The Updated Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
Fukui’s top attraction is better than ever.
Cover photo: Visitors gather around an animatronic Tyrannosaurus in the main gallery of the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (福井県立恐竜博物館) in Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan (2023). Photo by Danny With Love.
Intro
Billed as one of the ‘world’s top three dinosaur museums’, the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (福井県立恐竜博物館) or FPDM is the crown jewel of Japan’s Dinosaur Kingdom, where some 80% of the nation’s fossils have been discovered.
Ahead of the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension to Fukui, FPDM closed for a major seven-month renovation — the first in the museum’s history — at a cost of 9.4 billion yen (approx. 63 million USD).
Since opening in the year 2000, FPDM has followed a mission to utilize its “abundant priceless dinosaur resources for academic research, lifelong education, and tourism, and for promoting Fukui’s recognition inside and outside Japan.”
The museum has welcomed a total 12 million people since 2000, with a record 938,000 visitors in 2018. The prefecture has set a goal of 1.4 million annual visitors after the shinkansen’s arrival. FPDM director Yumiko Tanikawa (谷川 由美子) says, “I hope our dinosaur museum will take the lead in promoting Fukui.”
With much fanfare, FPDM officially reopened on July 14th. I had an opportunity to visit last weekend, after the peak summer season. Please read on for more information about the updated museum.
Changes
When I first heard FPDM was set to close for renovations, I was surprised. I couldn’t imagine what changes were required. Upon my initial visit in 2021, the museum did not seem especially dated, so I was curious to see the difference.
It was worth the trip. I can report that the already-impressive museum is now absolutely stunning, with new, expanded, and redesigned spaces.
The biggest change is the addition of a three-story annex, measuring 7,092 square meters (8,481 square yards). As a result of this expansion, much of the museum’s layout has been altered and improved. The museum shop alone has doubled in size and the restaurant is now three times bigger. The Dino Library, rest area, and Kids’ space are also renewed.
Highlights
The main exhibition collection appears largely as it did before, but with some notable additions. There are now six new dinosaur skeletons on display, including a Spinosaurus. This brings the total to fifty, ten of which include original fossils.
There is also a new ‘mummy fossil’ on loan from the United States for the next ten years. With visible beak and claws, this Brachylophosaurus — nicknamed Leonardo — was declared the “Best Preserved Dinosaur” by Guinness World Records in 2004. The surviving features are incredible, including hexagonal patterns thought to be skin. I’ve never seen anything like it!
As mentioned above, the annex — dubbed “Little Egg” — is an entirely new addition to the institution. Stretching through all three levels, the 13 meter (43 feet) high “Dinosaur Tower” features life-size models of the six unique species discovered in Fukui: Fukuititan, Koshisaurus, Fukuisaurus, Fukuivenator, Fukuipteryx, and Fukuiraptor. It’s already proven to be a popular photo spot!
The Little Egg also includes open storage, where visitors can peak into the shelved collection, as well as a projector-equipped special exhibition space. With a total display of 9 by 48 meters, the panoramic projections currently feature a CGI video of life-size dinosaurs roaming the earth.
There is a new Fossil Research Training Room, where — for an additional fee — guests can experience hands-on activities such as fossil excavation, reassembly, and examination with professional tools. The head of the museum’s research and exhibition department, Dr. Kazuo Terada (寺田 和雄), says, “I believe only at our dinosaur museum can you have such an authentic experience.” I want to try it next time!
I had to wait 45 minutes for lunch, so I stopped by the Dino Lab, which offers a focused look into the Tyrannosaurus species. I learned they had serrated teeth! The updated area also includes projection mapping so visitors can see inside the creature’s skull in spectacular detail.
Lastly, the museum restaurant proved to be yet another highlight, with a reinvented menu. Featuring rice in the shape of a dinosaur, I couldn’t resist the “Spinosaurus Curry.”
I also treated myself to the “Dinosaur History Cake” costing 1,600 yen (approx. 11.00 USD). Guests can trace the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous eras, up to extinction, by pouring four sugary test tubes over the earth, represented by a castella (dense sponge) cake. It was as delicious as it was silly.
During lunch, I reflected upon my busy morning. The museum offered a cohesive experience that was both informative and fun, making for an unforgettable visit. The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is so wonderful; it makes me proud to be a Fukui resident. I hope many people will come to enjoy the Dinosaur Kingdom.
Access
FPDM is about a one-hour trip from Fukui Station. There are rail and bus options available. Museum reservations are required for all visitors. Prices below are listed for adults.
Museum entrance (permanent collection): 1,000 yen (approx. 7.00 USD)
Fossil Research Training: 1,200 yen (approx. 8.00 USD)
Field Station site: 1,300 yen (approx. 9.00 USD)
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 — including FPDM — throughout the area. The opinions I share are my own.
