Recharge your luck in Fukushima! A tour of power spots and a relaxing hotel stay.

Make your wishes come true in Fukushima! 5 recommended power spots

Here are five power spots in Fukushima Prefecture that are recommended for those who want to pray for good fortune or find healing.

Iino Hachimangu Shrine

Iino Hachimangu Shrine is one of the most prestigious shrines in Iwaki City. It is said to have originated when Minamoto no Yoriyoshi enshrined a divided spirit of Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine in Kyoto, which the Minamoto clan revered, and prayed for victory during the Oshu War. The main hall, the main hall of Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine, the Karamon gate, and the Romon gate are designated as important national cultural properties, and many historically valuable buildings remain.

Iino Hachimangu Shrine is believed to grant blessings for victory.It is said that there are various types of amulets available, such as "good luck charms for passing exams," "good luck charms for finding a job," and "good luck charms for making wishes," so why not get one as a memento of your visit?

Also, depending on the timing of your visit, you may see a professional soccer clubA goshuin (temple/shrine stamp) featuring the design of "Iwaki FC"You may receive one. If you enjoy collecting temple stamps, it's a good idea to check the official website or social media beforehand.

Around Iino Hachimangu Shrine are the Iwaki City Museum of Art and Matsugaoka Park. The Iwaki City Museum of Art is a place where you can appreciate post-war contemporary art and art works related to the local area. Matsugaoka Park is a park with beautiful cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and azaleas, and you can enjoy the seasonal scenery if you visit when the flowers are in bloom.

Gohoden Kumano Shrine

"Gohoden Kumano Shrine" is a shrine beloved by the locals as the guardian shrine of the 73 villages of the former Kikuta District. It has a history of over 1200 years, and it is said to have begun when a bunrei (a divided spirit) of the deity from Kishu Kumano Shingu (present-day Kumano Hayatama Taisha) was invited and enshrined in a temporary shrine. Also, offerings are made during the festival held from the end of July to the beginning of August."Chigo Dengaku and Furyu at the Imperial Treasure Hall" is a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.​

The temple grounds feature an 800-year-old zelkova tree, and the beautiful approach lined with cedar trees is another highlight.

The Gohoden Kumano Shrine isA power spot where you can expect to improve your overall luck.It also enshrines Izanami-no-Mikoto, the god of abundant harvests and family safety; Hayatamao-no-Mikoto, the god of protection against evil; and Kotosakao-no-Mikoto, known as the god of severing bad relationships and learning. Therefore, it is a good place to visit if you wish to receive these blessings.

When you visit the Gohoden Kumano Shrine, why not also visit the nearby Kaiunzan Kozoji Temple? This temple houses a Kannon Hall with a statue of the Thousand-Armed Kannon, and every year from late April to early May, you can see approximately 500,000 iris flowers in bloom.

Ganshoji Temple, National Treasure: Shiramizu Amida Hall

Ganshoji Temple's National Treasure, Shiramizu Amida Hall, is a temple built in 1160 at the end of the Heian period. The Amida Hall is a valuable structure as the only existing one-bay, four-sided hall in the Tohoku region, and is the only National Treasure building in the prefecture. Inside the hall are enshrined the Amida Triad and the statues of Jikokuten and Tamontenno, which are designated as important cultural properties of Japan.

The gardens within the temple grounds are of the "Jodo garden" style, which is said to be a recreation of the Pure Land of Paradise on earth.It is well-maintained. From early to mid-April, you can see mountain cherry blossoms, from mid-July to mid-August, lotus flowers, and from late October to late November, you can see autumn leaves, making it an attractive place to enjoy diverse nature throughout the year.The "Autumn Leaves Illumination at the National Treasure Shiramizu Amida-do" has been recognized as a Japanese Night View Heritage site.It is said that taking a stroll through this garden—which resembles the Pure Land of Bliss—when you’re looking to unwind is a wonderful way to refresh yourself.

