When you think of Fukui Prefecture, dinosaurs might be the first thing that comes to mind.

Most dinosaur fossils discovered in Japan were dug up here, and there are many dino destinations all around the prefecture, not the least of which is the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, one of the three biggest dinosaur museums in the world.

But did you know that Minami-Echizen Town in central Fukui Prefecture is also home to plenty of exciting dinosaur fun?

Here are all the best things dinosaur in Minami-Echizen Town.

Contents:

1. Fun for Both Kids and Grown-ups: Roadside Station Minami-Echizen Sankairi/Southbound Nanjo Service Area

– Dragonite Manhole Cover
– Two Smoke-Breathing Dinosaurs at Sankairi Park
– Bench with Dr. Dinosaur No. 2
– Market Me Souvenir Shop

2. Eons of Fun at Northbound Nanjo Service Area

– Moving Fukuititan
– Juratic Bench
– Carnivorous Dinosaur Trick Art
– Bench with Dr. Dinosaur No. 1
– A Deluge of Dino Delights! Service Area Souvenir Shopping

3. Sleep with Dinosaurs at Hanahasu Onsen Somayama

Fun for Both Kids and Grown-ups: Roadside Station Minami-Echizen Sankairi/Southbound Nanjo Service Area

The Hokuriku Expressway’s southbound Nanjo Service Area, the Minami-Echizen Sankairi roadside station, and Sankairi Park are all right next to each other, making it a great area for fun for all ages. You can also access them from the toll-free local roads without having to use the expressway.

Two Smoke-Breathing Dinosaurs at Sankairi Park

Two smoke-breathing dinosaur statues have been sighted in the outdoor park of the Roadside Station Minami-Echizen Sankairi! If you stop and look at them for a while, a sensor will trigger and smoke will start pouring from their mouths. It’s a good photo opportunity, especially if you stand in front of the big heart.

– Bench with Dr. Dinosaur No. 2

When you enter the first floor of Roadside Station Minami-Echizen Sankairi, you will be greeted by Dr. Dinosaur, a familiar face to the people of Fukui Prefecture. A bipedal dinosaur in a lab coat is sure to turn heads. Sit on the bench beside Dr. Dinosaur Doctor for a great pose with your new friend’s arm around your shoulder.

– Dragonite Manhole Cover

When you come to Hoyattei, a popular restaurant that serves unique soft-serve ice cream made with local lotus flowers, take a good look at your feet.

There is a manhole cover decorated with a cute dinosaur!

This unique original design depicts the Pokémon Dragonite, which was selected as Fukui Prefecture’s official Pokémon ambassador.

The additional vibrant pink lotus flowers are sure to lift your spirits!

– Market Me Souvenir Shop

There is a section with a wide variety of dinosaur products at the Market Me souvenir shop found inside the Sankairi roadside station, including plush toys, key chains, puzzles, jewelry, shirts, and more.

・Delicious Fun: Dinosaur Excavation Pudding

The most popular souvenir at the Market Me souvenir shop in the Sankairi roadside station is the dinosaur excavation pudding.

Dig through the crunchy cookie “soil” and discover a chocolate dinosaur!

The creamy pudding makes this the most delicious dinosaur excavation around.

It comes in a pack of three, so it’s great for sharing with family and friends.

Eons of Fun at Northbound Nanjo Service Area

On the other side of the road, Hokuriku Expressway’s northbound Nanjo Service Area is also accessible from local toll-free roads. Inside, a wide variety of souvenirs are available at the shop or a nice meal can be had at one of the restaurants. Outside, there are some fun installations that are typical for Fukui. The animatronic dinosaur, which is the only one of its kind in the country, is a must-see.

・ The Giant Herbivore, Fukuititan

Just outside the Family Mart in the northbound Nanjo Service Area, you will find a life-sized ten-meter-long and six-meter-tall robot Fukuititan, which was first discovered in 2007 in Fukui’s Katsuyama City.

There is a stick with grass there that you can use to actually “feed” it! Hold the grass close to Fukuititan’s mouth and it will breathe on you.

You won’t find this unique experience anywhere else in the country! Feeding time is from 9am to 9pm.

– Juratic Bench

Sautan is the yellow one, Rapto is green, and the red one is Titchy

There are some cute dinosaurs sitting on the bench next to Family Mart.

These round and friendly little cuties are official characters from Fukui Prefecture’s brand, Juratic, and make great company to share a break at the service area with while you enjoy some snacks.

– Carnivorous Dinosaur Trick Art

Check out the wall of the service area, there is a trick art mural where a Tyrannosaurus Rex appears to jump out of the wall!

Stand in the right spot for a memorable photo.

– Bench with Dr. Dinosaur No. 1

Another dinosaur scientist is sitting on a bench at the entrance to this service area as well.

The mural of the time of the dinosaurs behind the bench makes a great backdrop for taking some Jurassic photos. Hold the fossil with Dr. Dinosaur and say cheese!

– A Deluge of Dino Delights! Service Area Souvenir Shopping

The souvenir shop in the service area is lined with sweet treats, toys, and more fun dinosaur goodies.

With everything organized in one corner, it’s easy to see everything at a glance, so pick yourself up a great memento of your trip!

3. Sleep with Dinosaurs at Hanahasu Onsen Somayama

The Dinosaur Room, a Japanese-style with space for two to five guests, is great for families with children as you can take off your shoes and relax.

The room opened in November 2020, and is filled with dinosaurs!

The first thing that catches your eye is the large dinosaur tapestry on the wall. The 12-mat tatami room has plenty of things for kids to play with, like dinosaur figures and play mats.

You can enjoy sightseeing in Fukui even without leaving your room.

For more information, click here

There are so many great spots to take a photo with dinosaurs in Minami-Echizen Town. Which will you visit first?

We’re sure the unique dino photos you take on your travels around Fukui will make great future memories.

Of course, there are plenty of other unique dino attractions all around the dinosaur kingdom that is Fukui Prefecture, so be sure to keep an eye out!