Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum – Japan’s Premier Gateway to Prehistoric Earth

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Ambience & Setting
Set amidst the forested hills of Katsuyama City, the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (FPDM) stands as Japan’s largest and most renowned museum dedicated to dinosaurs and paleontology. Its futuristic silver dome rises dramatically from the landscape, reflecting both the natural beauty of Fukui and the museum’s deep connection to Earth’s ancient past. Surrounded by the Dinosaur Valley Fukui Katsuyama Geopark, the site is both a world-class research hub and an immersive visitor experience for all ages.

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Highlights of the Visit
• Dinosaur Hall: The centerpiece of the museum — a vast, cathedral-like space filled with over 40 life-sized skeletons and animatronic dinosaurs, including the roaring Tyrannosaurus rex, Fukuiraptor, and Fukuisaurus, species discovered locally in Fukui.
• Dino Theater: A panoramic 3D theater experience that transports visitors back millions of years, depicting how dinosaurs lived, evolved, and disappeared.
• Earth Sciences Section: Showcases fossils, minerals, and the formation of Earth through interactive geological exhibits that bridge science with natural wonder.
• Life Evolution Section: A walk-through journey exploring how life evolved from microorganisms to mammals — blending stunning dioramas and multimedia storytelling.
• Dinosaur Excavation Experience: Just outside the museum, visitors can join guided programs to dig for real fossils at the nearby Katsuyama Dinosaur Quarry, an active paleontological site.

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Practical Info
• Location: 51-11 Terao, Murokocho, Katsuyama, Fukui Prefecture, Japan
• Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (last admission 4:30 PM); closed 2nd and 4th Wednesdays
• Admission: Around ¥1,000 for adults; discounts for students and children
• Access: From Fukui Station, take the Echizen Railway to Katsuyama Station (approx. 1 hour), then a 15-minute bus or taxi ride
• Facilities: Gift shop, café, children’s learning zone, and scenic trails nearby

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Why It’s Worth Visiting
• One of the top dinosaur museums in the world, combining scientific excellence with engaging design.
• The only place to see fossils of Fukui’s own dinosaur species, discovered locally.
• Immersive for both kids and adults — balancing education, technology, and sheer wonder.
• Located in a UNESCO-recognized Geopark, perfect for pairing with nature trails and outdoor exploration.

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The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum offers a thrilling step into deep time — where science, imagination, and discovery converge under one gleaming dome, making it an unmissable highlight of Japan’s Hokuriku region.