Dinosaurs have always captured the public imagination, as movies like Jurassic Park are well-loved by global audiences. Now, Japan is probably one of the last places you would expect to associate with dinosaurs. However, do you know that you can get up close with varied dinosaur fossils in Fukui Prefecture in Western Japan? In fact, one of the main draws of Fukui is its deep connections with dinosaurs as it boasts many other dinosaur-themed attractions. Perfect for people of all ages, whether you're an adult interested in paleontology or have dinosaur-crazed kids, Fukui is a great place for entertainment and education. Read on to learn more about why Fukui is the Jurassic Park of Japan, and where you can encounter the dinosaurs. 

Why Fukui Has So Many Dinosaur Attractions

Fukui has developed an unique image of itself as the “Dinosaur Kingdom” due to its affiliations with dinosaurs. It all started in 1982, when a crocodile fossil from the Early Cretaceous era was found in Katsuyama City. Thus, people thought that similarly aged dinosaur fossils could be found too. The Fukui Prefectural Museum subsequently  conducted a preliminary investigation. Their prediction came true as multiple fossils of various carnivorous dinosaurs’ teeth, bones and even footprints were uncovered! 

Since then, more and more dinosaurs have been excavated. Paleontologists and scientists even uncovered three dinosaur species exclusive to Japan and named them after Fukui: the Fukuisaurus, Fukuiraptor and Fukuititan. This further enhanced Fukui’s interest and fascination with dinosaurs!

Today, Katsuyama City has Japan’s largest excavation site as professionals strive to achieve more dinosaur fossil discoveries. Its reputation is unparalleled as the entire city was recognized as a Geopark by UNESCO in October 2009. This is why locals and foreigners alike associate Fukui with the Jurassic Park of Japan and eagerly make their way there to explore the many dinosaur-themed attractions.

1. Dinosaur Station at Fukui Station

As the saying goes, “Seeing is believing.” Fukui does a terrific job in immersing you in the land of the dinosaurs and getting you into the mood for some dinosaur adventures. Right from the moment you arrive at Fukui Station, your prehistoric journey begins. Be greeted by the sight of lifelike murals featuring dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes smashing through the station walls. 

After you are done admiring these exquisite murals, step outside the station to explore two landscaped areas. Here, the fun level is taken up several notches higher as three realistic animatronics - one each of the Fukuititan, Fukuiraptor and Fukuisaurus - engage your senses with loud sounds and dramatic movements. 

Commanding an impressive sight at 10 meters tall, the Fukuititan will hold reign in one of the landscaped areas. The other area sets the stage for battle as the Fukuiraptor and Fukuisaurus look menacingly at each other, squaring up for a fight. Comprehensive descriptions are available in both Japanese and English so that you can learn more about these three dinosaur species that are exclusive to Fukui. What’s more, be awed at the sight of a pair of life-sized dinosaur footprints in the vicinity of the landscaped areas. This is surely the quickest way to get a reality check in regards to how gigantic these magnificient dinosaurs really were. 

2. Whitesaurus

Flushed with excitement after a warm welcome by dinosaurs at Fukui Station, you are likely to make your way to the key dinosaur attractions in Katsuyama City. Don’t get so excited that you forget to stop and admire the sight of Whitesaurus on your way to Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum. 

Stamping its presence in your mind, Whitesaurus takes your breath away as it spans a total length of 16.9 meters, which makes it stand out from its surroundings. On a fine day, it is tastefully juxtaposed against the blue sky and green fields, evoking some playful vibes. Get into the spirit of things by taking Instagrammable shots with you. You may even want to position yourself such that your head is “eaten up” by this Tyrannosaurus Rex-like sculpture!

3. Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

Resembling a gigantic dinosaur egg, Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is Katsuyama City’s signature landmark as it is ranked among the top three dinosaur museums worldwide. Its eye-catching facade was designed by world-renowned architect, Kisho Kurokawa. Step inside the basement and be treated to the gorgeous sight of 44 reconstructed life-sized dinosaur skeletons, ten of which were made from real dinosaur bones. Compete with your travel companions to see who can spot the Fukuisaurus, Fukuiraptor and Fukuititan first!

