Iwaki Coal Museum

The Iwaki Coal and Fossil Museum (ほるるいわき市石炭・化石館, Horuru Iwaki-shi Sekitan Kaseki-kan) offers an immersive look at Iwaki’s coal mining history, which was a major industry in the region until the 1960s. Located in southeastern Fukushima, the museum highlights the discovery of large coal deposits during the Meiji Period. Visitors can step into a simulated underground mine via an atmospheric elevator, experiencing the daily lives of miners. The mine is recreated with life-sized replicas of tools and miners, demonstrating how coal extraction methods evolved over time. The exhibit vividly showcases the working conditions that defined this important chapter of the region’s industrial past.

In addition to its coal mining exhibits, the museum boasts an impressive collection of fossils from around the world. The Fossils Hall features a remarkable array of dinosaur remains, including the largest complete dinosaur fossil ever found in Asia. Visitors can marvel at full skeletons of various prehistoric creatures, with some fossils dating back to the Jurassic Period. The museum’s diverse exhibits offer a unique opportunity to explore both the ancient world of paleontology and the industrial history of Iwaki, making it a fascinating stop for those interested in Japan’s natural and cultural heritage.