XR Bus WOW RIDE Ikossa! Fukui-go: Dinosaurs, Culture, and Virtual Reality
Exploring Japan’s Hidden Gem Through Extended Reality
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Imagine stepping into a bus where the windows display stunning, ever-changing landscapes—where historical figures, dinosaurs, and virtual characters accompany you on a journey through time and space. Welcome to the “XR Bus WOW RIDE Ikossa! Fukui-go,” an immersive XR (Extended Reality) bus experience that launched in June 2024 in Fukui, Japan.
This futuristic bus transforms ordinary travel into a captivating journey filled with virtual reality, rich storytelling, and a unique window into Fukui’s natural beauty, cultural history, and world-famous dinosaur heritage. Whether you’re heading to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum or exploring the Asakura Clan ruins, this bus ride makes the trip an adventure in itself.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the details of the XR bus experience and share my personal journey.
*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.
What is the XR Bus WOW RIDE Ikossa! Fukui-go??
Launch and Concept
Launched in June 2024, the XR Bus WOW RIDE Ikossa! Fukui-go is more than just a mode of transportation—it’s a dream bus that can take you anywhere your imagination allows. The windows of this bus come to life, showcasing the beauty of Fukui in all four seasons. However, this isn’t just a scenic tour; it’s a fully immersive experience where Fukui’s rich history, cultural landmarks, and even its prehistoric past are brought to life using XR technology.
As the bus moves, its windows suddenly transition into virtual environments. The bus takes the concept of sightseeing to a whole new level, turning ordinary travel into a blend of education, entertainment, and immersion. With each ride, passengers are treated to an entirely new story and experience, making it ideal for repeat visitors.
Immersive Experience with No Equipment Needed
Unlike most VR or AR experiences that require headsets or hand-held devices, the XR Bus WOW RIDE does away with cumbersome equipment. Passengers need only to sit in their seats, and the experience is brought to life via a combination of large-scale digital displays that cover the bus’s windows, ceiling, and front screen. State-of-the-art digital technology creates a 360-degree immersive environment that transports passengers into a virtual world while they remain in the comfort of their seats.
The bus showcases various aspects of Fukui, from its natural landscapes to its unique cultural heritage, with the help of well-known characters and beautifully rendered visuals.
Directed by renowned filmmaker Yukihiko Tsutsumi, the experience combines a cinematic flair with educational elements.
Six Routes, Six Unique Experiences
The XR Bus offers six distinct routes, each designed to showcase different facets of Fukui’s diverse attractions. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply want to relax in a hot spring, there’s a route for everyone.
Route 1: from JR Fukui Station to Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (55 minutes)
Route 2: from Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum to JR Fukui Station (55 minutes)
Route 3: from JR Fukui Station to Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Museum (25 minutes)
Route 4: from Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Museum to JR Fukui Station (25 minutes)
Route 5: from JR Fukui Station to Awara Onsen (50 minutes)
Route 6: Awara Onsen Tour (30 minutes)
Each route is designed to complement the destination, turning what would typically be ordinary travel time into an interactive and memorable experience.
About Fukui
Accessibility and Location
Fukui is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. It is located in Japan’s Hokuriku region and is easily accessible from major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.
Travel time from Tokyo is just 2 hours and 51 minutes via the Hokuriku Shinkansen, making it a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. From Osaka, you can reach Fukui in 1 hour and 44 minutes using the Thunderbird limited express train, while from Nagoya, the journey takes just 1 hour and 33 minutes on the Shirasagi express.
Attractive points about Fukui
Known for its rich history and stunning natural landscapes, Fukui is home to attractions like the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum and the ancient Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins. The prefecture also boasts charming hot spring towns like Awara Onsen and dramatic coastal cliffs at Tojinbo.
International visitors looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience steeped in history and culture should definitely add Fukui to their itinerary.
My Experience in the XR Bus WOW RIDE Ikossa! Fukui-go
As I mentioned in the beginning, I had the opportunity to ride the XR bus on two of the six rides available.
1. Arriving at Fukui Station
My journey began in Tokyo, where I took the Hokuriku Shinkansen “Kagayaki” from JR Tokyo Station. The ride was smooth and took just under three hours.
