Iwaki’s Driving Route to Visit Japanese Sweet Strawberry Picking Spot& Instagenic Spots

Fukushima Prefecture is known as one of the leading fruit-growing areas in Japan. Iwaki City, in particular, is blessed with a mild climate throughout the year, Abukuma and other mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and rich nature, making the city a good place for growing fruits. Therefore, we are introducing a recommended car trip route for families and couples, starting from a strawberry farm where you can enjoy eating seasonal strawberries from December to June.

“Ohno Kanko Strawberry Farm,” where you can enjoy picking and tasting several varieties of branded strawberries without time limitations

Ohno Kanko Strawberry Farm produces several types of brand-name strawberries. ‘Akihime’ is less sour and sweeter with soft flesh, ‘Benihoppe’ has a good balance of sweetness and sourness, and ‘Oishii Berry’ is rich in vitamin C, sweet, and chewy. Thankfully, visitors can taste fresh strawberries on-site with unlimited time! If you want to eat your favorite strawberries more at home, you can buy them at the direct selling shop inside the farm. By the way, its cultivation method is ‘hydroponics.’ That is a soil-free cultivation method and is the most common way of growing pesticide-free vegetables. Therefore, visitors can enjoy picking strawberries without worrying about soiling their clothes. The other point is that the strawberries are set 130 cm high, and even adults can pick strawberries without having to bend down. Its opening period is usually from late December to early June. We suggest that you call to check the opening status when you visit.

Hours	10:00AM-4:00PM, Closed on Wednesdays *If the regular holiday is a national holiday, the firm will be open.
Address	23 Tamayama-Moriuchi, Yotsukuramachi, Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture
Access	An 18-minute drive from Iwaki Washington Hotel

Aquamarine Fukushima is one of the largest aquariums in the Tohoku area, where you can observe the “Ocean Tide Line” between Oyashio and Kuroshio Currents

Aquamarine Fukushima has a stylish glass-domed exterior and attracts about one million visitors annually. About 800 kinds of sea creatures live in this facility, allowing visitors to meet and observe them in the exhibition rooms, backyard, outdoor water areas, and biotopes. The most popular photo spot is “Ocean Tide Aquarium.” Its tidal aquarium zone has a triangular glass tunnel that makes you feel as if you are underwater of Oyashio and Kuroshio Currents. In the Oyashio Current area, you can observe young fish swimming in the shade of seaweed and rocks. On the other side of Kuroshio Current, you can see bonitos and tuna swimming at extreme speeds. You can also enjoy fishing and dried bonito shavings at experience areas. Since the fish you catch can be cooked and eaten there, the experience here will be an excellent opportunity for children to learn about the preciousness of life.

Hours	-9:00AM-5:30PM (Entrance close: 4:30PM) from the 21st of March to the 30th of November -9:00AM-5:00PM (Entrance close: 4:00PM) from the 1st of December to the 20th of March
Address	50 Onahama-Tatsumicho, Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture
Access	A 23-minute drive from Iwaki Washington Hotel
URL	https://www.aquamarine.or.jp/

“Iwaki Marine Tower” is an observatory that overlooks the Iwaki cityscape and the Pacific Ocean from 60 meters above the ground

Do you know that Iwaki City, facing the Pacific Ocean, is called “Shonan (bright seaside town) in Tohoku”? The sea is so clear to see the bottom, and we can feel the relaxation and power of nature in the sight of white waves breaking on the shore. In addition to the ocean, there is also the Abukuma Plateau, with valleys and limestone caves. When you want to see those natures and the cityscape of Iwaki, please visit “Iwaki Marine Tower.” That observation tower stands 59.99 meters above the ground at the eastern end of Onahama Harbor. At that place, you can see 360-degree panoramic views from the “Sky Deck” on the rooftop. On its deck, you will enjoy the quiet Onahama Port with docked ships, lush green mountains, and the magnificent Pacific Ocean. In February and March, the sun sets earlier, so if the timing is right, you can see the splendid sundown scenery.

Hours	9:00PM-5:00PM ( Entrance close: 4:30PM), Closed on the 3rd Tuesday of the month
Address	93, Onahama-Shimokajiro-Osaku, Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture
Access	A 24-minute drive from Iwaki Washington Hotel
URL	https://iwakicity-park.or.jp/misaki/marine_tower/