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Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

Dinosaurs are the Star at One of Japan’s Largest Geology and Paleontology Museums.

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The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is the premier destination for dinosaur exhibits and more here at one of one of Japan’s largest museums.
Its home in Katsuyama City is where many ancient teeth, bones, footprints and other relics from vertebrate animals like dinosaurs have been found in Japan.
With so many intriguing corners to explore, peak years can draw as many as some 900,000+ travelers to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum since its open in 2000.

Step inside the silver dome exhibition room to find three zones: Dinosaur World, Earth Sciences, and “History of Life.
Of all three zones, the real must-see is Dinosaur World. This wide open space measures in at a whopping 84 meters long, 55 meters wide and 37.5 meters high, with 50 dinosaur skeletons poised as if in on the brink of life.
The space is even home to over 1000 different fossil collections, a larger-than-life model diorama and unforgettable imagery to share.

The Outdoor Dinosaur Museum, accessible by dedicated bus tour from the Dinosaur Museum, features a site where visitors can catch a close glimpse of dinosaur fossils in mid-excavation or even participate in hands on workshops tapping and unveiling stones brought up from the excavation site.

Children, adults, and even researchers can all enjoy what the museum has to offer!

Highlights

  • Extensive display of valuable real dinosaur fossils and realistically crafted life-size restoration models.
  • Swing by the museum restaurant for quirky dishes with dinosaur-themed names.
  • Museum sits on Katsuyama Dinosaur Forest Park, a park with many dinosaur-themed playsets.

Photos

  • The museum is located within Katsuyama Dinosaur Forest Park.
Photo Credit: Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

    The museum is located within Katsuyama Dinosaur Forest Park. Photo Credit: Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

  • Dinosaur World exhibit with a showcase of full skeletons of 50+ dinosaurs. 
Photo Credit: Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

    Dinosaur World exhibit with a showcase of full skeletons of 50+ dinosaurs. Photo Credit: Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

  • History of Life with close glimpses at the origins of earth and humankind. 
Photo Credit: Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

    History of Life with close glimpses at the origins of earth and humankind. Photo Credit: Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

  • Dino Lab, complete with riveting displays including a full Tyrannosaurus skeleton.
Photo Credit: Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

    Dino Lab, complete with riveting displays including a full Tyrannosaurus skeleton. Photo Credit: Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

  • The museum's symbol, the Tower of Dinosaurs, stands approximately 13 meters tall.
Photo Credit: Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

    The museum's symbol, the Tower of Dinosaurs, stands approximately 13 meters tall. Photo Credit: Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)

A

Foreign language pamphlets are available (English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese).

Q

Is free WiFi available in the facility?

A

Yes.

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

Yes.

Q

Are there smoking areas?

A

There is a designated smoking area outside near the parking lot.

Q

Is there a direct bus from JR Fukui Station?

A

On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, there is a direct bus service from JR Fukui Station. On weekdays, there is no direct bus. Instead, transfer at JR Fukui Station to the Echizen Railway towards Katsuyama, and from Katsuyama Station, take a bus to the museum.

Q

Can I enter the museum without a reservation?

A

Day tickets are available for purchase. However, availability may vary based on daily sales, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.

Q

Is re-entry allowed?

A

Yes. You can re-enter the museum any number of times on the same day using the QR code you received at entry.

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
福井県立恐竜博物館
Postal Code
911-8601
Address
Katsuyama Dinosaur Forest Park, 51-11 Terao, Muroko-cho, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture
Tel
0779-88-0001
Business Hours
9:00am - 5:00pm (Last admission 4:30pm)
Closed
The 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, as well as from December 31st through January 1st
※Museum also temporarily closes for changes in exhibits and facility inspections. See home page for details.
Admission
Adults 1,000 yen. High school and university students 800 yen. Elementary and junior high school students 500 yen. Seniors (70+) 500 yen. non-school aged small children are free.
Access
(1) About 15 minutes by bus from Echizen Railway Eiheiji Katsuyama Line’s Katsuyama Station
(2) About 20 minutes by taxi from JR Etsumi-hoku Line’s Echizen-Ono Station
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)