Hello, fellow travelers!
I’m Rikotama, a writer for Sarukuma!

Introducing the Mifune Dinosaur Museum

Summer break was halfway over,
so we braved the brutal heat to make some unforgettable memories with the kids!

Today we’re spotlighting
the Mifune Dinosaur Museum,
located in Mifune Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture.

Right next to Mifune Town Hall,
a remarkably lifelike Tyrannosaurus greets every visitor at the entrance!

My son was over the moon at how powerful it looked!
He definitely has a soft spot for the mightiest dinosaurs.

Before entering, there were COVID-19 prevention measures in place.

Hand sanitizer stations were thoughtfully placed throughout the museum.

Inside, an incredible variety of dinosaur fossils awaits you!

Miniature dinosaur replicas are displayed right next to each fossil,
making it so much easier to picture how these creatures actually looked!

You’ll even find fossils mounted on the walls!

Did you know? Recent theories suggest some dinosaurs may have been covered in fluffy feathers!

On the second floor, there’s a wonderfully quirky exhibit (*’ω’*):
‘The Thinking Homo Sapiens’!

Photography wasn’t allowed,
but we got to watch the museum staff actively researching fossils right before our eyes!

There’s also a coloring activity that kids absolutely love!

And don’t miss the gachapon (capsule toy machine) — yes, it dispenses real fossils!

Highlights of the Mifune Dinosaur Museum

After exploring the museum, we headed outside — and guess what was waiting for us?
A real fossil excavation experience!

Elementary school children and older can participate on their own,
but preschoolers must be accompanied by a guardian (and adults will need to pay an entry fee too).

The boys were dying to give it a try,
but since they’re still in kindergarten, we had to skip it this time. (We’ll be back for round two in six months!)

Even the vending machines have a dinosaur theme!

There’s also a rest area with a small selection of souvenirs.

On weekends and public holidays, you can pick up crepes and drinks too!
Though they weren’t open on weekdays.

Right outside Mifune Town Hall, you’ll also spot an adorable height-measuring chart for the kids! ♬

Beyond fossil excavation,
the museum offers various hands-on programs on weekends.

During Japan’s hot summer months, an indoor attraction like this is the perfect way to stay cool and have a blast!

Mifune Dinosaur Museum: Visitor Information

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the time of our visit. Prices and opening hours are subject to change. Please verify before visiting.