2024 Katsuyama Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

One of the world's three largest dinosaur museums, it is incredibly spacious and has twice as many exhibits as you might imagine! The interior is very clean, and there are benches available for resting as needed. While children will certainly enjoy it, there are also detailed explanations about dinosaurs for those who want to delve deeper, so adults might find it even more enjoyable! The parking lot is very large, and it is rarely full except during peak times. Additionally, since the exhibits are indoors, you don't have to worry about the weather. Be sure to visit! 📍 51-11 Terao, Muraoka-cho, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture 💰 Admission fee: 1000 yen

The Echizen Great Buddha: A Must-Visit in Fukui

When you think of Fukui, the Echizen Great Buddha comes to mind. I visited the Echizen Great Buddha, a famous tourist spot in Fukui. Even for someone who doesn't know what Fukui has to offer (like I used to be), this impactful site is one that you've probably seen at least once and have always wanted to visit. Although I had seen it in photos, the sight of over a thousand Buddha statues lined up was truly overwhelming. Located in Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture, it boasts the tallest Great Buddha in Japan, standing at 17 meters, surpassing the height of the Great Buddhas in Nara and Kamakura. Amazing! I really wanted to climb the five-storied pagoda as well, but I didn't have enough time on this trip. Since the impression changes depending on the angle you view it from, I recommend setting aside plenty of time for your visit to the Echizen Great Buddha. Religious Corporation Rinzai Sect Myoshinji School Daishiyama Seidaiji TEL: 0779-87-3300 FAX: 0779-87-2292 Open year-round (subject to temporary closure in winter) Regular season: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM) Winter season: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Last admission at 3:30 PM) Adults 500 yen, children (elementary, middle, and high school students) 300 yen Only cash is accepted.

Welcome to Fukui Dinosaur Museum!

Explore and learn different types of dinosaurs from all around the world! You can also get a chance to know the dinosaurs found in Fukui, Japan. A must visit place for all ages. There is a bus going to and from the dinosaur museum. It's just near the Echizen Daibutsu. Tickets can be reserved or you can pay when you arrive at the museum. For adults it's 1,000 yen. They have ticket area wherein you can pay in cash or card. The area is huge and you can grab some snacks or meals or buy some おみやげ (souvenirs). #Katsuyama #fukuidinosaurmuseum

Echizen Daibutsu Katsuyama, Fukui

A must visit temple in Fukui. Located in Katsuyama. It's near Fukui Dinosaur Museum. They have pamphlets in English so you can read about the temple. Entrance is 500 yen. #Katsuyama #Echizendaibutsu Once inside, marvel at the immense dimensions of the temple and its stunning indoor Buddha statue which is said to be the largest in Japan. The walls inside the temple are lined with over a thousand of smaller statues which adds to its beauty.

Experience the Making of Silk in Fukui

The Hata Memorial Hall Yumeore Katsuyama is a facility where you can enjoy the world of textiles. Machinery related to textiles that was active during the Showa period is actually in operation, and it's nothing but romantic✨ By the way, silkworm pupae will die if exposed to sunlight, so cocoons are exposed to sunlight and then doused with boiling water, which turns them into fibrous threads that become the raw material for silk! I've always been curious about how silk threads are extracted from cocoons since I was in elementary school, and I finally got it resolved this time😆 I also tried my hand at weaving with guidance from the facility's grandpa👍 It was a fun and educational experience, so I definitely recommend it🥺 ■ Hand-woven coaster experience fee: 500 yen ■ Silk ball craft experience fee: 500 yen

Fukui's Echizen Great Buddha: A Breathtaking Array of Buddha Statues

In Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture, I finally visited the long-awaited Echizen Great Buddha. The wall full of Buddha statues is simply breathtaking 🥺🥺 There are over a thousand of them! It was my first time being surrounded by so many Buddha statues. Wrapped in the stillness and the slightly tense atmosphere, my spine naturally straightened. The temple grounds, not just the hall, had an atmosphere that felt like it could be in China, giving me a taste of traveling abroad ✨ Traveling by car to the Echizen Great Buddha was convenient, so I recommend renting a car. There is an admission fee of 500 yen, but it's a very impressive spot worth seeing!

Katsuyama Ski Jam Resort

My trip to the Fukui Dino Museum was an extraordinary journey into the world of prehistoric life. The museum, known for its extensive collection of fossils, fulfilled a childhood dream that I had held dear since I was a kid – to be a paleontologist. As I entered the museum, I was immediately drawn to the vast displays of dinosaur fossils. The life-sized models and real fossils on exhibit were absolutely fascinating. The intricate details of the bones, the sheer size of some of the dinosaurs, and the sense of wonder they evoked reminded me of the awe I used to feel as a child. The museum didn't limit itself to just dinosaurs such as Fukuirapter and Ankylosaurus . It had an impressive array of prehistoric mammal fossils, such as Irish Elk too. Along with that it also has marine creatures such as Archelon. But it wasn't just about the animals. The museum showcased a variety of prehistoric plants as well, allowing me to learn about the ecosystems that existed millions of years ago. It was a comprehensive journey through time, and it made me appreciate the complexity and diversity of life throughout Earth's history. One of the most memorable moments during my visit was the opportunity to participate in a fossil excavation on the museum's property. As I carefully unearthed the ancient remains, I couldn't help but feel like a real-life paleontologist. And then, it happened – I discovered a beautifully preserved leaf fossil. That moment was incredibly special, as it connected me with my childhood dream and instilled a sense of fulfillment that I'll cherish forever. Visiting the Fukui Dino Museum was not just a trip; it was a nostalgic journey back to my childhood aspirations and a reminder of the enchanting world of paleontology. The museum's extensive collection and the hands-on experience of discovering a fossil made it an unforgettable and deeply meaningful adventure.##恐竜 #dinosaur