Fukui Prefectural Nature Protection Center

The Fukui Prefectural Nature Protection Center serves as the gateway to understanding the rich biodiversity of Fukui Prefecture, particularly the ecosystems of the Okuetsu Mountains. Established to promote environmental education and conservation awareness, the center functions as both a research facility and an interpretive museum for visitors seeking to explore the natural heritage of this mountainous region in central Japan.

The center holds particular significance for its location within the Echizen-Kaga Kaigan Quasi-National Park area, where diverse flora and fauna thrive across different elevation zones. The facility showcases the region's natural history through exhibits featuring local wildlife, including the Japanese serow, Asiatic black bears, and various bird species that inhabit the surrounding forests. The center's educational displays explain the geological formation of the area and the ecological relationships that sustain its mountain ecosystems.

Visitors can explore indoor exhibition halls featuring taxidermy specimens, ecological dioramas, and interactive displays that explain seasonal changes in the mountain environment. The center offers guided nature walks along maintained trails during warmer months, allowing guests to observe native plant species and wildlife habitats firsthand. Large observation windows provide views of the surrounding landscape, and the facility includes a reference library for those interested in deeper study of regional ecology.

The center is located approximately 30 kilometers southeast of Fukui City in the mountainous Ikeda Town area. Access by car takes roughly 50 minutes from central Fukui via Route 417. Public transportation options are limited, making a private vehicle the most practical choice for most visitors. The facility offers free parking. Admission to the center is free of charge, making it an accessible educational resource for families and nature enthusiasts. The center's staff can provide information in Japanese about current trail conditions and wildlife activity in the area.