【Firsthand Report】 Watch the Ocean Transform into a Magical Planetarium with Namerikawa's 'Firefly Squid Ocean Sightseeing' Experience!

Spring in Toyama is synonymous with one thing: delicious firefly squid! I joined a one-of-a-kind marine sightseeing tour in Namerikawa to witness the amazing local tradition of fixed-net fishing for firefly squid. Join me in discovering the wonders of Toyama Bay, a place unlike anywhere else on Earth!

The firefly squid is a coveted spring delicacy in Toyama. Renowned for its deep waters, Toyama Bay is one of the world's premier fishing grounds for these luminous creatures.
Alongside yellowtail and crab, firefly squid is one of Toyama’s signature marine treasures.

The firefly squid is often dismissed simply as a delicious seafood, but catching a glimpse of it glowing in its natural habitat is nothing short of captivating. As an elusive deep-sea creature, much of the firefly squid's ecology remains a mystery, so don't miss this rare opportunity to witness one of nature's wonders! The marine sightseeing tours featured in this article offer exactly this unique experience, allowing you to board a sightseeing boat in Namerikawa, one of the prime firefly squid fishing grounds, to watch glowing firefly squid firsthand. I had the chance to do just that, so after midnight, I eagerly boarded the boat, and we set off into the darkness.

At 1:30 am, we gathered at Roadside Station Wave Park Namerikawa. After paying the fee at the reception desk, we received our tickets and life jackets.
*Reservations are required - no same-day admissions.

The sightseeing boat departed at 2:00 a.m., setting out into the pitch-black open ocean. It can get a bit chilly on the water, so be sure to bring warm clothing. Regular shoes are perfectly fine. During the boat ride, I had the chance to learn more about the fascinating secrets of firefly squid in Toyama Bay from the knowledgeable guides. Interesting stories, such as why fixed-net fishing thrives in Namerikawa, made the experience even more engaging.

The tour took us to two prime fixed-net fishing spots, where the glowing spectacle depends on the day’s catch and weather conditions. After arriving, we watched the fishermen skillfully haul in the nets, their movements illuminated by the boat’s bright lights against the still, dark sea - creating a dreamlike atmosphere. We cheered the determined fishermen on, and they responded with an impressive performance. Although I had my doubts about seasickness, the calm waters and short journey put my mind at ease, and we managed to stay completely dry on deck, with no splashes or spray in sight.

As the net was hauled up, the catch rose closer to the surface. The fishermen then turned the boat lights off, and the pale blue glow illuminated the water's surface, drawing amazed gasps from everyone on board. While the scene is breathtaking to behold with the naked eye, capturing it on camera is a real challenge. With the boat swaying and the near-total darkness, the perfect moment to snap a good shot is brief and elusive. For the best results, a DSLR with a zoom lens is a must!

The brief sea show came to an end, and it was time to return to the fishing port. After disembarking, we walked into the port. There, we had the opportunity to observe the fishermen carefully sorting the freshly landed firefly squid by hand to avoid any damage. The delicate squid were then quickly packed into yellow baskets, each weighing a hefty 50kg. Finally, the baskets were arranged in neat rows.

Baskets brimming with firefly squid were neatly lined up, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight. After sorting, the squid were quickly and efficiently shipped out, all while maintaining their freshness. I was told the catch wasn’t as abundant as usual on the day of our tour, but it still looked like plenty to me! Along with the mystical light show, witnessing the dedicated people behind the firefly squid fishing industry was equally captivating. After returning our life jackets, the tour concluded at 4:50 a.m. Waking up in the middle of the night was no small feat, but the experience was incredibly rewarding and worth every moment.

Firefly squid marine sightseeing is a rare experience, not only because of its uniqueness but also due to its limited availability, with only about a 50% chance of departure depending on sea conditions. On the day of the tour, all you can do is keep your fingers crossed for good weather! For those whose tours are canceled, there's a backup plan. If the tour is canceled, you can enjoy free admission to the nearby 'Hotaruika Museum.' This popular destination presents visitors with a fantastic opportunity to see the incredibly rare live firefly squid during the fishing season. It’s a great choice for a family outing, too!

Tour period: Early April to early May (annual schedule)
Capacity: 40 people
Fee: Adults: ¥8,000 / Children (elementary to junior high school students): ¥4,000
(Children below school age are not permitted on the boat.)

* For online reservations, payment must be made by credit card at the time of booking.
* If the tour is canceled after departure due to adverse sea conditions, a refund will be issued.
* All reservations for the 2024 season are now finished.
* Reservations are required in advance.
* Details about next year's schedule will be released between mid and late December.
 

There's one more exciting experience to share alongside our marine sightseeing tour! A Firefly Squid Festival will be held – a one-of-a-kind event unlike any other in the world - as part of Namerikawa's spring celebrations. Be sure not to miss it!
* The festival typically takes place in late April.