Top Attractions in Katsuyama for Sightseeing
How to Use the Map
Click on a destination to see a list of events in the area. Zoom in/out to zoom in/out on the map.
Keyboard shortcut: ← Move Left/→ Move Right/↑ Move Up/↓ Move Down/+ Zoom In/- Zoom Out
Katsuyama City in Fukui Prefecture is known nationwide as a major dinosaur fossil site. Centered around the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, the area offers “Katsuyama Dinosaur Forest,” fossil excavation experiences, and other activities where learning and fun go hand in hand. There’s also plenty to see around town: the moss-lined approach to Heisenji Hakusan Shrine is especially beautiful, while the Echizen Daibutsu impresses with its sheer scale, and the Katsuyama Castle Museum is loved for its panoramic views. At “Yume-Ore Katsuyama,” you can explore the city’s textile heritage through exhibits and hands-on weaving experiences. With the clear waters of the Kuzuryu River and scenic mountain landscapes close by, spring greenery and autumn leaves make the area ideal for walks and drives. In winter, enjoy snow time at Ski Jam Katsuyama, then unwind in a hot spring. From Echizen soba to locally sourced dishes, Katsuyama has plenty of great food—making it a rewarding destination year-round for everyone from families to couples and solo travelers.
Recommended Local Products and Traditional Crafts in Katsuyama
Habutae Walnut Sweets
In Katsuyama, Fukui Prefecture, one of the most beloved local specialties is Habutae Walnut Sweets. This refined Japanese confection features smooth, silk-like habutae mochi—a soft rice cake—enclosing fragrant walnuts and mildly sweet white bean paste. The name “habutae” refers to the luxurious texture of fine silk, perfectly capturing the mochi’s delicate, melt-in-your-mouth feel. The gentle sweetness of the bean paste and the nutty crunch of the walnuts create a harmonious balance that locals have cherished for generations. Often enjoyed with green tea, Habutae Walnut Sweets are part of Katsuyama’s food culture, embodying the region’s tradition of craftsmanship and appreciation for seasonal flavors. Some local shops even offer handmade versions or seasonal varieties, making it a delightful treat to seek out during your visit. When exploring Katsuyama travel highlights such as the famous Fukui Dinosaur Museum or scenic temples, tasting this confection adds a flavorful cultural layer to your journey. More than just a sweet, Habutae Walnut Sweets reflect the skill, care, and hospitality of the people of Katsuyama—an edible reminder of the town’s warmth and tradition.
Explore Katsuyama: Top Spots and Must-Know Topic
Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is one of Japan’s largest and most impressive museums dedicated to dinosaurs, making it the top highlight of Katsuyama travel. Inside, visitors can explore more than 40 full dinosaur skeletons, life-sized robotic models, and fascinating exhibits on fossils, geology, and evolution. The museum is divided into three main zones—“World of Dinosaurs,” “Earth Sciences,” and “History of Life”—each offering hands-on displays and immersive experiences for all ages. From kids to science enthusiasts, everyone can enjoy discovering Japan’s dinosaur capital here. Surrounded by scenic mountains, the museum also connects to outdoor excavation sites, making it one of the most exciting things to do in Fukui.
Heisenji Hakusan Shrine
Heisenji Hakusan Shrine｜Katsuyama, Fukuieisenji Hakusan Shrine is an ancient spiritual site with over 1,300 years of history. Once a major center of mountain worship, it was home to thousands of warrior monks and temples during its peak. Today, the shrine is enveloped in a tranquil moss-covered forest, offering a magical and serene atmosphere that feels timeless. Each season transforms the landscape—lush greens in summer, vibrant colors in autumn, and peaceful snow in winter. It’s one of the most beautiful and contemplative Katsuyama attractions, perfect for visitors seeking nature, spirituality, and history in one remarkable place.
Katsuyama Dino Park
Katsuyama Dino Park is a fun, interactive outdoor attraction that brings the prehistoric world to life. Set within a forest, it features life-sized moving dinosaur models like Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops, creating a thrilling sense of adventure for families and children. Visitors can wander through the wooded trails, encounter roaring dinosaurs, and feel like real explorers. Located near the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, it’s the perfect companion destination for a full day of dinosaur-themed fun. This playful park is one of the most family-friendly things to do in Katsuyama and captures the excitement of Fukui’s dinosaur heritage.
Katsuyama Castle Museum
The Katsuyama Castle Museum is a museum built in the style of a traditional Japanese castle keep, known for its striking white, castle-like tower. It opened in 1992. Inside, you can view historical materials and artworks related to Katsuyama and the wider Fukui region. From the top of the tower, you get sweeping views over Katsuyama City and the surrounding mountains—especially breathtaking during the autumn foliage season and when the landscape is covered in snow. A popular highlight of Katsuyama sightseeing, it’s a great spot to enjoy both local history and beautiful scenery, and it’s also an excellent location for photography.
Visit Japan Web makes entering Japan easy — all in one place.
Prepare your entry procedures online before you travel.
Complete Quarantine, Immigration, and Customs forms smoothly with just a few taps.
Register anytime — before or during your trip — and simply show your QR code at the airport for a faster arrival.
Learn more about Visit Japan Web
Visit Japan Web makes entering Japan easy — all in one place.
Prepare your entry procedures online before you travel.
Complete Quarantine, Immigration, and Customs forms smoothly with just a few taps.
Register anytime — before or during your trip — and simply show your QR code at the airport for a faster arrival.
