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), located in southeastern Fukushima, immerses visitors in the rich coal mining history that shaped the region’s industrial past. Once a coal hub until the 1960s, Iwaki saw the discovery of vast coal deposits during the Meiji Period, a pivotal moment in its development. The museum offers an interactive experience where guests can step into a recreated underground mine, accessed by a life-like elevator that mimics the descent into the depths. Inside, life-sized replicas of miners and tools showcase the evolving methods of coal extraction, allowing visitors to gain insight into the working conditions and daily life of miners through the years.

In addition to its coal mining history, the museum also features an extensive fossil collection that spans millions of years. The Fossils Hall presents an awe-inspiring display of dinosaur remains, including the largest complete dinosaur fossil ever found in Asia. Full skeletons of various prehistoric creatures, some dating back to the Jurassic Period, are showcased in stunning detail. This fascinating fusion of paleontological and industrial exhibits makes the Iwaki Coal and Fossil Museum a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Japan’s natural history and its industrial evolution.