Near the Shiramizu Amida-do lies “Koya Hanamiyama,” a park spanning approximately 100,000 square meters where over 200 varieties of plants are cultivated. In addition to being a famous spot for Kawazu cherry blossoms and Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms, visitors can also enjoy flowers such as wisteria, poppies, and hydrangeas.The grounds feature gazebos and a large viewing platform for cherry blossom viewing, allowing you to relax and take in the scenery at your leisure, so we highly recommend visiting this spot as well.

Hot springs Shrine

Hot springs Shrine is a beloved shrine that serves as the guardian deity of Iwaki Yumoto Hot springs. With a history spanning over 1300 years, it was formerly located on the summit of Mt. Yunodake, but was moved to its current location during the Edo period. It is sometimes also called "Yunojinja" or "Yuzensama."

Hot springs Shrine isIn addition to "good fortune and prosperity," which is believed to bring good luck and prosperity, it is also believed to bring blessings for matchmaking, health, longevity, and protection from evil.It is considered a power spot. One of its highlights is that you can receive special seasonal goshuin (temple stamps).

Furthermore, there are times when a new experiential pilgrimage called "Healing Bath Prayer" is held (advance reservations required). It is said that drawing sacred hot spring water into a bucket, floating a cypress "wish ball" in it, and praying while warming your hands and feet will bring good fortune, prosperity, and beauty benefits.

In addition, the temple grounds are illuminated by professional lighting designers, primarily from 6 PM to 9 PM, throughout the year, enhancing the scenery.

Hot springs Shrine isLocated in Hot springs town, you can enjoy exploring the surrounding area in addition to visiting the shrine.Recommended attractions include the "Tsuru no Ashiyu Hiroba" (Crane Footbath Square) where you can experience natural hot spring water flowing directly from the source, and the "Noguchi Ujo Memorial Yumoto Hot springs Children's Song Museum." There are also cafes and Japanese confectionery shops scattered throughout the area, so you can enjoy some delicious food as well.

Onahama Kashima Shrine

Onahama Kashima Shrine is a shrine with a history of over 1200 years. There are various theories about its origins, including the one that Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, who conquered the Tohoku region as the Seii Taishogun (commander-in-chief of the expeditionary force against the barbarians), invited a divided spirit from Kashima Shrine in Hitachi Province.

Onahama Kashima Shrine is known as the "God of Good Fortune and Victory."Within the shrine grounds, the "Winning Luck Drum," the largest carved drum in the Tohoku region, is enshrined and open to visitors. If you wish to visit, please inquire at the shrine office.

During the New Year's pilgrimage season, it is known for offering a view of the first sunrise of the year rising directly through the center of the torii gate. Furthermore, the New Year's Day festival features a taiko drum performance by the Kashima Taiko Group starting at midnight, making it a highly recommended power spot for your first shrine visit of the year.

Near Onahama Kashima Shrine are Aquamarine Fukushima and Misaki Park, so it's recommended to visit them together.​

Aquamarine Fukushima is one of Tohoku's largest interactive aquariums, exhibiting over 800 species of marine life based on the theme of ocean currents. Among its many attractions, the "Ocean Current Sea" tank, which uses a triangular tunnel to represent the convergence of the Kuroshio and Oyashio currents, is particularly breathtaking.

Misaki Park is a seaside park where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the city of Iwaki. You can also enjoy the views from the "Iwaki Marine Tower" and the "Shiomidai" viewpoint where the sea stretches out directly below.

After visiting power spots, enjoy ultimate relaxation at "Spa Resort Hawaiians".

Spa Resort Hawaiians is Hot springs theme park that uses Iwaki Yumoto Onsen hot Hot springs.In addition to the "Edo Jowa Yoichi," a large open-air bath boasting one of the world's largest bathing areas, you can enjoy Hot springs at the "Hot springs Daiyokujo Palace," which features 24 baths of 12 different types. You can also enjoy the swimming pool, aromatherapy treatments, and shows such as hula dancing.

