Namerikawa Hotaruika Museum
Discover the mesmerizing glow of firefly squid and explore deep-sea wonders at this interactive museum in Toyama.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak firefly squid season
Namerikawa Hotaruika Museum
Best Time
Peak firefly squid season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the mesmerizing glow of firefly squid and explore deep-sea wonders at this interactive museum in Toyama.
"A surprising find with plenty of cool stuff to learn, even as a foreigner!"
📱 Bring a Translation App
Most exhibits are in Japanese. Google Translate is your best friend for a richer experience!
💰 Cash for Tickets
Tickets are very affordable but often cash-only. Be sure to have some yen on hand.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Firefly Squid Bioluminescence Show
Witness the mesmerizing blue glow of live firefly squid in a simulated ocean environment. A truly unique natural spectacle.
Deep Sea Life Exhibits
Explore fascinating deep-sea creatures like giant isopods and glass shrimp. Interactive displays make learning fun for all ages.
Touch Pool Experience
Get hands-on with local marine life in the interactive touch pool, a hit with children and curious adults alike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Glow
Language & Ticketing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📱 Bring a Translation App
Most exhibits are in Japanese. Google Translate is your best friend for a richer experience!
💰 Cash for Tickets
Tickets are very affordable but often cash-only. Be sure to have some yen on hand.
✨ Catch the Glow Show
Don't miss the live demonstration of firefly squid bioluminescence – it's the main event!
🦀 Interactive Fun
The touch pool and other interactive exhibits are a hit, especially for kids.
Tips
from all over the internet
📱 Bring a Translation App
Most exhibits are in Japanese. Google Translate is your best friend for a richer experience!
💰 Cash for Tickets
Tickets are very affordable but often cash-only. Be sure to have some yen on hand.
✨ Catch the Glow Show
Don't miss the live demonstration of firefly squid bioluminescence – it's the main event!
🦀 Interactive Fun
The touch pool and other interactive exhibits are a hit, especially for kids.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Namerikawa Hotaruika Museum to be a fascinating and educational experience, particularly for its unique firefly squid bioluminescence show. While most exhibits are in Japanese, the affordability and engaging displays, including a touch pool and deep-sea creatures, make it a worthwhile visit for all ages. The seasonal nature of the glow is a key factor for many planning their trip.
"I had a good time. I visited since Namerikawa is our town's sister city and I was interested in catching the sights. It's a museum of the firefly squid, but also sort of a tiny aquarium - they have exhibits of nearby fish found in the Toyama region.
Ticket price was 620yen which was very fair, cash only.
Although they have an English guide, I used my phone extensively for translation since the exhibits are all in Japanese. It's totally understandable - I wouldn't expect everything to be in English in a specialized museum either. The staff were more than happy at using translation where possible and guiding me to the live show when it was time.
Immediately before that, I noticed some burly men setting up in a cordoned off part of the museum. I was like "hmm... interesting...". The live show was about 30 to 45 minutes and, although I couldn't use my phone to translate what was being said for this presentation, it ended with an exhibition of the sea fireflies glowing a vibrant blue, made possible by a tub the size of a grand piano which pumped seawater, simulating the ocean environment.
Once the live show was over, the burly men were gone and it turns out they were setting up for an exhibit of fish on display in what was practically giant kiddie pool (see pictures attached) including crabs and sea urchins, and the whole thing was rather cute.
The visit was a whole lot of fun. Even as a foreigner, they took care to make sure I felt included in the learning experience, and there was plenty of cool stuff to learn."
Daniel
"Despite most of the signs and descriptions in Japanese, I had a wonderful time in this museum. Just make sure you have google translate and you’re all set!
This isn’t a big museum but it kept me fascinated and entertained for a solid two hours. I could not stop learning more about this amazing firefly squid and the culture around it. It’s a shame that they only have the live firefly squid during spring and early summer, but the live demonstration made use of krill so you get a sense of the blue glow in the ocean.
Children would enjoy the interactive pool with the cold water and the other exhibits around it. The garden eels are especially cute, and do look out for the endearing (and never-moving) isopod.
Have some firefly squid fry at the cafe after visiting the museum, and pick up some delicious snacks to bring home. 5/5 - would definitely come back again!"
D Lo
"A small but very informative museum about "firefly squid" found every spring at Toyama Bay, and also wider education about deep sea species such as the "giant isopod", "glass shrimp" etc. It's like a mini zoo with live exhibitions!
A recommendation would be to focus more on the biodoversity value of these deep sea species (instead of contents on how to catch and cook them). Nonetheless, overall a surprising find!"
Phoebe Leung
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Namerikawa City, Toyama Prefecture. It's accessible by train to Namerikawa Station, and then a short bus ride or taxi. It's situated at a roadside station, making it convenient for travelers exploring the region.
Yes, as it's located at a roadside station, there is typically ample parking available for visitors arriving by car.
While specific tours might vary, the museum is a key attraction for those interested in Toyama Bay's unique marine life. Consider combining it with coastal exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are very reasonable, often around 620 yen. It's important to note that tickets are frequently cash-only, so be prepared.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, the museum is open during daytime hours. It's best to check the official website or local listings for the most up-to-date information, especially regarding seasonal variations.
For general admission, advance booking is usually not required. However, if you are visiting during peak season (April-May) or for special events, it might be wise to check for any specific booking recommendations.
An English guide is available, but the majority of exhibit descriptions are in Japanese. Having a translation app on your phone is highly recommended for a comprehensive understanding.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
The museum's star attraction is the live demonstration of the bioluminescent firefly squid, which glows a vibrant blue. This is best seen during their peak season.
Beyond firefly squid, the museum features exhibits on various deep-sea species found in Toyama Bay, including giant isopods, glass shrimp, crabs, and sea urchins. There's also a touch pool.
Yes, the museum is very family-friendly. Children often enjoy the interactive touch pool, the cute garden eels, and the fascinating deep-sea creatures.
While it's a small museum, visitors often spend around two hours exploring the exhibits and enjoying the demonstrations.
The museum is associated with local events like the Furusato-Ryugu Festival, which includes fireworks. These events often coincide with the firefly squid season. 
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a restaurant that serves dishes like tempura, pasta, and pizza. The adjacent roadside station also has a cafe offering soft-serve ice cream, hamburgers, and croquettes.
Some reviews mention trying firefly squid fry at the cafe. It's a unique local delicacy to experience after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially during the live bioluminescence show where flash photography might be discouraged to protect the creatures.
The bioluminescence show offers a unique photographic opportunity. The touch pool and the various marine life exhibits also provide great shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan for a visit of about two hours to allow ample time for exploration without rushing. The nearby roadside station offers convenient dining options, including kid-friendly choices like ice cream and hamburgers, making it easy to manage a full day of exploration. Remember to bring cash for tickets and a translation app to enhance the learning experience for everyone.
💡 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding roadside station for affordable snacks and meals. Bringing your own water bottle and utilizing free translation apps on your phone further minimizes expenses. The museum provides a memorable experience without a hefty price tag, making it a great addition to any budget-friendly Japan itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Firefly Squid
Beyond the glowing spectacle, the museum provides extensive information about the firefly squid's life cycle, habitat, and its cultural significance in the region. It highlights how these creatures are an integral part of the local ecosystem and economy. While the live glow is seasonal, the museum offers insights into their biology year-round, making it an educational experience regardless of the time of your visit.
For those interested in the broader marine biodiversity of Toyama Bay, the museum also features exhibits on other deep-sea dwellers. This includes creatures like the giant isopod, glass shrimp, and various crabs and sea urchins. These displays offer a glimpse into the unique and often mysterious world of the deep ocean, making the museum a comprehensive educational destination for marine life enthusiasts.
Experiencing the Museum: Tips from Visitors
The ticket price is a significant plus, being very affordable and offering great value for the experience. However, it's crucial to remember that cash is often the only accepted payment method for tickets, so visitors should come prepared. The museum, though not large, can easily captivate visitors for a couple of hours, especially with the interactive elements and the main glow show.
For families, the interactive touch pool is a highlight, allowing children (and adults!) to get hands-on with local marine life. The museum also features endearing creatures like garden eels and the stoic giant isopods, which add to the charm. The adjacent roadside station offers dining options, including local specialties like firefly squid fry, making it a convenient stop for a meal or snack.
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