A Visit to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
A day trip to Japan’s world-class dinosaur museum.
Cover photo: Visitors admire the permanent exhibit at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, Katsuyama, Fukui Prefecture, Japan (2021). Photo by DannyWithLove.
Last weekend, I joined two fellow JET teachers on a visit to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum in Katsuyama. The museum is regarded as one of the best in the world, boasting 41,000 items in its 15,000-square-meter floor space. Designed by famed architect Kisho Kurokawa, it is a truly impressive building!
Over 80% of Japan’s dinosaur fossils have been discovered in Fukui, and five species have been named after the prefecture, which is consequently home to a large number of dinosaur mascots. Fukui Station is entirely dinosaur themed as well!
The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum lies hidden in the mountains, Katsuyama, Fukui Prefecture, Japan (2021). Photo by DannyWithLove.
Entrance to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, Katsuyama, Fukui Prefecture, Japan (2021). Photo by DannyWithLove.
The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is not located in Fukui City but in Katsuyama, which is about an hour’s drive from the station. We arrived for the 11 o’clock slot. A line had already formed but thankfully Kyle had reserved our tickets in advance!
The rotunda of the multi-level Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, Katsuyama, Fukui Prefecture, Japan (2021). Photo by DannyWithLove.
Upon entrance, visitors are greeted by a large rotunda with an escalator that leads down several levels. We began at the top with the special exhibition, which was dedicated to sea creatures. While the fossils, videos, and models were all incredible, this section did not have any English labels.
A sea serpent in a special exhibition at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, Katsuyama, Fukui Prefecture, Japan (2021). Photo by DannyWithLove.
Afterwards we were ready for something to eat, prompting us to stop by the café. It was about a half hour wait to get seats. I eagerly devoured a katsu set with soba noodles and miso soup while Kyle and Ashlie both enjoyed an ice cream float. Finally we were ready for the main exhibit, which was nothing short of spectacular.
Model animal skeletons at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, Katsuyama, Fukui Prefecture, Japan (2021). Photo by DannyWithLove.
The sheer size of the museum is amazing. There was a model for every dinosaur I could imagine — and more! Most, if not all, labels in the permanent exhibit are in English in addition to Japanese. There are prehistoric timelines, gem collections, and impressive videos.
The focal point of the permanent exhibit at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, Katsuyama, Fukui Prefecture, Japan (2021). Photo by DannyWithLove.
The mighty tyrannosaurus animatronic at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, Katsuyama, Fukui Prefecture, Japan (2021). Photo by DannyWithLove.
What I liked best, however, were the life-like animatronics. The tyrannosaurus in the heart of the museum was especially captivating. Guests of every age were drawn to the beast which reared its head, shook its tail, and even roared!
Upstairs, there is a hands-on lab for children and a movie theater. Visitors can get a glimpse of the research laboratory where real scientists and technicians clean fossils and conduct research. There are also multiple gift shops offering a plethora of dinosaur-related memorabilia, such as sweets, books, and toys.
The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is certainly worth a day trip and I’m sure it is a veritable paradise for dinosaur-lovers!
With my fellow JETs Ashlie and Kyle outside the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, Katsuyama, Fukui Prefecture, Japan (2021). Photo by DannyWithLove.
The museum is currently opened every day from 9 AM to 5 PM. Adult entrance is 730 yen (approximately $7). Special exhibits require an additional fee. Learn more at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum’s website here.
Author’s Note
As part of the Fukui Reporter program, I am tasked with participating in local events and publicly promoting the prefecture. This is a volunteer position that allows me free entrance to a selection of museums throughout the area. The opinions I share are my own.