Guida
Hakusan Dinosaur Park Shiramine, located in Kuwajima, Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is a museum dedicated to dinosaurs and paleontology. This region is renowned as the "birthplace of Japanese geology," housing precious fossils discovered from the "Kuwajima Fossil Wall," a national natural monument. The facility features a striking silver dome-shaped "Dinosaur Hall" housing a powerful Tyrannosaurus robot and a massive Diplodocus skeleton exceeding 20 meters in length. Outside, the "Fossil Discovery Plaza" allows visitors to engage in hands-on fossil hunting, making it a place where history is learned through all five senses.
The Kuwajima area is geologically significant. The "Kuwajima Fossil Wall" played a vital role in the development of Japanese geology, as plant fossils from approximately 130 million years ago were discovered here. The facility also serves as an educational hub for the Hakusanio-Tehri River Geopark, preserving the natural history and geological evolution of the region for future generations.
The museum consists of several distinct areas. The main "Dinosaur Hall" features the T-Rex robot, the 20m Diplodocus skeleton, and authentic Iguanodon fossils from the UK. The "Learning Hall" includes a mini-theater for educational programming. In the outdoor "Interaction Plaza," you can encounter life-sized dinosaur models like the Megalosaurus. Additionally, the rooftop of the Fureai-kan building offers an observation deck with a panoramic view of the Kuwajima Fossil Wall and the historic Shiramine village, blending science with beautiful natural scenery.
Due to heavy snowfall, the facility is closed during the winter season (late November to mid-April). The best time to visit is from May to October when the weather is stable. During these months, the outdoor "Fossil Discovery Plaza" is fully operational. While the indoor exhibits provide a controlled environment for studying fossils regardless of weather, visiting during the spring or summer allows for a smoother outdoor experience.
A standout feature is the fossil-hunting experience at the "Fossil Discovery Plaza." Visitors can search for fossils in the ground using provided tools such as hammers, goggles, and gloves. This hands-on activity, involving the search for 130-million-year-old plant fossils, offers immense educational value. Combined with the mini-theater and outdoor models, the park offers a comprehensive way to learn about dinosaur ecology.
Nestled in the rich nature of Hakusan, the park is part of the Hakusanio-Tehri River Geopark. Visitors can enjoy the geological landscapes and the scenic views of the historic Shiramine settlements from the observation deck, feeling the deep connection between the land and its ancient history.
Please respect the museum rules by not touching the exhibits. For the fossil excavation experience, comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are highly recommended. While there are vending machines and a souvenir shop, there are no on-site restaurants, so we recommend having lunch before your visit or bringing your own. Please note that the facility is closed from late November to mid-April; always check the seasonal schedule before traveling.