In October 2021, Nagasaki Nomozaki Dinosaur Park opened its doors with hopes of educating visitors about dinosaurs and the world they inhabited. For kids and adults alike, this site has plenty that will leave you amazed with its interactive exhibits and displays.
Housed inside this two-story, 2,600 square meter complex is history stretching back over 80 million years to the Late Cretaceous Period. Divided into five main sections, this museum will take you back to when dinosaurs and other prehistoric life roamed the Japanese archipelago.
Inside the Museum
Photo by: PIXTA/ ゆう A must visit for dinosaur lovers of all ages.
In the first section, you’ll learn about the Nagasaki region and the creatures that once dominated its land, including armored ankylosauria. Many of the fossils that you’ll see in the museum come from this area. Moving on to the next room, visitors will explore the evolution of dinosaurs and be able to touch actual fossils, not just replicas. The 13-meter-long Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton replica dominates the third section of the museum. The final two exhibition rooms bridge the world of dinosaurs with our own and examine the birds and mammals that came to populate the region after the dinosaurs became extinct.
Behind the Scenes
Photo by: PIXTA/ ゆう Take a deep dive into the prehistoric world.
The Nagasaki Nomozaki Dinosaur Park offers a unique experience at its Open Lab facility. During regular hours, visitors will be able to walk through this research area and observe actual work done on fossils and other specimens. From behind large windows, you’ll be treated to a large storage area featuring discoveries not yet on display in the museum. You can also check out the cleaning of rocks, minerals and fossils, several laboratories containing powerful CT scanners and a room dedicated to creating high-quality replicas.
More Fun
Photo by: PIXTA/ ゆう The fun doesn’t stop.
If you’re traveling with little ones who need a break from the museum, the site has several options for burning energy and relaxation. Right outside the museum, there is a large playground that includes many jungle gyms for all ages set against a mountainous backdrop. Daffodil Hill Park is another nearby attraction that has seasonal flowers to delight visitors throughout the year.
From late December to the middle of January, daffodils come into bloom by the millions across the three hills that make up the park. From this vantage point, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gunkanjima, also known as Battleship Island, is also visible.