The Shinkansen made stops at several stations along the way, but the comfort of the journey made the time fly by. Upon arriving at JR Fukui Station, I was excited to see that the XR Bus stop was conveniently located right outside the East exit, just a short walk from the Shinkansen exit.
*You can also take the “Kagayaki” from JR Ueno Station, although there are fewer trains that make a stop at Ueno compared to Tokyo.
2. Riding on the XR Bus
From JR Fukui Station to Dinosaur Museum
The XR Bus ride from JR Fukui Station to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum offers a unique and thrilling experience, taking passengers directly to one of Japan’s top dinosaur attractions without any transfers.
As the journey begins, the bus windows come alive with stunning visuals of life-sized dinosaurs, creating a captivating atmosphere. Along the way, interesting facts about the dinosaurs and the museum make the ride both entertaining and educational.
Inside the bus, advanced technology enhances the experience, featuring high-definition screens on the ceiling and dynamic displays on the side windows.
Each seat has a translation device that provides narration in English, Chinese, and Korean, ensuring that international visitors can fully engage with the storytelling. The cozy seating arrangement adds to the intimate feel of the journey.
The approximately 60-minute ride follows a thrilling narrative where dinosaurs reappear in modern Fukui. A passionate fossil hunter shares intriguing insights, and just when it seems like a typical ride, a breaking news alert announces, “Dinosaurs have returned to Fukui!” This twist adds excitement as passengers wonder how the fossil hunter will respond.
Renowned Japanese actors bring the story to life, integrating local history and details about the museum. Interactive segments, including quizzes and a Q&A session with the AI dialogue system “Talk With,” allow passengers to engage directly with characters, making the experience immersive.
*With flexible ride schedules and discounted combination tickets available for the Dinosaur Museum, the XR Bus WOW RIDE is an unforgettable highlight for anyone visiting Fukui.
From Dinosaur Museum to JR Fukui Station
After spending a few hours at the museum, I boarded the XR Bus for the return journey to JR Fukui Station. This time, the experience was completely different.
The storyline shifted to a fantasy world called “Dinosaur Kingdom,” where dinosaurs lived peacefully.
As we traveled, the virtual windows showcased scenic views of Fukui, while the AI characters shared local tourism information.
The interactive elements, including a Q&A session and a photo opportunity, made the return trip just as enjoyable as the outbound journey.
3. The Dinosaur Museum
The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (福井県立恐竜博物館) is one of the top dinosaur museums in the world, located in the mountainous region of Fukui, near the Ishikawa border. Established in 2000, it emerged from significant dinosaur fossil excavations that began in the area in 1989. These explorations uncovered a rich trove of fossils dating back to the Early Cretaceous period, around 120 million years ago.
The museum showcases a variety of dinosaur species discovered locally, including several new species that have been officially named and classified. Visitors can marvel at full-scale skeletal reconstructions and realistic models of these ancient creatures, which enhance their understanding of paleontology and the region’s geological history.
One of the museum’s highlights is the entrance tunnel that creates an immersive experience, simulating a journey back in time to the age of dinosaurs.
Inside, the grand central dome houses a complete dinosaur skeleton alongside numerous other exhibits detailing the evolution of life on Earth.
Special attention is given to interactive displays, including actual fossils and a fossil cleaning room where visitors can observe the meticulous process of extracting fossils from surrounding rock.
The museum also offers educational programs, workshops, and outdoor excavation experiences that allow guests to participate in hands-on learning.
With partnerships with museums around the world, the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum continually showcases rare exhibits, including significant North American fossils. This focus on international collaboration ensures that the museum remains a dynamic space for discovery and education.
Additionally, the museum’s gift shop offers a variety of dinosaur-themed souvenirs, making it a perfect spot for visitors of all ages to explore, learn, and engage with the fascinating world of dinosaurs.
My Thoughts
The XR Bus WOW RIDE Ikossa! is an extraordinary experience that transforms travel into entertainment. Whether you’re traveling to the Dinosaur Museum or exploring Fukui’s cultural heritage sites, the immersive storytelling, stunning visuals, and educational content make each ride feel like a journey into another world.
I highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Fukui, especially families with children, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking for something beyond the usual sightseeing tour. Why spend an hour in a regular bus or taxi when you can enjoy a fully immersive adventure? Not only will you learn about Fukui’s rich history and natural beauty, but you’ll also have fun along the way.
For those interested in Fukui’s history, the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins route offers a deep dive into Japan’s Sengoku period, with storytelling that brings the era to life. Meanwhile, the Awara Onsen route is perfect for those looking to unwind, offering a more relaxed experience as you learn about the region’s hot springs.
Information
 Access |
2 minute walk from Fukui Station |
|---|---|
 Official Website |
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel/wowridefukui/ |
Nearby Tourist Locations:
The following are some of the interesting places you can visit when you come to Fukui. All of the following are located near JR Fukui Station, so be sure to keep these places in mind when visiting Fukui.
Fukui Station
Fukui Station serves as a vibrant gateway to the region, featuring a well-equipped Tourist Information Center where visitors can gather helpful resources, maps, and recommendations for exploring Fukui.
Just steps away, CURU-F offers an array of local shops and dining options, perfect for picking up souvenirs or enjoying a taste of Fukui’s culinary delights.
As you explore the station, keep an eye out for the various dinosaur statues that celebrate Fukui’s paleontological heritage.
These playful sculptures can be found at the roof terrace, the east entrance, and even at the bus terminal, creating a fun atmosphere that hints at the exciting dinosaur adventures awaiting you in the area.
Yokokan Garden
Located a short walk from Fukui Station, Yokokan Garden (養浩館庭園) is a stunning example of traditional Japanese landscaping, dating back to the Edo period. Once the residence of the Matsudaira family, lords of the Fukui Domain, this garden is significant for its historical importance and well-preserved design.
Visitors can admire its beautiful ponds, meticulously arranged rocks, and seasonal flora. The garden’s architectural features include charming stone bridges and a large villa in the Sukiya-zukuri style, an elegant style originally derived from small buildings meant for the Japanese tea ceremony. There is also a room dedicated to moon-gazing, where guests today can still experience a traditional tea ceremony (special reservation required).
This serene experience allows you to immerse yourself in Japanese culture while enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Fukui.
Information
| Access |
12 minute walk from Fukui Station (JR Lines) |
|---|---|
 Business Hours |
9:00 ~ 19:00 |
| Official Website |
http://fukuisan.jp/en/yokokan/index.html |
Soba-Making Experience at Echizen Soba Club
The Echizen Soba Club (越前蕎麦倶楽部), located in the heart of Fukui, offers a hands-on culinary experience focused on making traditional soba noodles. This engaging activity typically lasts about one hour, during which participants learn to knead, roll, and cut the buckwheat dough into noodles.
The friendly restaurant owner guides you through the process, ensuring a fun and informative session.
After preparing the soba, you’ll have the opportunity to savor the delicious noodles you made, along with seasonal toppings, either served in a dashi soup or accompanied by a dipping sauce.
This interactive experience not only tantalizes your taste buds but also provides a deeper appreciation for the art of soba making, making it a delightful addition to your Fukui itinerary.
Information
| Access |
4 minute walk from Fukui Station (JR Lines) |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
11:30 ~ 15:00 |
 Closed |
Tuesdays |
In conclusion, the XR Bus WOW RIDE Ikossa! Fukui-go is a must-try experience for anyone visiting Fukui. It blends the beauty of the region with cutting-edge technology, turning travel into an immersive adventure. Whether you’re interested in dinosaurs, history, or simply want to enjoy Fukui’s scenic landscapes in a unique way, the XR bus offers something for everyone. So, next time you’re in Fukui, skip the regular bus and hop on the XR bus for an unforgettable journey!
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Written by
Born and raised in Costa Rica, I started living in Tokyo from college. I love traveling within Japan & around the world. Since I wasn’t born in Japan, I know the cultural impact that you can get when visiting Japan for the first time and what you might be worried about before your trip. And I’ve lived long enough to somewhat understand the nuances of the Japanese culture that make this country such an attractive place to visit. Hopefully I can provide to you both the information you’re looking for and the information you didn’t know you needed to know.
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