Guide
The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is a natural history museum dedicated to dinosaurs, located within the Nagao-yama Sogo Park (Katsuyama Dinosaur Forest) in Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture. It is recognized as one of the three greatest dinosaur museums in the world, alongside the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Canada and the Zigong Dinosaur Museum in China. The museum underwent a major renewal in July 2023, featuring updated permanent exhibits and a new building expansion. The surrounding area is home to the Tetori Group, a geological formation rich in Cretaceous fossils such as dinosaurs, crocodiles, turtles, and fish, making this a highly significant academic site.
The museum's history began with the discovery of a full skeleton of a prehistoric crocodile in the Sugiyama River basin in Katsuyama in 1982. In 1988, fossilized teeth of small carnivorous dinosaurs were also discovered, sparking further research. The museum officially opened on July 14, 2000, following the lineage of the Fukui Prefectural Museum in Fukui City, but was relocated to Katsuyama to serve as a specialized center for natural history. In 2009, the surrounding Katsuyama area was designated as the 'Fukui Katsuyama Dinosaur Valley GeoPark,' a Japan Geopark. Furthermore, in 2017, five species of new dinosaur fossils discovered in Katsuyama, along with their discovery sites, were designated as National Natural Monuments, highlighting the immense geological value of this region.
The museum features diverse exhibits centered on the Cretaceous period. The massive dinosaur skeletons and highly detailed life-sized models are truly overwhelming for visitors. Beyond the main exhibition halls, there are areas where you can observe the actual geological layers where fossils are found, providing a sense of how these remains are unearthed. The exhibits cover not just dinosaurs, but also fossils of crocodiles, turtles, fish, and plants, offering a multi-dimensional view of the Cretaceous ecosystem.
The museum is open year-round, and the surrounding scenery changes beautifully with the seasons. From spring to summer, the lush greenery of the 'Katsuyama Dinosaur Forest' provides a refreshing natural environment for a stroll. Since exhibition content varies due to special temporary exhibits, it is highly recommended to check the official website for the latest information before your visit. Daytime visits are ideal, as natural light enhances the visibility of the intricate details in the exhibits.
In the surrounding 'Katsuyama Dinosaur Forest,' visitors can enjoy walking through nature. The museum offers programs that allow you to observe fossil excavation sites and exhibits that explain the geological processes behind fossil formation. This allows visitors to move beyond mere observation and truly connect with the scientific processes of how life and earth interact.
Katsuyama City is part of the 'Fukui Katsuyama Dinosaur Valley GeoPark.' The area is dotted with fossil excavation sites and facilities that deepen your understanding of natural history. We recommend exploring the GeoPark routes to fully immerse yourself in the prehistoric history of this region.