Mifune Dinosaur Museum

The Mifune Dinosaur Museum displays fossil collections and full-scale dinosaur replicas arranged across multiple galleries focused on paleontological finds. The exhibits concentrate on specimens discovered in Kumamoto Prefecture and provide an overview of prehistoric life in this region.

The facility opened in 1998 as a research center dedicated to the numerous dinosaur fossils discovered throughout Kumamoto Prefecture. Since its establishment, it has grown to document and study the prehistoric heritage of the surrounding landscape.

Local schoolchildren frequently visit this facility for hands-on learning experiences centered on fossils found near their homes. The museum serves as a connection point between the community and the ancient life that once inhabited this region.

The facility is designed to be accessible to visitors of all mobility levels, with pathways connecting the various gallery spaces. A shop sells educational materials and gifts, while a café provides refreshments and a place to rest during your visit.

The geological formations around Mifune rank among Japan's richest dinosaur burial sites, where researchers regularly uncover new skeletal remains and teeth. This ongoing fieldwork reveals that the area still holds many undiscovered secrets from the ancient past.

Location: Mifune

Official opening: April 30, 1998

Website: https://mifunemuseum.jp

GPS coordinates: 32.71458,130.80124

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:02