7 recommended sightseeing spots in Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture, home to one of the world's three largest museums

Katsuyama City in Fukui Prefecture is home to many tourist attractions, such as the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, one of the world's three largest dinosaur museums, Heisenji Hakusan Shrine, which is beautifully covered in moss, and Ski Jam Katsuyama, which has one of the largest slopes in western Japan. It is a popular area visited by approximately 2 million tourists a year.
In this article, we will introduce 7 recommended tourist spots in Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture.
There are plenty of must-see spots when traveling to Fukui, so please use this as a reference for your travel plans.

1. Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum: One of the world's three largest dinosaur museums

One thing you can't miss on a trip to Katsuyama City is the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum.

The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is visited by over 1 million people a year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Fukui.
It is counted as one of the three largest dinosaur museums in the world, and its vast column-free space displays as many as 50 complete fossil skeletons.
There are also some valuable exhibits, including real fossils.

At the center of the exhibit is a giant model of a Tyrannosaurus.
In fact, this Tyrannosaurus moves and roars in a very realistic and impressive way!

The museum is shaped like a silver dome, and from a distance it looks like an egg peeking out from the forest.

Katsuyama City in Fukui Prefecture is known as the "Dinosaur Kingdom" because of the large number of dinosaur fossils excavated there.

In 1982, crocodile fossils were discovered at the same site, and in 1987, dinosaur teeth and other remains were discovered, and excavation work is still ongoing.
Not only have a large number of fossils been excavated here, but six new species of dinosaurs have also been discovered in Fukui and recognized as new species.

The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is surrounded by a vast park where you can enjoy dinosaur-themed play equipment and fossil excavation experiences.
Come and visit the world of dinosaurs.

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

911-8601 51-11 Terao, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture

Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture is known nationwide as a treasure trove of dinosaur fossils. Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is one of the world's leading dinosaur museums. The vast, immersive space is filled with exhibits of dinosaur skeletons, fossils, specimens, dioramas, reconstructed models, and more, allowing you to see impressive dinosaurs up close. The area surrounding the museum is also full of experiences such as fossil excavations and play equipment, making it an area that the whole family can enjoy. The Dinosaur Tower, which reopened in July 2023 and appeared in the new small egg hall, is a must-see. In the atrium of the new building, there is a 13m-tall monument called the Dinosaur Tower, which features five species of dinosaurs and one species of bird discovered in Fukui. In addition, the facility has been upgraded to be a facility that can be enjoyed in all seasons, including the impressive ``3-sided Dino Theater'' and the ``Fossil Research Experience'' .

2. Heisenji Hakusan Shrine: A Mysterious Moss Garden That Spreads As Far As You Can

Next, we would like to introduce Heisenji Hakusan Shrine.
Opened in 717, it is a popular spot with a history of about 1,300 years.

The highlight here is the moss that spreads out like a carpet .
The grounds have been maintained by local residents, and the clear air and dignified atmosphere are soothing to the soul.

Another highlight are the giant cedar trees lining the approach to the shrine, the oldest of which is said to be over 500 years old.

The best time to visit Heisenjiis in the morning when there are fewer people .
You can take a leisurely stroll around the temple grounds and relax in the clear air.

When conditions are good, rays of light shine into the temple grounds, creating a fantastical sight.

Another must-see spot is Mitarashiike Pond, where legend has it that a goddess appeared.

Heisenji flourished as the entrance to the Shugendo sect of Buddhism leading to Mt. Hakusan.
The goddess of Mt. Hakusan appeared and told people to climb to the top, which led to the founding of Heisenji.

It is a mysterious space where time seems to stand still.

Heisenji reached its peak around 1400, with as many as 8,000 warrior monks living on the grounds.

Excavation surveys that have been carried out since around 1990 have uncovered the remains of houses where the warrior monks once lived, as well as stone-paved roads, and work has been progressing on improving the area.
The cobblestone road is now open to the public and you can actually walk on it.

Please come wearing comfortable shoes.

Heisenji Hakusan Shrine

56 Heisenji, Heisenjicho, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture 911-0822

"Heisenji" is a base temple for worshiping Hakusan, located at the entrance to the Echizen side of the sacred Mt. Hakusan (altitude 2,702m). In the Middle Ages, it became one of the most influential in the Hokuriku region, and it is said that there were dozens of temples and shrines and thousands of temples in the precincts, which were much larger than the current Hakusan Shrine. However, in the 2nd year of Tensho (1574), the whole mountain was destroyed by fire during the battle against the Ikko Ikki, and most of the things that tell of the past have been lost. However, a full-scale excavation survey that began in 1989 revealed that the remains of the former precincts remain splendidly. The full picture of Heisenji in its glory in the Middle Ages is now being revealed little by little.

