Dinosaur Museum

Katsuyama City

Katsuyama boasts one of Japan’s most treasured troves of dinosaur fossils!

The city of Katsuyama in Fukui Prefecture has seen more dinosaur fossils unearthed than anywhere else in Japan. In the dinosaur fossil excavation areas upstream of the Sugiyama River, fossils of new species of both herbivorous dinosaurs (such as the Iguanodon-like Fukuisaurus tetoriensis) and carnivorous dinosaur (such as the Fukuiraptor kitadaniensis) were unearthed and given the name “Fukui.” Fukui is a paradise for dinosaurs, and around 700,000 people visit the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum annually. This popular facility boasts plenty of whole-body dinosaur skeletons and huge dioramas, as well as hands-on experience of fossil excavation.

42 whole-body dinosaur skeletons that look like they’re about to spring to life!

The Museum’s centerpiece attraction is its collection of 42 whole-body dinosaur skeleton specimens. Of these, seven skeletons are the actual fossils themselves. Some specimens are presented with realistic movement, and they look like they’re about to spring to life!! In addition, a realistic dinosaur robot and dioramas etc. help ensure visitors enjoy the feel of Jurassic Park. The exhibition space is 4,500 square meters in size. Even if you rush through, it takes at least an hour—but we recommend you take your time and enjoy it properly.

New spaces offering hands-on experience of excavation in the field.

The Museum is located in the lush Katsuyama Dinosaur Forest. On the way to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum dinosaur objects and facilities are scattered around in various locations, making it possible to have fun with dinosaurs around the whole area. Popular spots and new facilities are attracting more and more attention, such as an open-air dinosaur museum where visitors can experience excavating fossils alongside researchers (open from spring to autumn). The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum also has a restaurant offering meals as well as a store selling dinosaur merchandise. Make the most of your visit to Japan's largest dinosaur museum!

For reference

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

Address

51-11 Terao, Muroko-cho, Katsuyama-shi, Fukui-ken
Telephone

0779-88-8777
Opening hours

9 A.M. to 5 P.M. (last admission 4:30 P.M.)
Closed

2nd and 4th Wednesday each month
Admission

500 yen
Website

http://www.dinosaur.pref.fukui.jp/en/

Access

Komatsu Airport is a 1-hour flight from Haneda Airport. Fukui Station is about 1 hour by shuttle bus from Komatsu Airport. Katsuyama Station is about 54 minutes from JR Fukui Station on the Echizen railway line. The Dinosaur Museum is about 10 minutes by bus from Katsuyama station. It’s right by the bus stop when you get off.