Understand

Welcome to Iwaki City, a regional gem surrounded by majestic mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Known as "Sunshine Iwaki," this city basks in an abundance of bright sunlight, making it one of the most temperate areas in Japan. With a population of approximately 345,000, Iwaki City ranks as the country's 10th largest and 72nd most populous city. Formed in 1966 through the fusion of several smaller towns, including Taira, Ichigo, Yumoto, and Onahama, Iwaki City sought to elevate its status amid a declining population. To clarify its identity, the name Iwaki is now officially written in the hiragana syllabary, avoiding any confusion from multiple kanji depictions. While coal mining was once the backbone of its economy, Iwaki City has transitioned to tourism, with the Spa Resort Hawaiians being one of its prominent attractions. As the economic foundation of the region, Iwaki City boasts the top industrial production in the Tohoku region. Its abundance of sightseeing resources draws an impressive 7.64 million tourists each year. While Fukushima City serves as the political center, Iwaki shines as both an industrial and sightseeing hub within Fukushima prefecture.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Sushi: Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice served with various toppings, typically fish or seafood. The rice is usually accompanied by a small piece of nori (seaweed) and sometimes features a dab of wasabi, pickled ginger, or soy sauce. There are many variations, including nigiri (hand-pressed sushi), maki (rolled sushi), and sashimi (slices of raw fish).

Ramen: Ramen is a widely popular soup dish in Japan that includes Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth. It is often garnished with ingredients such as pork, dried seaweed, menma (fermented soybean paste), scallions, and miso paste. The dish can be found in various styles, including tonkotsu (pork bone broth), shoyu (soy sauce broth), and miso.

Tempura: Tempura is a deep-fried dish where seafood, vegetables, or mushrooms are battered and then cooked in hot oil. The light, crispy batter turns golden brown and creates a contrast with the soft textures of the ingredients inside. Traditional tempura elements include shrimp, sweet potato, pumpkin, spinach, and green beans. It is typically served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, Mirin, and dashi.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing