Roadside Station "Dinosaur Valley Katsuyama"

Roadside Station "Dinosaur Valley Katsuyama" (Michi-no-Eki Kyōryū Keikoku Katsuyama) is located in Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan, a region internationally recognized for its exceptional dinosaur fossil discoveries. The station serves as both a rest area for travelers and the primary gateway to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, one of the world's leading dinosaur research and exhibition facilities.

Katsuyama's significance stems from the Kitadani Dinosaur Quarry, where numerous dinosaur species have been excavated since the 1980s, including several species unique to Japan such as Fukuiraptor and Fukuisaurus. The roadside station itself features a distinctive dinosaur theme throughout its facilities, with life-sized dinosaur models and interactive displays that introduce visitors to the paleontological heritage of the region. The main building houses a tourist information center, local product shops selling Fukui specialties including dinosaur-themed souvenirs, and restaurants serving regional cuisine.

Visitors can access the nearby Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, located approximately 1 kilometer from the roadside station, via a connecting shuttle bus or on foot. The museum contains over 50 dinosaur skeletons and fossils, including complete specimens, and offers hands-on fossil excavation experiences at designated dig sites during operating seasons. The roadside station coordinates with museum visit schedules and provides current information on exhibitions and special events.

The facility is accessible by car via National Route 416, with ample free parking available for standard vehicles and buses. From Fukui Station, visitors can take the Echizen Railway Katsuyama Eiheiji Line to Katsuyama Station, then transfer to a local bus or taxi for the final 10-minute journey to the roadside station. Admission to the roadside station itself is free, though the dinosaur museum requires separate paid admission.