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Museum · Fukui, Fukui
Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum in Katsuyama, one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to dinosaurs, with dozens of mounted skeletons, fossils found in the region and an on-site excavation area for visitors.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Discover
About Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is in Katsuyama, about 30 km east of the prefectural capital, set in a park at the foot of the mountains. The city is the place in Japan where the most dinosaur fossils have been found, in a quarry on the banks of the Kitadani River, and several species described there bear the name Fukui, such as Fukuiraptor and Fukuisaurus. The museum, opened in 2000, grew out of those discoveries.
The building, designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa, has a silver egg-shaped dome. A long escalator descends to the main hall, where dozens of mounted skeletons, many originals, and life-size replicas share the space with a robotic tyrannosaur that moves and roars. The rooms trace the history of life on Earth, the science of fossils and the dinosaurs found in Fukui.
A glassed laboratory lets visitors see researchers preparing fossils, and the museum has an expanded area of exhibits and activities. Nearby, in an outdoor excavation area associated with the museum, visitors can break stones from the Kitadani quarry in search of plant and animal fossils, by reservation and in defined seasons.
The museum is popular with families and gets very busy on weekends and school holidays. On the way, in Katsuyama, Heisenji Hakusan Shrine, with a cedar grove and a moss-covered ground, is a peaceful stop.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 to 3 hours; half a day if you include the excavation area.
Best time
On weekdays, right at opening. The excavation area operates in seasons and requires a reservation. Check opening hours, closed days and entry rules during busy periods.
How to get there
From Fukui Station, take the Echizen Railway to Katsuyama Station (about 1 hour), then bus or taxi to the museum (about 10–15 minutes). At certain times there is a direct bus from Fukui Station with reservation.
Tip
Arrive early and start at the main hall before the groups. If you want the excavation, book before you travel.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
Where is the Fukui Dinosaur Museum?
In Katsuyama, about 30 km from Fukui city, roughly 1 hour by train plus a short bus ride.
Does the museum have original fossils?
Yes. Many skeletons on display are original, alongside replicas, and there are fossils found in Katsuyama itself.
Can you dig for fossils at the Dinosaur Museum?
You can, in an outdoor area linked to the museum, in set seasons and with a reservation.
How much time should you allow for the Dinosaur Museum?
About 2 to 3 hours for the exhibits; half a day with the excavation area.
Beyond the guide
