Fossil-Rich Fukui
Before the 1980s, it was believed that Japan had no dinosaur fossils. This assumption was proved false with the discovery of an Early Cretaceous crocodilian fossil in the city of Katsuyama, northern Fukui. This sparked further investigation, leading to the unearthing of numerous fossils, including Japan’s first complete dinosaur skeleton: the Fukuisaurus. Since then, Fukui has become Japan’s premier site for dinosaur fossil discoveries.
Today, six of Japan’s eleven identified dinosaur fossils hail from this region, including the Fukuiraptor, Fukuititan, and Fukuivenator. The skeletal reconstructions of the dinosaurs are all displayed at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum.
Opened in 2000, the museum is one of the best of its kind in the world. Visitors can explore state-of-the-art exhibits that bring the primeval world to life, complete with skeletal displays of 50 dinosaurs. Nearby, Japan’s largest dinosaur dig site has tours where participants can learn about and try their hand at fossil excavation. The museum is located within the Katsuyama Dinosaur Forest Park. In addition to the museum there is Katsuyama Dino Park, which has a 460-meter walking path lined with over 50 life-sized, animatronic dinosaur robots.
Traveling in Style
Getting to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum can be an adventure in itself. While cars and local trains are convenient, you can get into the Jurassic spirit by traveling on the Dinosaur Train.
This two-car train departs from Echizen Railway Fukui Station and travels to Katsuyama Station, the closest stop to the museum. Its exterior is decorated with images of 71 different dinosaurs, while the interior features fossil replicas, statues, and dino-themed seating. Train tickets include museum admission and local transportation passes. The train operates on weekends, national holidays, and summer holidays, with one outbound and one return trip per day. Service is suspended in winter. From Katsuyama Station, regular buses and shuttle buses also run to the museum.
An extended reality bus departs from Fukui Station directly to the museum. Launched in 2024, the “WOW RIDE Ikossa! Fukui-go,” bus uses transparent OLED screens, augmented reality and virtual reality, to transform the 55-minute trip into a narrative experience about Fukui’s primordial past. Tickets for the bus include admission to Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum and can be reserved online.
Dinosaur-Themed Stays
Why end the dinosaur adventure with just the museum? Extend the prehistoric adventure with a stay in a dinosaur-themed room, available at select accommodations. Choose from traditional Japanese inns with subtle dinosaur-inspired décor, such as Yamacho or Dino-saur Old House Hotel, to modern hotels with antediluvian murals and interiors, such as Hotel New Sunpia Tsuruga. Many of the hotels serve dinosaur-shaped snacks or foods. The Katsuyama New Hotel stands out with its extensive theming. Guests are greeted by a giant T. rex mural in the lobby and animatronic dinosaurs throughout the property.
Dinosaurs in the Wild
Fukui’s dinosaurs are not confined to museums or ticketed attractions—they can also be found “in the wild” throughout the prefecture. JR Fukui Station, affectionately known as “Dinosaur Station,” is a prime example. In addition to the animatronics that welcome visitors to the prefecture, the station building and its grounds feature charming statues, colorful murals, an outdoor, dinosaur-themed play area, and a beautiful stained-glass display of dinosaurs, trains, and Fukui’s tourist attractions.
Roadside stations can offer delightful surprises. The Roadside Station Kuzuryu in the city of Ono, has an animatronic T-rex mother and its infant, while the Nanjo Service Area in the city of Echizen in central Fukui, has a Fukuititan robot that can be “fed” using a plant-tipped stick, perfect for photo opportunities. Other examples include a brachiosaurus on the side of the expressway from Fukui to Katsuyama and several dinosaur statues at Roadside Station Dinosaur Valley Katsuyama.
Fukui’s dinosaur attractions extend beyond museum exhibits and transportation. The prefecture’s mascots, a family called Juratic, appear everywhere, from promotional materials to festivals. Eagle-eyed visitors can also hunt for dinosaur-themed manhole covers in Katsuyama or spot dinosaur-shaped benches outside the Fukui Prefectural Government building. Shops, cafes, and restaurants serve dinosaur-shaped snacks, meals, and souvenirs. Many dinosaur-themed events are held in Fukui, including the T-Rex Race at Katsuyama Ski Jam where participants compete in dinosaur costumes.
Lastly, keep an eye out for Dr. Dinosaur, a Fukuiraptor wearing a lab coat, shown contemplating the skull of a smaller dinosaur. Originally created for the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, this scientific saurian can now be found on benches across the prefecture, from Fukui Station to Tsuruga Station (and even other prefectures such as Tokyo). Finding all of the benches and snapping a shot with Dr. Dinosaur can be a fun challenge. Happy hunting!
