Tokushima Prefectural Museum Launches 'Fossil Excavation Experience' at Bunka no Mori from July 19 (Sun). Discover Real Fossils from Dinosaur-Era Rocks!

In Katsuura Town, Tokushima Prefecture, geological layers from the Early Cretaceous period (approximately 130 million years ago) are distributed, yielding various fossils such as dinosaurs, crocodiles, turtles, shells, and plants. The Tokushima Prefectural Museum has been conducting continuous excavation surveys for dinosaur fossils in Katsuura Town, uncovering valuable specimens. This year, rocks from the actual dinosaur fossil excavation site in Katsuura Town will be transported to Bunka no Mori General Park to set up a fossil excavation experience area. We invite you to enjoy the hands-on experience of searching for fossils in rocks from the dinosaur era.

Fossil excavation experience in progress

Fossilized snail shell discovered during the experience

Overview of the 'Fossil Excavation Experience'

- Location: Next to Sudachikun Forest Theater, Bunka no Mori General Park (Kamiojiyama, Yoroi-machi, Tokushima City) (approx. 7m × 5m space) - Period: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from July 19 (Sun), 2026 (Reiwa 8) to September 27 (Sun), 2026 - Also open on weekdays: August 12 (Wed) to August 14 (Fri) - Target Age: Ages 4 and up (children in elementary school or younger must be accompanied by a guardian) - Experience Duration: 60 minutes per session, 4 sessions per day - 10:00–11:00 - 11:30–12:30 - 14:00–15:00 - 15:30–16:30 - Capacity: 25 participants per session - Experience Fee: - General (including ages 65+): 1,000 yen - University and high school students: 800 yen - Middle and elementary school students: 500 yen - Preschool children: Free - Holders of physical disability certificates and one accompanying caregiver receive a 50% discount on the experience fee. - Children under 4 years old cannot participate due to safety concerns. - Tickets must be purchased on-site at the vending machine (cash only). - Reservation: Advance online reservation via the dedicated reservation website is required for all participants.

<Inquiries about the Fossil Excavation Experience> Contracted Service Provider: Tokushima Kaseki Kobo (Tokushima Fossil Workshop) Tel: 080-1455-0158 (Phone hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM) Email: [email protected]

- Fossils Discovered: Participants may take home one fossil each (up to the size of an adult’s clenched fist). However, fossils required for research (such as dinosaur and other vertebrate fossils) cannot be taken home. - Others: The excavation experience may be canceled due to severe weather conditions such as typhoons, heavy rain, or thunderstorms. The event will proceed in light rain.

[Check the location on Google Maps]

★ In Katsuura Town, the 'Awa Katsuura Dinosaur Festival' will be held from July 25 (Sat) to August 16 (Sun). During this period, 'Katsuura Dinosaur GARDEN & CAFE' will be open at the Katsuura Regional Revitalization Center 'Revita Katsuura' on July 25 (Sat) and 26 (Sun), and on August 2 (Sun), a 'Dinosaur Mini Lecture and Exhibition Guided Tour' by curators from the Prefectural Museum will be held at Katsuura Town Library.