Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, I toured from central Tokyo to Aquamarine Fukushima on a Harley Sports Glide. We will tell you what Aquamarine Fukushima is, how to get there, how you can enjoy it, and information on motorcycle parking.
Aquamarine Fukushima is one of the largest experiential aquariums in Tohoku, located in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture. Over 800 species are on display with the theme of the tidal sea. Aquamarine Egg, a children’s experience center with the world’s largest touch pool, Janome Beach, holds events daily for families and groups to enjoy, such as fishing and charcoal grilling experiences. As an environmental aquarium, we also conduct research and educational activities based on the philosophy of “Thinking about the future of people and the earth through the ocean.”
Route to Aquamarine Fukushima
I rode my bike from central Tokyo to Aquamarine Fukushima. The journey is about 250km and takes about 4 and a half hours. Below is the route I took.
Take the Metropolitan Expressway from central Tokyo and enter the Tohoku Expressway at Kawaguchi JCT.
Drive north on the Tohoku Expressway, exit at Utsunomiya IC, and enter National Route 4.
Go north on National Route 4 and enter National Route 400 at Nasushiobara City.
Head east on National Route 400 and take a break at Nasu Kogen SA.
Go east on National Route 400 and enter National Route 118.
Drive south on National Route 118 and enter National Route 49 at Aizuwakamatsu City.
Go south on National Route 49 and enter the Tohoku Expressway at Koriyama JCT.
Drive south on the Tohoku Expressway, exit at Iwaki Yumoto IC, and enter National Route 6.
Head south on National Route 6 and arrive at Aquamarine Fukushima in Onahama, Iwaki City.
This route uses expressways and local roads, but it is also possible to travel by expressway alone. In that case, you can access Aquamarine Fukushima by heading south on the Tohoku Expressway, exiting at Iwaki Yumoto IC and entering National Route 6.
Highlights of Aquamarine Fukushima
Aquamarine Fukushima has many attractions, but I especially recommend the following three.
sea of tides
Shiome Umi is a huge aquarium that recreates the area where the warm Kuroshio Current meets the cold Oyashio Current. Here you can see large migratory fish such as bonito and tuna, as well as small school swimming fish such as sardines and mackerel. In the center of the aquarium, there is a rare reef that can be seen in the tidal sea, and fish are swimming around it. There is a large glass window in front of the aquarium, allowing you to enjoy the impressive underwater scenery. In addition, seabirds and marine mammals that can be seen in the sea are displayed above the tank.
Aquamarine egg
Aquamarine Egg is a facility where children can interact with sea creatures and have hands-on learning experiences. Here you can find the world’s largest touch pool, Janome Beach,'' andEgg Camp,” where you can try fishing and charcoal grilling. In the touch pool, you can touch and hold echinoderms such as starfish and sea urchins, and flatfish such as flounder and flounder. In the fishing experience, you can try catching fish such as horse mackerel and mackerel, and in the charcoal grilling experience, you can grill and eat the fish and shellfish you caught yourself.
lawn park
Aquamarine Park is a park located within the premises of Aquamarine Fukushima. Here, there is a lawn area and playground equipment, where children can play to their heart’s content.
Aquamarine Fukushima motorcycle parking lot
Aquamarine Fukushima has its own motorcycle parking lot. As you walk to the left from the entrance, you will see a sign for the motorcycle parking lot in front of you. You can park your bike there. The motorcycle parking lot is free, but the number is limited, so if it is full, please park in the general parking lot of the nearby Aeon Mall Iwaki Onahama. General parking is free, but there is no designated space for motorcycles, so please park with sufficient distance from other vehicles.
Summary
This time, I toured from central Tokyo to Aquamarine Fukushima on a Harley Sports Glide. Aquamarine Fukushima is one of the largest experiential aquariums in Tohoku, and there are many attractions such as the sea of tides and a touch pool. There was also a park and a restaurant on the premises. Motorcycle parking is also available free of charge. It’s within a day trip from Tokyo, so it’s a spot we highly recommend for bike lovers. For more information on Aquamarine Fukushima, please visit the official website. See you in the next touring report. It was _hiroyuki.ta.
