(c)Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
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- Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Musuem
Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Musuem
The pride and joy of Fukui Prefecture, the dinosaur kingdom, leaves both adults and children alike in awe.
- Closest station
Katsuyama Station, Echizen Railway.
- Access
Around 15 minutes by Keifuku bus or 10 minutes by taxi from Katsuyama Station, Echizen Railway.
- Location
51-11 Terao, Muraoka-cho, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture
- Opening hours
9:00-17:00 (Last admission: 16:30. During the summer, museum hours are 8:30-18:00 (last admission: 17:30))
- Closed
2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month (if this falls on a public holiday, then the museum will be closed on the following day. The museum is open every day during summer vacation).
- Price
Adults: 1,000 yen; high school and university students: 800 yen; elementary and middle school students: 500 yen; seniors (70 and older): 500 yen
Great Stuff to See and Do!
Take a step back in time to the age of the dinosaurs!
photo:(c)Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
Katsuyama City in Fukui Prefecture is home to Japan’s largest dinosaur fossil excavation site, so Fukui Prefecture is often considered a dinosaur kingdom. Approx. 80% of all dinosaur fossils discovered in Japan were found in Fukui Prefecture.
Located in Katsuyama City, the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is dedicated to geology and paleontology, particularly focusing on dinosaurs. As one of the world’s three largest dinosaur museums, it attracts many dinosaur fans from both inside and outside the prefecture.
The vast 4,500m2 exhibition hall is shaped like a silver dome and divided into three zones: “Dinosaur World,” “Earth Sciences,” and “History of Life.” The Dinosaur World exhibition features 50 full-body dinosaur skeletons, 10 of which were assembled from actual fossils.
Events to experience authentic fossil research
photo:(c)Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum also holds events such as fossil research experiences. Visitors can experience authentic fossil research through the “Fossil Excavation Plus” event in which they can find and identify fossils, and the “T. Rex Skull Reconstruction” event where they can assemble a life-size Tyrannosaurus skull.
The museum also has an on-site restaurant where visitors can enjoy a playful, dinosaur-themed menu. Make sure to also stop by the museum store, which offers a wide variety of dinosaur-related goods, including figures, stuffed animals, stationery, books, and more. Many of these items are limited edition items that can only be purchased at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, which makes them perfect as souvenirs.
