2026/08/30

The Iwaki Coal and Fossil Museum "Horuru" No.1


The Iwaki Coal and Fossil Museum "Horuru," located in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, is an exhibition facility dedicated to the themes of coal and fossils. 

It displays world-class fossils, including the skeletal specimens of the *Futabasaurus* (Futaba Suzuki-ryu) and the Iwaki Whale, both of which were excavated in the local area.












Futabasaurus



2026/08/29

Nakosonoseki Park In Iwaki City

Minamoto-no Yoshi-ie


This is the site of the Nakoso Barrier, counted—along with the Shirakawa Barrier (Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture) and the Nenjugaseki Barrier (Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture)—as one of the "Three Barriers of Oshu."

It is renowned in literature, particularly for the poetic phrase *kuru koto nakare* ("do not come").

The surrounding area is designated as the Nakoso Prefectural Natural Park.

Suifu-den






2026/08/28

We Stay At A Hotel Near Lake Senba


Lake Senba is a scenic 3-kilometer circumference freshwater lake located in the center of Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture.

The lake is part of Senba Park. It is located next to Kairaku-en, a large park built in the Edo period known for its large number of plum blossoms.

















2026/08/27

Hinuma Nature Park / Hinuma Hydrangea Festival

Located on the northern shore of Lake Hinuma in central Ibaraki Prefecture, the park features six distinct open spaces, including an observation plaza that offers a panoramic view of the lake. 

The Hinuma Hydrangea Festival is held there annually. We visited the park when the hydrangeas were at their peak.