Fukui Dinosaur Museum Complete Travel Guide
The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is one of Japan's largest dinosaur museums and is regularly counted among the world's three great dinosaur museums, with around 50 mounted skeletons and exhibits built around fossils excavated locally in Katsuyama.
Quick Facts
Best Things to Do
- See the roughly 50 mounted dinosaur skeletons across the main exhibition halls.
- Walk through the 'World of Dinosaurs,' 'Science of the Earth,' and 'History of Life' zones.
- Look at fossils excavated from the nearby Kitadani Formation dig site in Katsuyama.
- Combine your visit with the outdoor Dinosaur Valley area if it is open, weather permitting.
Tickets and Fees
Checked in July 2026: the museum is generally open 9:00 to 17:00 with last entry at 16:30, extending to around 18:00 in July and August, and it closes on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month and around the New Year holiday. Confirm the current calendar before visiting, as closures and hours can change.
How to Get There
From JR Fukui Station, take the Echizen Railway Katsuyama Eiheiji Line to Katsuyama Station (about 1 hour), then a taxi (about 10 minutes) or community bus to the museum.
Nearby Attractions
If you have more time in Fukui, Eiheiji Temple and Maruoka Castle make good additions to the itinerary.
Book Before You Go
Use official information for opening hours and ticket rules, then book tours or tickets only when they fit your route.