All hail the mighty dinosaur – The land of dinosaurs, Fukui prefecture
Located in northern Honshu is Fukui, a prefecture with a small population surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and geological wonders. This prefecture is famous for several things, but today's blog will focus on perhaps the most famous aspect. Enter the dinosaur, more specifically, the Fukuisaurus. Earth's molten past has shaped Fukui in many ways, from its active volcanoes, onsens, Tojinbo cliffs and Jurassic coast. The prefecture is a great place to visit for those with young children or for those with an interest in science and extinct creatures from millions of years ago. There are many museums to explore, but at the top sits the prefectural dinosaur museum. Guaranteed to occupy at least half a day, the museum offers interactive exhibits and displays a wide collection of real fossils and replicas. The highlight for me was the first floor of the dome, where you can walk through a replica scene with animatronic models and get a vibe for a world very different from the one we know today.
For today’s blog, we will be turning back the clock to 1989, two years before yours truly graced her family with her presence. The location is Katsuyama in Fukui, and parts of a dinosaur have been uncovered. The dinosaur is slightly different from the ones discovered so far. More parts of the dinosaur are eventually discovered, and by 2003, the dinosaur’s skeleton is more complete. The Fukuisaurus is named after where it was found, and research indicates that the dinosaur was small and could walk on either two legs or four, depending on its situation. Our new friend was later confirmed to be an herbivore and one of the first few dinosaurs where lateral movement of the jaw made the dinosaur unique. Fukuisaurus firmly put the prefecture on the map for its importance.
The dinosaur discoveries did not stop here; a further four more unique new dinosaurs were discovered from this region. In 2000, the Fukuiraptor was discovered a carnivore with long hands and thin claws. Alongside the unique dinosaurs, many other dinosaur fossils were recovered. The dinosaur museum is recognised as the best in Japan and has global connections.
So now we have the backstory! Let’s look at how Fukui promotes itself as a dinosaur prefecture. Aside from the dinosaur museum, one does not have to venture far to see a dinosaur. Simply arriving on the shinkansen into Fukui City Station will put you face-to-face with many. There is a dinosaur skeleton in the lobby. There are cartoon dinosaurs dotting walls, posters and maps. One can find many benches in the station vicinity that will provide a chance to take a break with company. Some benches have statues of the Fukuisaurus and raptor sat on them. There is also a mascot called Professor Dinosaur who can be seen in statue form around the station and by the museum. There are cute dinosaur egg shaped seats which make for a cute photo opportunity.
Outside the station, one can find animatronic dinosaurs and dinosaur footprints leading through the station to guide travellers. A vending machine near the station entrance is decorated with Dragonite, the goofy orange Pokémon from the first generation, recognised as a mail Pokémon in the show. Whilst in other prefectures, Pikachu is often depicted on the vending machines. Fukui uses its support Pokémon proudly. The dinosaur museum was the starting point for the Pokémon fossil exhibit, which drew many to the prefecture for a chance to see a unique exhibit of fossil Pokémon and buy merch. I feel Fukui needs to update their support Pokémon to also include Tyrantrum the evolved dinosaur Pokémon.
Dragonite merch can be found around the prefecture, and dinosaurs can be found around the prefecture and in convenience stores. There are foods shaped like dinosaurs and clothing with a very cool dinosaur fossil logo promoting the prefecture.
Fukui lives up to its name of the dinosaur prefecture, and I think any dinosaur fan will be very happy visiting. I really enjoyed my time in the prefecture and was fortunate enough to see it in the snow. Seeing dinosaur statues covered in thick snow was a unique experience. Perhaps the ice age had come sooner than predicted! I recommend this prefecture to science lovers, young and old!
