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Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum (Horuru)
Learn about the culture and history of the coal mining town.
This museum is closely connected with Iwaki and deals with fossils and the history of coal mining. The museum opened in 1984, and was given the nickname "Horuru" in 2010 after a public contest.
The first thing visitors encounter upon entering the museum is the fossil exhibit. You will be greeted by Futaba Suzuki Ryu (Futabasaurus suzukii), an elasmosaurus that was discovered by a high school student in Iwaki City in 1968 and sparked the dinosaur boom. Dinosaur and large mammal fossils look lively thanks to the sound and lighting effects.
Coal was mined in Iwaki, part of the Joban Coal Field, until about 50 years ago. In addition to specimens and videos, the coal mine exhibit features a mock-up of a mining gallery with miners' dolls that recreate the conditions of a coal mine in different periods of time.
In the garden, coal mine equipment, a D51 steam locomotive, and the mouth of the Yumoto No. 6 mine, which the Emperor Showa visited in 1947, are preserved.
Highlights
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The skeleton of "Futaba Suzuki Ryu," an elasmosaurus discovered in Iwaki City, is on display.
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Futaba Suzuki Ryu was the model for the dinosaur "Pisuke" in the Doraemon movie.
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On Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and during long school vacations, visitors can try their hand at making specimens from real ammonite fossils.
Photos
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![A reconstructed skeleton of the Futaba Suzuki Ryu on display in the lobby]()
A reconstructed skeleton of the Futaba Suzuki Ryu on display in the lobby
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![The fossil exhibit room displays world-class rare fossils]()
The fossil exhibit room displays world-class rare fossils
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![A mock-up of a mining gallery shows what the excavation site looked like back in the days.]()
A mock-up of a mining gallery shows what the excavation site looked like back in the days.
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![A steam locomotive that once ran on the Joban Line is displayed outdoors]()
A steam locomotive that once ran on the Joban Line is displayed outdoors
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![A statue of Futaba Suzuki Ryu welcomes visitors at the entrance.]()
A statue of Futaba Suzuki Ryu welcomes visitors at the entrance.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- いわき市石炭・化石館 ほるる
- Postal Code
- 972-8321
- Address
- 3-1 Mukaida, Jobanyumotomachi, Iwaki City, Fukushima
- Telephone
- 0246-42-3155
- Holiday
- Closed on the 3rd Tuesday of the month (or the following day if the Tuesday is a national holiday) and January 1
- Hours
- 9:00am-5:00pm (Admission allowed until 4:30pm)
- Admission
- 660 yen for adults, 440 yen for junior high, high school, and university students, 330 yen for elementary school students
- Directions
- 10 min. walk from JR Yumoto Station
- Credit Cards
- Credit cards are accepted for sales only.
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)