A museum where you can learn about the mystical firefly squid, a creature caught in Toyama Bay. It is a facility that both adults and children can enjoy, with tanks where you can see live firefly squid up close and a fisherman experience corner.
Cultural Assets
Highlights
See live firefly squid up close
Learn about the ecology of firefly squid and the rich nature of Toyama Bay
Learn about the history of firefly squid fishing
Touch the tools actually used by fishermen in the fisherman experience corner
5-minute walk from Namikawa Station on the Ainokaze Toyama Railway Show route
Op.Hours
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cld.Days
Tuesdays (Jun 1st to Mar 19th; if Tuesday is a national holiday, closed the following day instead), New Year's holidays, and 3 days from the last Monday of January
Fee
General admission: ¥820, Children (ages 3 to junior high school): ¥410. *From June 1st to March 19th: ¥620 and ¥310 respectively.
Toyama Bay, facing the Sea of Japan in Toyama Prefecture, is a rich fishing ground counted as one of the world's three major fishing areas. The firefly squid caught in Toyama Bay appear in the Sea of Japan in early spring, their unique light creating a mystical sight. The Hotaruika Museum is a museum dedicated to this firefly squid. Inside, you can learn about the ecology of firefly squid, the rich nature of Toyama Bay, and the history of firefly squid fishing through exhibits and videos. In particular, the tank exhibiting live firefly squid is a valuable opportunity to observe them up close. In the firefly squid fishing experience corner, you can actually touch the tools used by fishermen and learn about the fishing process. Be sure to experience the rich nature of Toyama Bay and the mystical charm of the firefly squid.