[Summer Vacation Project・Chapter 2 / Fukui Trip] Meeting Dinosaurs and Gazing Up at Sea Cliffs — Complete Travel Guide to the Fukui Dinosaur Museum & Tojinbo Cliffs

This article is written for travelers, blending first-hand experiences with online reviews and the latest official information. Please note that admission fees, boat operations, and opening hours are subject to change, so be sure to check the official website for the most up-to-date details before your trip.

In Fukui, you can enjoy both “learning” and “breathtaking scenery” all in one trip. In this Summer Vacation Project, Chapter 2, the classic route begins in the morning at the Fukui Dinosaur Museum, where life-sized animatronic dinosaurs tower over you, and continues in the afternoon at the Tojinbo Cliffs, where you gaze up at dramatic columnar joints rising from the sea. The exhibits are so realistic that even excited children sometimes end up in tears, while adults find themselves equally fascinated by the scientific insights. With “fossils in situ” displays that recreate excavation sites, the history and evolution of dinosaurs come alive as a compelling story.

Tojinbo, on the other hand, overwhelms with its sheer power. Even when the Sea of Japan looks calm in summer, the cliffs are astonishingly massive. A boat cruise reveals an entirely different world—where you can feel the details of the rock surface, the depth of sea caves, and the dramatic overhangs from below. In winter, the scenery transforms, as raging waves are said to crash as high as the cliff tops, a reminder of nature’s raw force. This time, though, we savored the refreshing energy unique to summer.

Whether you’re on a family vacation or a couple’s getaway, a morning at the museum followed by an afternoon at Tojinbo with a boat ride is the golden course. End the day with fresh seafood or a relaxing soak at Awara Onsen, and you’ll go home with both your heart and stomach completely satisfied.

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Theme and Overview of the Journey

Fukui is a rare travel destination where you can enjoy both learning and the power of nature in just one day. In the morning, dive into the Fukui Dinosaur Museum in Katsuyama, where lifelike animatronic dinosaurs and “fossils in situ” exhibits bring prehistoric times to life. In the afternoon, head to Tojinbo in Sakai City and take a sightseeing boat to gaze up at the towering cliffs from below—this dramatic “shift in perspective” is the real highlight of the journey. Inside the museum, the atmosphere is cool and immersive, while the sea offers openness and freedom. Whether you are traveling with children or as a couple, the depth of the experience is greatly enhanced.

Fukui Dinosaur Museum (FPDM) — Overwhelming Scale and Storytelling

Exhibition Highlights

Entering the silver dome and descending deep inside via a long escalator, you arrive at a vast hall where gigantic dinosaur skeletons and animatronic dinosaurs come to life. The permanent exhibitions are divided into three zones—“The World of Dinosaurs,” “The Science of the Earth,” and “The History of Life.” In total, there are 50 full dinosaur skeletons on display, 10 of which are actual fossils. Highlights include a massive diorama recreating the landscape of Sichuan, China, and an immersive face-to-face screen experience. Fukui Dinosaur Museum

In the 2023 renovation, a new exhibition dome was added, featuring hands-on learning such as fossil research experiences from a researcher’s perspective and a three-screen Dino Theater, further enhancing the interactive elements. The museum shop was also expanded, making the overall value of a visit even greater.

In-Situ Fossil Displays and Uncannily Real Encounters

The in-situ fossil exhibits, where fossils are preserved and displayed exactly as they were discovered, are a must-see. They allow visitors to understand the positional relationships of the bones, making the exhibition far more than just a “photo opportunity”—this is one of FPDM’s true strengths. Online reviews also mention that “the animatronic dinosaurs were so realistic that small children got scared,” which shows just how high the level of realism is (editor’s note: individual reactions may vary).

Tickets and Admission (Important)

Advance reservation with a designated date and time is required in principle. Tickets can be purchased online up to 60 days in advance, and same-day tickets may not be available. Therefore, once your travel schedule is set, it’s best to secure your tickets early for peace of mind.

One Point
During special exhibitions, the three-screen Dino Theater may be suspended. Please check the official website for the latest information on exhibitions and screenings.

How much time will it take?

