What types of exhibits can I see at the Fukui Prefectural Nature Protection Center?

The center displays taxidermy specimens of local wildlife including Japanese serow, Asiatic black bears, foxes, and regional bird species. Exhibits include ecological dioramas showing different habitat zones, displays on seasonal ecosystem changes, and information about the area's geological history. A reference library with materials on regional flora and fauna is available for visitors.

Is the center suitable for families with children?

Yes, the center offers free admission and educational exhibits accessible to various age groups. Children can view wildlife displays and explore maintained nature trails during warmer months. Parents should supervise younger children on outdoor walks.

Do I need to speak Japanese to visit the center?

Most exhibits and materials are in Japanese with limited or no English signage. International visitors can still view the taxidermy specimens and visual displays, but understanding detailed information requires Japanese language ability or a translation tool.

Can I hike the trails year-round?

Nature trails are primarily accessible during warmer months. Winter snow and ice make trails difficult or dangerous to navigate. Contact the center staff to confirm current trail conditions before visiting, especially from late autumn through early spring. Indoor exhibits remain open year-round.

Is it possible to reach the center without a car?

No practical public transportation serves the center. It's located in rural Ikeda Town, 30 kilometers from Fukui City. A private vehicle is necessary for access, or visitors can arrange a taxi from Fukui City for approximately 50 minutes each way.

Fukui

Fukui Prefectural Nature Protection Center

4.3 (115)Tourist AttractionNon Profit OrganizationAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Apr 6, 2026

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.

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 779-67-1655

Website

fncc.pref.fukui.lg.jp

Overview

Address

169-11-2 Minamirokuroshi, Ono, Fukui 912-0131, Japan

Fukui Prefectural Nature Protection Center

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 779-67-1655

Website

fncc.pref.fukui.lg.jp

Traveler reviews

Assalamualaikum brother, we came to this place with my family. This museum has a lot of preserved animal especially kind of birds. Parking cars and entrance is free. The only difficult thing is the way to come to this place is very far and uphill.

Asrul Sudiar

Nov 10, 2022

It's located on the outskirts of Rokuroshi Plateau, further away from the city center of Ono, so it takes a while to get there by car. There are steep slopes, so you'll need to be very careful when driving when it snows. I'm not sure how much snow is removed, but if you're going in winter, be careful! In winter, this facility hosts a "Winter Wild Bird Restaurant" where wild birds are fed. There are bird feeders lined up outside the observation room window, and wild birds that can't find food in the snow-covered forest come here. You could watch it for hours and never get bored! In spring, you can apparently see adonis flowers blooming nearby.

よっちゃん

Feb 6, 2026

The starry sky that can be seen from Rokuroshi High School is very beautiful and calming. I've also seen it from the nearby observation tower, but as it is dark at night and there is a possibility of animals being present, it is best to drive carefully and with caution if you come to watch the stars. It has been certified as the place with the most beautiful starry sky in Japan and as a starry sky protection area, so it is a great place.

ゆう

Sep 4, 2025

We visited after coming across an article in the local information section of the newspaper. We've been to several facilities and cafes that specialize in bird watching, but this is the closest place we've ever been to bird watching. The feeding area is located right outside the window, so great tits, varied tits, and pied tits come right through the glass, allowing you to take close-up shots even with your smartphone. It's a shame that it's only open in winter due to the nature of wild birds, but it still makes for a truly enriching experience getting up close and personal with them. The facility also has taxidermy and models, which help deepen your interest and understanding of wild animals. As a facility with free admission, it's a valuable place to spend some quality time.

みねたろう

Mar 1, 2026

This local nature conservation center offers a variety of nature-related activities, including nature observation, various exhibits, opportunities to interact with insects, and stargazing events including a planetarium. One of the most popular activities at the center is the bird observation room, also known as the "Wild Bird Restaurant," which I've heard about from friends and family, and it seems that many people go to see it. There are also walking paths around the center, so you can get around on foot. There are also information boards, so it feels like a short hike. Toilets and refreshments are available within the center. Despite all these activities, the center is rarely crowded with people, even on holidays, perhaps because it is overwhelmed by other events and tourist facilities. In that sense, I think it's a hidden gem. Parking is available on the center's grounds and on the opposite side of the entrance. There is also parking available back from the center.