Be prepared to be spellbound as you learn from the English and Japanese explanations about how plant-eating dinosaurs like the Triceratops and Stegosaurus defended themselves against predators like the Tyrannosaurus Rex via large dioramas. Plus, the museum comprises some dynamic animatronics, whose dinosaur calls and roars reverberate across the walls and give you a fun-filled fright.

Other highlights of Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum include the chance to observe scientists at work as they clean fossils and engage in their research from behind a glass window. Also not to be missed is a visit to the souvenir store outside the museum too. It sells yummy dinosaur-shaped, bean-based snacks that are made of otebomame (a kind of string bean) from Hokkaido. They make for great souvenirs for your family and friends back home.

Before you leave the museum, don’t forget to say hi to “Dr. Dinosaur”, which is a smart-looking dinosaur dressed in a laboratory coat and looking thoughtfully at a dinosaur fossil. This exemplifies the innovative spirit Fukui exhibits towards dinosaurs, so be sure to take an Instagrammable photo with it as a keepsake.

4. Katsuyama Dino Park

After visiting the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, you may want to visit Katsuyama Dino Park, which is within walking distance from the museum. Since this attraction is located within Katsuyama Dinosaur Forest Park, you can not only admire the 44 life-sized dinosaur exhibits, but also imagine what it must have been like for them to live on Earth in the Jurassic and Cretaceous eras. 

Strolling leisurely in the Katsuyama Dino Park is an available option for you, but since Katsuyama Dino Park is Japan’s largest walk-through dinosaur park, you may not feel quite up for walking. In that case, do take advantage of the other available options - GaoGao Ride, GaoGao Train and GaoGao Boat - and embark on your preferred way to enjoy these exhibits at your own pace. No matter what option you choose, you will be amazed by the 13-meter-long Tyrannosaurus Rex and the even huger 20-meter-long Mamenchisaurus.

5. Dokidoki Kyoryu Hakkutsu Land

Dokidoki Kyoryu Hakkutsu Land is located inside Katsuyama Dinosaur Forest Park and offers you and your travel companions a nice contrast to the passive viewing of dinosaur fossils and exhibits at other attractions. Appealing to your kinesthetic sensibilities, it enables you to dig for fossils. Affording you the same experience real-life paleontologists receive from their job, you are entrusted with the same kind of hammer and chisel they use in their archaeological excavations. Have fun putting on your paleontology hat and cracking rocks from the Cretaceous period.

To enrich your experience, friendly instructors are on hand to guide your “expedition”. Should you be lucky enough to find a fossil buried inside the rock you are given, you can ask them to explain to you the name and characteristics of the dinosaur it belongs to. Just remember to make your reservations at least one day in advance so that you can participate in such a memorable experience. 

6. Angel Land Fukui

After exploring all the dinosaur-themed attractions in Katsuyama City thoroughly, you may want to undertake an excursion to a neighboring city called Sakai City. Sakai City boasts a magnificent facility that aims to boost your Science knowledge. Also known as the Fukui Prefectural Science Museum for Children, Angel Land Fukui is ideal for inquisitive travelers who wish to explore the position dinosaurs occupied in the universe in prehistoric times. 

Featuring Hokuriku's largest planetarium and space theater, Angel Land Fukui  will allow you and your travel buddies to make connections between dinosaurs and the galaxy. Fascinating insights can be made! However, if you are traveling with children, you may want to do something less cerebral and head over to the dinosaur-shaped "Playsaurus" play area. Your children will thank you for letting them play to their heart's content.

Immerse Yourself In The Jurassic Park Of Japan

From stunning exhibits to hands-on learning, Fukui provides myriad opportunities for you to partake in a different kind of experience most travelers won’t attain. Not only can you interact with Japanese locals as you have fun at the dinosaur attractions, but you can also marvel at the locals’ determination to preserve this important slice of prehistoric times. Be sure to enjoy yourself thoroughly in the wonders of the Dinosaur Kingdom.