3. Ski Jam Katsuyama: A highland resort with a 6,000m long slope

Ski Jam Katsuyama is a snow resort with one of the largest slopes in western Japan.

The longest run is 5,800m, making it ideal for long rides.
The slopes are divided into three areas: beginner, intermediate, and advanced, so anyone from beginners to experts can enjoy it.

There is a very convenient accommodation facility called "Hotel Harvest Ski Jam Katsuyama" and Hoonji Onsen "Sasayuri" just a 0-minute walk from the slopes.

Have fun and relax to soothe your tired body.

You can also enjoy plenty of outdoor activities during the green season from spring to autumn.

There are also opportunities to try out grass sledding and Segways on the grass slopes, as well as a dog run.

On the premises, there is Italian food such as pizza and pasta made with local ingredients, as well as a BBQ garden that can be enjoyed by large groups, so it is sure to be enjoyed by the whole family.

Please come and visit Ski Jam Katsuyama, a highland resort that can be enjoyed all year round.

Skijam Katsuyama

170-70 Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture 911-0000

Skijam Katsuyama is the largest snow resort in western Japan. The longest running distance is about 5,800m! The slopes consist of three areas for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers, and there is also a kids park. There are plenty of activities that you can enjoy not only during the winter season, but throughout the year. Segway experience, cycling, park golf, paragliding, etc. After playing to your heart's content, please soothe your tired body in the large hot spring bath "Sasayuri". The magnificent view from the open-air bath will make you feel refreshed.

4. Echizen Daibutsu: Japan's Echizen Great Buddha Buddha statue with a solemn atmosphere

Next, we would like to introduce the Echizen Great Buddha of Daishizan Seidaiji temple, which is rapidly gaining popularity.
A relatively new temple and Great Buddha, built in 1987.

It is said that Tada Kiyoo, a businessman from Katsuyama City, thought of his hometown and used his own money to build it.

Speaking of Great Buddhas, the Great Buddha of Todaiji Temple in Nara Prefecture is famous, but did you know that the Echizen Great Buddha is actually larger than the Great Buddha of Nara?

The Echizen Great Buddha is 17m tall, 2m larger than the Great Buddha of Nara.
It boasts the largest indoor seated statue in Japan .

The walls of the Great Buddha Hall are lined with 1,281 stone Buddha statues , all made of marble!
I was constantly surprised at how much it all cost.

In recent years, the row of stone Buddha statues lining the walls of the Great Buddha Hall has become a hot topic on social media such as Instagram, making it a popular photo spot .
Many visitors say that it feels like they have wandered into another world.

There are plenty of other things to see at Daishizan Seidaiji temple Echizen Great Buddha, including the view from the five-story pagoda and the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves in the Japanese garden.

It's also close to the Dinosaur Museum and Heisenji Hakusan Shrine, so be sure to stop by.

Limited time offer! Special viewing of the sea of ​​clouds

From April to November, you can enjoy a special performance of a sea of ​​clouds for one hour after the gates open and one hour before they close. This will enhance the solemn atmosphere of the Great Buddha Hall, allowing you to enjoy a magnificent view.

According to local staff, there is less wind and fewer people in the morning than in the evening, so if you want to enjoy the spectacular view more, we recommend going in the morning.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons

So please come and visit.

More Information

Opening times
April to November 8:00 to 9:00 and 16:00 to 17:00

Admission fee: Special admission fee only for this time: Adults 1,000 yen, Children 500 yen Special design goshuin (red seal) 500 yen each

Caution : Visibility may be poor depending on the weather and season.

Daishizan Seidaiji temple Echizen Great Buddha

911-0811 50-1-1 Katase , Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture

The model for the Great Buddha is a seated statue in the Longmen Grottoes on the outskirts of Luoyang, Henan, China, the origin of Buddhism. It is 17 meters tall. It is larger than the Nara Great Buddha (16.2 meters in documents, 14.98 meters in actual measurement). In addition, the halo is 23 meters, and the 3-meter lotus pedestal is placed on a 2-meter stone base, making the total height 28 meters. While the Nara Great Buddha is stocky, the Echizen Great Buddha is characterized by its slender and gentle face and neck. It is made of copper, with a total weight of 200 tons. In addition, 1,281 stone and gold Buddhas are enshrined on the three walls on the left, right, and back of the Great Buddha, and two arhat statues (10.3 meters) and two bodhisattva statues (11.2 meters) are enshrined on each side of the Great Buddha as attendant Buddhas.

