Dinosaur Museum and Tojinbo — Fukui's Natural Wonders and Dramatic Coastline

Fukui Prefecture is one of Japan foremost sources of dinosaur fossils. Many fossils of new dinosaur species discovered in Fukui, such as Fukuiraptor and Fukuisaurus, have been unearthed here, and the prefecture is known nationwide as a dinosaur kingdom. A world-class dinosaur museum and the cliff scenery of Tojinbo, carved by the rough waves of the Japan Sea -- Fukui brings together rewarding sights where you can enjoy ancient romance and grand nature at once.

Fukui, the Dinosaur Kingdom

Fukui is one of Japan leading sources of dinosaur fossils, where many of the fossils unearthed in the country are found. From excavation sites in Katsuyama City, new species bearing the Fukui name -- Fukuiraptor, Fukuisaurus, Fukuititan -- have been discovered one after another. These valuable finds made Fukui known nationwide as a dinosaur kingdom. The many fossils that speak of dinosaurs living here in the distant past convey the depth of Fukui natural history.

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum in Katsuyama City is a dinosaur specialist museum of world-class scale. Inside the grand dome-shaped building, complete dinosaur skeletons -- increased to 50 in the 2023 renewal -- are on display, along with moving dinosaur robots and fossil dioramas, filling the halls with things to see. Children and adults alike are sure to be enthralled by the ancient world. At the outdoor field museum nearby, you can even try a fossil excavation experience in genuine strata (reservation required). It is a leading Fukui attraction, hugely popular with dinosaur fans and families. Note that admission and viewing require a date and time-designated advance reservation (fully reservation-based), so do not forget to book through the official website.

Tojinbo, Scenery of the Japan Sea

Another of Fukui landmarks is Tojinbo, the cliff scenery facing the Japan Sea. The rugged columnar-jointed rock walls stretch for about one kilometer in an overwhelming sight, designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument. These columnar joints formed as pyroxene andesite cooled and solidified, a landform rare even on a global scale. The powerful view of Japan Sea waves crashing against cliffs around 20 meters high is one of Fukui finest. The view looking up at the cliffs from a sightseeing boat is also impressive, and the beauty at sunset is exceptional. It is a popular destination offering thrills and scenery at once.

Seasonal Enjoyment

The museum is an indoor facility enjoyable year-round and is lively with families during summer vacation. The outdoor fossil excavation experience is held in the warmer seasons (spring to autumn), so that period is recommended. Tojinbo is impressive in winter when the rough waves grow more powerful, and in seasons when the sun sets over the horizon. Because the two sights lie in different directions, deciding which to make the centerpiece based on season and weather makes planning easier.

Access and Essentials

• Dinosaur Museum: About 15 minutes by community bus (Dinosaur Bus) from Katsuyama Station on the Echizen Railway Katsuyama Eiheiji Line. About 50 minutes by car from the Maruoka Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway. Open 9:00 to 17:00 (extended in summer), closed on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays and other days. Viewing fee: adults 1,000 yen, high school and college students 800 yen, elementary and junior high students 500 yen (fully reservation-based).
• Tojinbo: By bus toward Tojinbo from Mikuni Station on the Echizen Railway. There are also bus services from Awara Onsen and Ashihara-Onsen Station. Viewing the cliffs is free; the sightseeing boat is paid (a few hundred to low thousands of yen).
• The two spots are about an hour apart by car, so a rental car lets you tour both efficiently in one day.

Practical Travel Notes

• Model course: A popular route is the museum in the morning (matched to your reserved time), then Tojinbo for the evening view. Staying one night at Awara Onsen in between makes it relaxed.
• Avoiding crowds: The museum is fully reservation-based, so do not rely on same-day tickets; secure a slot early. Weekdays and winter are relatively empty.
• Time needed: Two to three hours for a thorough museum visit; one to two hours at Tojinbo for a stroll and boat ride.
• Budget feel: Museum admission is 1,000 yen for adults, the boat is around a thousand yen, and adding an Awara Onsen stay makes a comfortable two-day trip.
• Caution: Tojinbo has cliffs with few railings. On days of strong wind or high waves, do not force your way near the rocks.

A Word of Advice

The Dinosaur Museum is fully reservation-based with designated dates and times. Slots fill early, especially during summer vacation and long holidays, so once your itinerary is set, book the museum first. Combining dinosaurs and scenery with hot springs and local flavors makes a full trip unique to Fukui.

📚 Sources

The information here is based mainly on the official information of the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum and the public guidance from Katsuyama city, Sakai city, and the tourism associations. The guidance on the museum's full reservation system and on the Tojinbo sightseeing boat and its status as a national scenic and natural monument are also useful references. Because the museum admission, opening hours, and reservation method, and the boat fees and operation may change, please confirm the latest details on each facility's official information before you visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time needed: About 2 to 3 hours to view the Dinosaur Museum thoroughly, and about 1 to 2 hours at Tojinbo for a walk and the sightseeing boat. Allow nearly a full day if you tour both in one day.
• What to bring: A rental car is efficient since the two spots are about an hour apart by car. Wear comfortable walking shoes at Tojinbo, where the cliffs have few railings, and avoid approaching the rocks on days of strong wind or high waves.
• Suggested route: A popular route is to view the Dinosaur Museum in the morning at your reserved time and enjoy the evening view at Tojinbo in the afternoon; a night at Awara Onsen in between makes for a relaxed trip.