The shopping facilities and Restaurant are also excellent. The largest shop in the complex, "Hawaiians Market," offers original goods as well as food products from Iwaki and the Tohoku region, and products directly imported from Hawaii.

Restaurant offers a diverse menu including the "Fukushima Hanakago Gozen (dinner only)" which uses horse sashimi from Aizu, Hawaiian local food "Loco Moco," and original "Pineapple Juice."

Spa Resort Hawaiians Hotel Hawaiians

Hotel Hawaiians is a large hotel that provides Access to Spa Resort Hawaiians via a connecting passageway. The hotel features three large public baths with free-flowing natural hot spring water, allowing guests to enjoy Hot springs even while staying at the hotel.

Guest rooms offers over 20 types of guest rooms, primarily Japanese-style rooms where you can relax barefoot, as well as Japanese-Western style rooms and Western-style rooms. There are also luxurious "Japanese-Western style suites" available.

Dinner is a buffet style with a live kitchen offering freshly prepared dishes.You can enjoy approximately 90 different dishes, including Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine, focusing on seasonal flavors.

The breakfast buffet offers local Fukushima cuisine, Hawaiian-style breakfast plates, and Hawaiian poke bowls, among other dishes.

Spa Resort Hawaiians VIR PORT

Willport is located in the center of Spa Resort Hawaiians and is the closest hotel to the water park.The hotel's interior is designed to evoke the Mediterranean resort town of "Riviera," with each floor featuring Guest rooms with a different style.

The superior rooms are 41 square meters in size and feature comfortable mattress beds. We also recommend the "Lanai Suite," which includes a terrace and a bathroom with a great view.

The resort's dinner buffet offers approximately 60 different dishes, including Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine. The menu features a variety of meat and seafood dishes, such as "Sakura Beef from Fukushima Prefecture" and "Anglerfish and Seafood Clam Chowder."

The breakfast buffet offers Hawaiian dishes such as Cobb salad and barbecue chicken, as well as local Fukushima cuisine.

Spa Resort Hawaiians Monolith Tower

Monolith Tower is a resort hotel where you can enjoy a spa with a large public bath with free-flowing hot spring water and a steam sauna.​

All six types of Guest rooms are spacious, measuring 39 square meters or more, and are equipped with amenities for a comfortable stay, such as rain showers and pillows designed for restful sleep. Among them, the "Premium Suite" and "Junior Suite," which offer stunning views from the top floor, are highly recommended.

For dinner, enjoy a French Polynesian buffet that blends traditional Polynesian cuisine with French flavors. Freshly prepared dishes are served at the live kitchen.

The breakfast buffet offers Hawaiian omelets, taco rice, and "cream boxes," a local specialty of Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture.

Spa Resort Hawaiians Mauna Village

"Mauna Village" is a glamping facility where you can enjoy outdoor experiences in a magnificent grassland.Guest rooms include themed tents and wooden cottages, and are well-equipped with amenities such as beds, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and refrigerators. You can enjoy a comfortable stay in a hotel-like environment.

Another attractive feature is that each room has its own private bonfire space, where you can relax while watching the fire, roast marshmallows, or roast your own coffee beans.

For dinner, enjoy a barbecue featuring Fukushima beef, Fumotoyama Kogen pork, and seasonal vegetables from Fukushima Prefecture. Breakfast includes eggs Benedict, salads made with fresh vegetables, and yogurt.

This would be perfect for those who want to unwind and relax in a private space surrounded by nature.

Summary

Iwaki City in Fukushima Prefecture boasts a variety of power spots, from well-known landmarks to hidden gems. Praying for good fortune or strolling through gardens reminiscent of paradise are just some of the extraordinary experiences that can lead to a refreshing break.

After visiting power spots, why not spend a special time at "Spa Resort Hawaiians," where you can enjoy the Iwaki Yumoto Hot springs? Once you've found your favorite power spot and hotel, let's embark on a healing journey!