5. Katsuyama Castle Museum: Amazing views from the castle tower!

Next, we would like to introduce the Katsuyama Castle Museum, which opened in 1992.
This history museum has a five-story, six-floor castle tower, which is 57.8m tall, making it the tallest in Japan .

The museum displays a collection of daimyo weapons and battle screens, as well as works related to the calligrapher Nishiwaki Goseki.

One of the highlights is the large sliding screen painting on the second floor titled "The Four Seasons of Japan," which features flowers of each season painted on a gold folding screen.
This is a work by Western-style painter Toshimitsu Imai.

Concerts are held in front of the paintings several times each year, and the hall is also used for lectures.

The tea room inside the building hosts various events, such as tea ceremonies.

It's a magnificent museum even from the outside, but we also recommend visiting the inside of the building.

Katsuyama Castle Museum

85-26-1 Heisenji, Heisenjicho, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture 911-08...

Opened in 1992, this historical museum is located inside a 5-layer, 6-story castle tower that boasts the highest height (57.8m) in Japan. From the observatory on the top floor, you can see the scenery of Katsuyama, which has a history dating back to the Paleolithic age, and the beautiful nature that is registered as a geopark. In addition to the collection of daimyo armor and battle screens, we also store and display works related to the calligrapher Nishiwaki Goseki. Now that most of the remains from the feudal era have been lost, the existence of this museum also functions as a symbol that allows you to feel at a glance that there was once a domain in Katsuyama.

6. Textile museum Yume Ole Katsuyama: A Museum Built from a Renovated Textile Factory

The Textile museum Yume Ole Katsuyama is a museum facility renovated from a former textile factory.
Within the facility, textile-related machinery is in operation, making it a living cultural asset where you can enjoy the world of textiles.

The dynamic exhibit allows you to get up close and personal with the process of turning thread into textiles.
You can learn about the history of Katsuyama's textile industry while listening to the sounds of powerful looms.

In the experience corner on the first floor, you can enjoy making your own original coaster by choosing your favorite thread, or experiencing cocoon crafts.
It takes about 30 minutes.
The staff will provide careful support, so even children around 7 years old can try it out.

Please try making your own original coaster that is one of a kind.

The facility also houses a shop selling textile-related souvenirs and a cafe space where you can take a break.
It's close to the city center, so it's also recommended as a starting point for strolling around the city.

Admission is free , so please feel free to stop by.

Yume Ole Katsuyama

1-7-40 Showamachi, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture 911-0802

Yume Ole Katsuyama is a living cultural asset where you can enjoy the world of textiles. It is a must-see to see the textile-related machines that were active in the Showa era moving with a sense of realism. You can learn about the history of the textile industry and the structure of textiles while operating the weaving machine and picking threads from the cocoons. The hand-woven coaster experience and cocoon ball craft experience are also very popular. You can enjoy creating your own original work.

7. Lunch at a cultural property built 120 years ago, enjoying local cuisine at "Shunsai Shokusai Kagetsuro"

The last place we would like to introduce is Shunsai Shokusai Kagetsuro, a restaurant facility renovated from a nationally designated tangible cultural property.
We serve local cuisine, mainly from Katsuyama City, and dishes made with local seasonal ingredients.

Kagetsuro was built in 1897 and was renovated and reopened in 2017.
As much of the architectural style from 120 years ago as possible has been preserved, making it a building with a lot of charm.

The highlight is the "Umbrella Ceiling Room" on the second floor.
The ceiling of the 32-tatami mat large hall curves on all four sides and is called the "umbrella ceiling" because it looks like an open umbrella.

If you make a reservation, you can also dine under the umbrella roof.

Please enjoy your meal in the tatami room of this former restaurant, which was once highly prestigious and only accessible to a limited number of people.

Kagetsuro

2-6-21 Honmachi, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture 911-0806

Renovation of the cultural property "Former Ryotei Kagetsuro" built in 1897 (Meiji 30). It is a tasteful building that once prospered as a geisha district. The first floor is a restaurant where you can enjoy local cuisine for lunch and a cafe menu with a Japanese taste. You can relax while looking at the garden where you can feel the four seasons of Japan. The “umbrella ceiling” that looks like an open umbrella on the second floor is also a must-see.

Katsuyama is recommended for travelling around Japan

This time, we introduced seven recommended tourist spots in Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture.
If you're overwhelmed by the number of attractions, why not stay overnight in Katsuyama City and visit all seven?

Bicycle rental will be introduced from 2023 and can be rented at Katsuyama Station.
We recommend this tour as it allows you to travel freely Katsuyama City.
We hope you enjoy your trip to Katsuyama City.