Even just the permanent exhibitions can easily take 2–3 hours. Reviews mention things like “traffic jams in the parking lot during holidays” and “there are so many displays, make sure to allow enough time.” To avoid the peak crowding around midday, it’s more comfortable to visit either right after opening in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Extend Your Learning in the Surrounding Area

Just nearby, at “Dinosaur Forest: Exciting Fossil Excavation Land”, you can take part in a 60-minute fossil excavation experience, available by reservation. Small groups can make reservations online or by phone. Since the activity takes place outdoors, it’s best to bring work gloves and wear closed-toe shoes for safety. Dinosaur Forest

Tojinbo — A Majestic Stage of Columnar Joints from Land and Sea

Why the Cliffs Were Formed

Tojinbo offers one of the most spectacular views of the Sea of Japan, with dramatic cliffs formed by pyroxene andesite columnar joints. Large-scale formations of this kind are rare worldwide, and Tojinbo is sometimes referred to as one of the “Three Great Scenic Cliffs of the World.” The cliffs were created when cooling magma contracted, forming regular cracks that stacked together like rectangular blocks. Today, the site is designated as both a National Natural Monument and a Place of Scenic Beauty in Japan.

By Land and by Sea — The Complete Tojinbo Experience

Even just walking along the promenade and looking down from above is impressive, but gazing up from a sightseeing boat is an entirely different experience. From the water, the scale of the cliffs multiplies—you can feel the details of the rock surfaces, the depth of sea caves, and even the dramatic overhangs. Travel reviews also frequently mention that “the view from the sea is on a whole other level.” Highly recommended.

Sightseeing Boat Information

• Duration: About 30 minutes
• Operation Hours: Generally 9:00–16:00 (until 15:30 in winter), departures every 15–20 minutes, with a short break around midday on weekdays
• Fares: Adults ¥1,800 / Children ¥900
• Note: Service may be canceled due to weather or sea conditions (check on the day). For peace of mind, it’s best to confirm the latest information on the official website before your visit. Tojinbo Cliffs Sightseeing Boats

Clothing Note
The boarding area includes stairs and rocky paths. Non-slip shoes such as sneakers are recommended, and many visitors found them comfortable and safe.

Changing Moods with Seasons and Time of Day

• Summer: The sea turns a deeper blue and the shadows on the cliffs become strikingly clear. On sunny days, you can see all the way to the horizon (travel reviews often praise the breathtaking views).
• Winter: The rough waves are overwhelmingly powerful. However, safety must come first—be prepared for possible cancellations of boat services or restricted access to the cliffs.

Voices from the Web (Summary)

• At FPDM, the animatronic dinosaurs are so realistic that some young children get frightened—though once they get used to it, many end up enjoying the experience. Multiple reviews mention both “kids getting excited” and “kids being scared.”
• During long holiday periods, the museum can become very crowded, with even parking queues forming, so it’s best to allow plenty of extra time.
• As for the Tojinbo sightseeing boat, the sense of power from the sea is truly exceptional. Choosing your seat and the right time of day can make the experience even more satisfying.

Access Information

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (Katsuyama City)

• Address: 51-11 Terao, Muraoka-cho, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture (inside Katsuyama Dinosaur Forest). Entering this address in your car navigation system will work.
• Public Transportation (main route):
  1）From JR Fukui Station → take the Echizen Railway Katsuyama Eiheiji Line (about 1 hour) to the terminal station, Katsuyama Station.
  2）From Katsuyama Station → about 10 minutes by community (shuttle) bus or taxi, and get off in front of the museum.
  Tip: If you are using Komatsu Airport, take the airport bus to JR Fukui Station (about 1 hour), then follow the route above.
• Hands-on Facility from the Museum: A tour bus departs directly from the museum to the Fossil Excavation Field Station (about 30 minutes). Advance reservation is required for participation.

