DISCOVER FUKUI

Kitadani Town in Katsuyama City is home to Japan’s largest dinosaur fossil excavation site, and Fukui Prefecture is often referred to as the “Kingdom of Dinosaurs.”

The reason so many dinosaur fossils have been discovered in Fukui Prefecture (Katsuyama City) is that a "bone bed"—a section within the sedimentary layers deposited during the time when dinosaurs lived where a large number of bones and other remains were concentrated—was discovered. Another reason is that large-scale, intensive excavations began following the discovery of a Mesozoic Early Cretaceous crocodile fossil in Katsuyama City in 1982.

Approximately 80% of the dinosaur fossils discovered in Japan have been found in Fukui Prefecture. Some of these fossils discovered in the prefecture were the first of their kind to be found anywhere, so there are numerous dinosaurs named after “Fukui,” such as “Fukuisaurus,” “Fukuiraptor,” “Fukuivenator,” and “Fukuititan.”

In addition to dinosaurs, a series of historic discoveries have been made, including the excavation of a new species of mammal fossil that is among the oldest in Japan.

The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is located in Katsuyama City, where numerous dinosaur fossils have been unearthed. Ranked as one of the world’s three major dinosaur museums, it is a popular attraction that draws many dinosaur enthusiasts from both within and outside the country.

The main exhibition area features 50 dinosaur skeletons, including 10 made from actual bones. Another major attraction is the immersive experience created by massive dioramas and the Dinosaur Theater, which features stunning CGI footage recreating the landscapes of ancient China—making visitors feel as though they have traveled back in time to the age of dinosaurs. In addition to dinosaurs, the museum also displays fossil specimens of various other creatures and geological materials.

In the new wing, you can enjoy the “Dinosaur Tower,” a symbolic monument featuring five species of dinosaurs and one species of bird discovered in Fukui Prefecture, as well as the “3-Screen Dino Theater,” where life-size dinosaurs roam a massive special screen measuring 9 meters high by 16 meters wide (29.5 feet high by 52.5 feet wide), enclosed in a U-shape. You can also experience authentic fossil research activities such as fossil cleaning, CT fossil observation, and T. rex skull reconstruction!

Furthermore, the Outdoor Dinosaur Museum bus tour allows you to visit actual excavation sites and enjoy hands-on excavation experiences at adjacent facilities.

"Dinosaur Forest," an interactive attraction located within Shibamasa World Amusement Park.

Dinosaurs once roamed the forests of Shibamasa World!　

This walk-through attraction takes you on a journey through a vast forest spanning approximately 26,000 square meters (6.42 acres or about 280,000 square feet, roughly equivalent to 5 football fields), home to over 60 dinosaurs of 30 different species.

Take on the mission to collect "Dino Energy," an unknown energy unique to this forest, and hatch dinosaur eggs!

Upon completing the mission, you’ll receive an original card featuring the dinosaur you hatched.

At the Horossa Fossil Excavation Center, you can experience fossil excavation using rocks from geological strata dating from approximately 440 million years ago (the Silurian Period) to approximately 127 million years ago (the Early Cretaceous Period), which are widely distributed throughout Ono City. The Horossa Fossil Excavation Center is the only place in Japan where you can experience excavating Jurassic ammonite fossils. To date, a wide variety of fossils have been discovered here, including dinosaur teeth, ammonites, plants, and shells.

The Horossa Fossil Excavation Center opens for the fossil excavation experience every year on April 17 (Dinosaur Day).

If you love dinosaurs, we highly recommend staying at a "Dinosaur Hotel"! Each hotel features dinosaur-themed rooms, and some even incorporate dinosaurs into their meals and souvenirs, making them a popular choice for families.

Dinosaur merchandise is a hugely popular choice for souvenirs from your trip to Fukui! You can find dinosaur goods for sale at various locations throughout the prefecture, starting with the museum shop at the Dinosaur Museum. With a wide variety of items available—from snacks shaped like dinosaurs or packaged in dinosaur-themed designs to plush toys, stationery, and other accessories—you’re sure to have fun picking out souvenirs.

Welcome to Fukui, the City Where Dinosaurs Live

In the spring of 2024, the Hokuriku Shinkansen extended into Fukui.

An era where humans and dinosaurs coexist—a time we might call the “New Fukui Era”—has arrived in Fukui.

So, head out into the streets of Fukui and enjoy meeting the dinosaurs.

Here, we introduce dinosaur-themed attractions and sightseeing spots around Fukui Station, as well as dinosaur-related events and recommended walking routes.

You can spot dinosaurs all over Fukui Prefecture. There’s a dinosaur sitting on a bench at Fukui Station, and at the West Exit, you’ll find life-size moving dinosaurs and life-size replicas of fossilized footprints. In Katsuyama City, dinosaurs are hiding everywhere, starting with the giant white dinosaur monument known as “White Saurus.” Since these spots are popular for photos, why not look for them to create some lasting memories of your trip?

• 1. Micho no Eki Roadside Station Kuzuryu - Izumi Fureai Hall (Sculpture)
• 2. Michi no Eki Roadside Station Kyoryu Keikoku Katsuyama (Sculpture)
• 3. White Saurus (Sculpture)
• 4. Fukui Station “Dinosaur Plaza” (Sculpture, Illustration)
• 5. Katsuyama Dino Park (Sculpture)
• 6. Angel Land Fukui Children’s Museum (Sculpture)
• 7. Nanjo Service Area (Southbound) (Sculpture)
• 8. Michi no Eki Roadside Station Minamiechizen Sankairi (Dr. Dinosaur)
• 9. JR Tsuruga Station (Platform) (Dr. Dinosaur)
• 10. Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouses (Dr. Dinosaur)
• 11. Tojinbo Cliffs (Dr. Dinosaur)
• 12. Echizen-Ono Yui Station (Dr. Dinosaur)
• 13. Obama City Machi no Eki Asahiza (Dr. Dinosaur)
• 14. Echizen Railway Fukui Station (Platform) (Dr. Dinosaur)
• 15. JR Fukui Station (Platform) (Dr. Dinosaur)
• 16. JR Fukui Station (Inside the Station) (Dr. Dinosaur)
• 17. Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (Roof) (Dr. Dinosaur)

In Fukui, the "Kingdom of Dinosaurs," there’s plenty to get excited about along the way, from dinosaur-themed wrapped buses to welcoming sculptures at the station.
Here, we’ll introduce some recommended modes of transportation that are fun to see and ride as you head from Fukui Station to popular spots like the Dinosaur Museum!