Fukui Station, Jurassic Attraction

Fukui prefecture is one of the least populated areas of Japan today, but it was the place to be during the Jurassic period. Approximately 80% of the dinosaur fossils found in Japan are from the area. The prefecture is home to the largest dinosaur museum in the country; the third largest in the world. You don’t even need to leave Fukui Station to get the full dinosaur experience. It’s worth spending some time exploring the station even if you are just transiting.

Who doesn’t want to sit next to a friendly dinosaur wearing a lab coat?

There are flying dinosaurs.

And dinosaurs that move and make noise.

There is an herbivore that welcomes you to the city.

There are Trompe-l’œil dinosaurs.

And of course kawaii dinosaur characters.

How cute is this guy?

While you are there, don’t forget to pick up the fabulous Echizen Kani-meshi Ekiben – a box of rice steamed with crab miso and topped with regional crab meat.

Details

Fukui is slightly under two hours from Shin-Osaka station on the Limited Thunderbird Express. It is about three and a half hours from Tokyo using the JR Tokaido Shinkansen, transiting at Maibara to the JR Shirasagi limited express. Both are covered by the Japan Rail pass.

To go to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, take the Echizen Railway from Fukui Station to Katsuyama Station, approximately one hour.  From there, it is a 10 minute taxi ride or 20 minute bus ride.

Find a hotel in Fukui.

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