Aquamarine Fukushima

What to know

Aquamarine Fukushima (アクアマリンふくしま) is an aquarium in Iwaki City, on the Pacific coast. It showcases a vast array of fish species and brilliantly recreates the ecosystems of Fukushima's waters and other regions worldwide. The aquarium suffered damage in the March 2011 tsunami but reopened just four months later.

One exhibit traces Fukushima's aquatic environment from mountain rivers and lakes to the seashore, highlighting the region's diverse flora and fauna. A large triangular tank illustrates the convergence of the warm Kuroshio Current from the south and the cold Oyashio Current from the north off Fukushima's coast.

Other highlights include the "Waters of Tropical Asia" greenhouse, which mimics tropical Asian waterside habitats, and the "Okhotsk Sea" tank, featuring creatures from the sea northeast of Hokkaido.

The aquarium also houses a fascinating collection of rare fish and sea creatures, along with a large assortment of goldfish. Visitors can touch starfish in a special pool, and view seals and walruses in the marine mammals section.

A ten-minute walk along the waterfront leads to Iwaki Rara Myu, a seafood market with restaurants and fresh marine products.

A further 25-minute walk brings you to the 60-meter-tall Iwaki Marine Tower, a landmark in Misaki Park. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Misaki Park offers spacious grounds for family outdoor fun, including children's playgrounds, a maze, and a long slide. An observation platform juts out over the sea, providing a scenic viewpoint.