Learn more about Visit Japan Web
Dinosaur Valley Fukui Katsuyama Geopark
The Dinosaur Valley Fukui Katsuyama Geopark is a vast natural area where visitors can explore fossil excavation sites, dramatic rock formations, and scenic valleys shaped by millions of years of Earth’s history. It offers outdoor activities like hiking, fossil digs, and guided nature tours, making it ideal for travelers who love both science and the outdoors. The area beautifully connects Fukui tourism with geology, paleontology, and natural discovery. Throughout the seasons, the changing landscape—from spring greenery to winter snow—adds even more charm to this world-class geopark experience.
Echizen Great Buddha
The Echizen Daibutsu in Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture, is a large-scale Buddha statue enshrined at Daishizan Seidaiji Temple and a notable stop on a Katsuyama sightseeing trip. The principal image is said to have been modeled on the seated statue at Fengxian Temple in the Longmen Grottoes on the outskirts of Luoyang, Henan Province, China. At about 17 meters tall, it is known as the tallest indoor seated Buddha statue in Japan. The main deity is Vairocana (Birushana) Buddha; “Vairocana” comes from Sanskrit and is explained as meaning “the sun,” symbolizing a presence at the center of the universe that continues to illuminate all existence like the sun.
Dinosaur Train
Dinosaur Train is a sightseeing train operated by Echizen Railway. Inside the train, you’ll find dinosaur-themed decorations and exhibits, making it enjoyable for everyone from children to adults. It runs between Katsuyama Station and Fukui Station, offering a special rail trip where you can take in the scenery along the route. If you combine it with a visit to the Dinosaur Museum or Dino Park, you can enjoy an even more fulfilling trip to Katsuyama. As one of Katsuyama’s standout attractions offering a unique experience, it’s a recommended spot for railway fans and families alike.
Oyatani Hakusan Shrine
Oyatani Hakusan Shrine is a tranquil shrine nestled in the mountains of Katsuyama City, where you can experience both the beauty of nature and a sense of historical romance. The first thing that catches your eye in the precincts is a massive boulder that looks as if it could come tumbling down at any moment. This rock is enshrined as the sacred object of worship at Oyatani Hakusan Shrine, and it is said to be a giant boulder over 20 meters in size, carried here by a volcanic debris avalanche caused by a sector collapse of Mount Kyōgatake. It is believed that around 30,000 to 40,000 years ago, seismic activity at the Kyōgatake volcano triggered a collapse near the summit, sending rocks crashing down and eventually transporting this enormous boulder all the way to Katsuyama. More than just an “interesting rock,” it offers a chance to feel the dynamic forces that shaped the land.
It’s also highly photogenic—if you pose as though you’re “holding up” the boulder, it’s sure to make for a fun photo and a great moment with family or friends.
Benga Waterfall
Ben-ga-taki Waterfall is a waterfall in the mountains of Katsuyama City with a drop of about 40 meters. It’s a beautiful spot where the scenery blends seamlessly with the surrounding nature. In summer, more visitors come to enjoy the cool air, while in autumn people are drawn to the striking contrast between the waterfall and the colorful foliage. A well-maintained walking trail leads to the falls, making it easy to visit with a light hiking feel. As one of the highlights of Katsuyama sightseeing, it’s a popular place to fully enjoy the area’s natural beauty.
Katsuyama Sagicho Festival
Hataya Memorial Museum Yume-Ore Katsuyama is a museum where you can learn about Katsuyama City’s history and craftsmanship, especially its thriving textile industry of the past, through hands-on experiences—seeing, touching, and trying things for yourself. Inside, you’ll find exhibits of real looms and tools that were once used, along with clear explanations that make the weaving process easy to understand and surprisingly engaging even for adults. In the experience area, there are days when you can join workshops such as traditional weaving, which is perfect for creating memorable travel souvenirs. The retro atmosphere of the former factory building is also full of charm, and its photogenic setting is another highlight.
List of Local Products and Traditional Crafts from Katsuyama
Katsuyama Mizuna
Katsuyama Mizuna is a traditional vegetable grown in the cold climate and pure waters of Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture. It is known for its crisp texture and mild spiciness, making it a versatile ingredient used in a variety of dishes such as hot pots, salads, and pickles. Historically valued as a preserved food in the region’s snowy environment, it has long been rooted in the local culinary culture. Grown during the cold winter months, Katsuyama Mizuna is especially fresh and vibrant in season, adding a touch of color and flavor to the dining tables of Katsuyama.
Local Sake “Ippongi” Series
The “Ippongi” series is a renowned line of local sake brewed in Katsuyama City, celebrated for its refined flavor born from the region’s pure water and harsh climate. The sake is light and smooth yet rich in umami, making it an excellent complement to a wide range of dishes, especially local cuisine and hearty winter hot pots. Enjoying Ippongi sake alongside traditional foods allows visitors to truly appreciate the character of Katsuyama’s land and culture. Crafted by a brewery with a long history and deep expertise, this sake embodies the harmony between craftsmanship and nature, and is cherished as a symbol of Katsuyama’s cultural heritage.
Dinosaur Goods
Katsuyama City, known as the “Town of Dinosaurs,” is home to the renowned Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum and offers a wide variety of dinosaur-themed merchandise as local specialties. From plush toys and stationery to snacks and packaged foods, these products come in many forms and appeal to both children and adults alike. Reflecting the city’s unique identity, these dinosaur goods make popular souvenirs for visitors, serving as fun and educational reminders of their trip. Combining learning and play, they have become one of Katsuyama’s most distinctive and beloved specialty items.