Tojinbo (Sakai City)

• Public Transportation (Route 1): From JR Fukui Station → take the Echizen Railway to Mikuni Station (about 50 minutes) → transfer to a Keifuku Bus bound for “Tojinbo” (about 10 minutes) → walk 5 minutes.
• Public Transportation (Route 2): From JR Awara Onsen Station → take a bus directly to “Tojinbo” (about 30 minutes).
• By Car: About 25 minutes from the Kanazu IC on the Hokuriku Expressway. Municipal parking lots are available nearby (open 24 hours, large vehicles allowed, with fees).
• Sightseeing Boat: Cruises take about 30 minutes. Please check the official website on the day of your visit for the latest operating status and boarding location (which may change depending on sea conditions). Note that there are stairs to the boarding area, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Tip: At Tojinbo, experiencing the cliffs from both perspectives—walking the promenade on land and taking a sightseeing boat from the sea—is highly recommended. Since boat services may be canceled due to sea or wind conditions, it’s best to check the operation status before arriving to plan your itinerary smoothly.

Model Plan (Public Transportation / Car)

Day Trip (by Car)

• 9:00　Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (enter smoothly with advance reservation ticket / 2–3 hours)
• 12:30　Lunch in the Katsuyama or Eiheiji area
• 14:00　Arrive at Tojinbo → walk along the promenade
• 15:00　Take the 30-minute sightseeing boat cruise → relax with snacks or sweets at nearby shops
• 16:30　Early dinner at Awara Onsen or Mikuni Port

Day Trip (by Public Transport)

• From Fukui Station → take the Echizen Railway Katsuyama Eiheiji Line → get off at Katsuyama Station → then take a local bus or taxi to FPDM.
• In the afternoon, take a bus from Awara Onsen Station or Mikuni Port area to Tojinbo (note that buses are infrequent, so checking the return timetable is essential).
  Since transportation takes time, staying overnight will give you a more relaxed schedule.
  

1-Night, 2-Day Trip (For Families & Couples)

• Day 1: Spend plenty of time at FPDM (Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum) + enjoy a hands-on fossil excavation experience at “Dinosaur Forest” (reservation required) → Stay overnight at Awara Onsen
• Day 2: Visit Tojinbo (sightseeing boat cruise) → Stroll around Mikuni Minato Town and enjoy a seafood lunch

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Gourmet & Onsen Side Trips

• Echizen Oroshi Soba / Sauce Katsu-don: Local favorites that can be enjoyed quickly between trips.
• Seafood at Mikuni Port: The seafood along the coast is always fresh. Enjoy a seafood bowl for lunch, or pair local sake with fresh catches in the evening.
• Awara Onsen: Located close to Tojinbo, where the evening breeze after a hot bath feels wonderful. Many inns are family-friendly and equipped for children.

Safety & Comfort Checklist

General

• Book your date-and-time designated ticket in advance (same-day tickets are not always available). +1 for the Fukui Dinosaur Museum.
• In summer, bring a hat, sunscreen, and drinks. Inside the museum it is cool, so a light jacket is also useful.
• If traveling with children, be mindful of sound and darkness (give them a heads-up before the moving exhibits). Reviews also mention kids getting scared.

Tojinbo

• Do not cross the restricted lines. Some rocky areas can be slippery.
• Sightseeing boats may be canceled due to weather. Check the latest operation status and boarding location on the day of your visit. Wear non-slip shoes.

How to Use Your Time to Maximize Travel Satisfaction

• For photography: At FPDM, it’s easiest to move around either first thing in the morning (before the crowds) or during the last hour before closing. At Tojinbo, the cliffs look more three-dimensional in the afternoon with the slanting light.
• Parallel learning: A great “geoscience-linked” course for science-loving kids is to explore FPDM’s Visible Storage and fossil research experience first, then head to Tojinbo to see the columnar joints in person. Fukui Prefecture Tourism Information Website — Fukui.com

Summary

• At FPDM, the exhibitions are not only impressive in number but also rich in storytelling. Be sure to book your tickets in advance for smooth entry.
• At Tojinbo, the experience changes completely when seen from both perspectives—on land and from the sea. A 30-minute sightseeing boat ride lets you truly feel the scale and power of the cliffs.
• Reviews frequently highlight the lifelike presence of the animatronic dinosaurs and the overwhelming impact of the cliffs from the sea. This classic route offers high satisfaction for both family trips and couple getaways.Reviews frequently highlight the lifelike presence of the animatronic dinosaurs and the overwhelming impact of the cliffs from the sea. This classic route offers high satisfaction for both family trips and couple getaways.

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