5. Cozy Apartment near Spa Resort Hawaiians – With a lower price tag than the Yumoto Grand Hotel, this Airbnb rental offers a great balance of comfort and affordability, making it a great choice for budget travelers.
Summary
Iwaki is a hidden gem of scenic beauty and delicious street food in Japan. With breathtaking natural scenery, a rich cultural heritage and mouth-watering food, it is a destination worth exploring. Whether you stay in a hotel or an Airbnb rental, there are many options that offer great value for money. Overall, I would rate Iwaki 9 out of 10 stars for its stunning scenery, authentic culture and delicious food.
3-Day Travel Package Guide
Day 1
1. Shiramizu Amida Temple – Iwaki, Fukushima
2. Aquamarine Fukushima – Iwaki, Fukushima
3. Taiyaki – $2 USD – Kita-Matsushima Station
4. Iwaki Yumoto Onsen – Iwaki, Fukushima
5. Iwaki Croquette – $5 USD – Nakoso Beach
Day 2
1. Spa Resort Hawaiians – Iwaki, Fukushima (Either go here all day or go for two hours and go to another location.)
2. Okonomiyaki – savory pancake – $8 USD – Nakaizu Winery
3. Tadami River – Tadami-cho, Iwaki
4. Iwaki Marine Tower – Iwaki, Fukushima
5. Kiritanpo – grilled rice skewers – $3 USD – Fukushima Station
Day 3
1. Abukuma-do Caves – Iwaki, Fukushima
2. Soba noodles – $7 USD – Minamisoma Station
3. Nakoso Beach – Iwaki, Fukushima
4. Ika-meshi – squid stuffed with rice – $8 USD – Iwaki, Fukushima
5. Grilled eel – $15 USD – Aquamarine Fukushima
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