Katsuyama Station

Katsuyama Station serves as the northern terminus of the Echizen Railway Katsuyama Eiheiji Line in Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan. Located approximately 57 kilometers from Fukui Station, this modest railway station functions primarily as a gateway to the region's paleontological attractions and historical sites rather than as a destination itself. The station building, though utilitarian in design, reflects the town's identity through dinosaur-themed decorations that hint at the area's most famous attraction.

The station's significance lies in its proximity to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, one of the world's leading paleontological museums located just 10 minutes away by bus or taxi. Katsuyama City gained international recognition as Japan's premier dinosaur fossil site, with the Kitadani Dinosaur Quarry yielding numerous important discoveries since excavations began in 1989. The station area features several dinosaur monuments and sculptures, making it a popular photo spot for families and paleontology enthusiasts.

Visitors arriving at Katsuyama Station typically use it as a staging point for museum visits and exploration of the surrounding Katsuyama Castle ruins, which offer panoramic views of the city and nearby mountains. The station area provides basic amenities including tourist information services with English materials available, coin lockers for luggage storage, and taxi stands. During peak seasons, shuttle buses operate directly between the station and major attractions.

Access to Katsuyama Station requires taking the Echizen Railway from Fukui Station, with the journey lasting approximately one hour. The railway operates throughout the day with regular intervals, though service frequency is moderate compared to urban lines. Visitors should purchase tickets at Fukui Station or use IC cards where accepted. The station itself charges no admission fee, and parking facilities are available nearby for those traveling by car via Route 157 from Fukui City.