Firefly Squid Season in Toyama Bay: Japan’s Glowing Ocean Secret

The Unmissable Magic of hotaruika Firefly Squid in Toyama Bay

If you’re searching for the best time to visit Toyama, looking for things to do in Toyama Bay, or wondering where to see the firefly squid in Japan, this is your moment.

The Hotaruika season in Toyama is hands-down one of the most incredible and underrated natural events in Japan , a surreal display of bioluminescent squid, exclusive to the deep, mysterious waters of Toyama Bay.

For those who want to experience firefly squid boat tours, dine on fresh hotaruika sashimi, or visit the legendary Hotaruika Museum in Namerikawa, there’s no better time than March to May , especially April, when the ocean lights up like a dream.

Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a foodie, or a nature lover, firefly squid season in Toyama is a glowing invitation to see (and taste) one of the rarest shows on Earth.

Discover the glowing wonder of firefly squid in Toyama Bay. Plan your trip to see Hotaruika in action, from early morning boat tours to delicious seasonal dishes. Learn when to visit, where to go, and why this natural light show should be on your Japan bucket list.

Read for about Toyama in the Toyama Prefecture Guide

If you can’t visit during firefly squid season read Toyama best time to visit: month by month guide

For more Seafood, here’s the Toyama Bay seafood Guide

Toyama Hotaruika Firefly Squid Infographic

What is Hotaruika (Firefly Squid) , And Why You Gotta Try It

Let me say it loud and clear: I am obsessed with firefly squid! These glowing wonders of the sea are Japan’s most magical marine phenomenon, and you’ll only find them in full glory right here in Toyama Bay. Known as Hotaruika, these tiny creatures illuminate the ocean each spring in a synchronized blue shimmer , and they’re as delicious as they are dazzling.

It’s hands down, my favorite seafood I’ve ever had

Hey, I’m William, and I’ve been living in Toyama Japan for almost two years. People always ask me why I’m here and not somewhere else like Osaka or Tokyo. I have two answers. The nature and food.

You’re 2 hours from some of the best ski resorts in Japan, and also surrounded by Japan’s most diverse and fresh seafood at Toyama Bay. In the bay lies these baby looking squid that glow up for just a season out of the year.

Imagine this: you’re sitting in a quiet seaside town. It’s 4 a.m. The sky is deep navy, and the water ahead begins to glow. Not from city lights, not from neon signs , but from nature itself. This isn’t a sci-fi movie. This is Toyama Bay in April.

Now imagine heading to a local izakaya later that same day, ordering a fresh sashimi plate of the same glowing squid you just saw dancing in the sea. It arrives, glistening, delicate, lightly chilled. You dip it in a mustard soy sauce with a touch of wasabi, and the flavor… is unforgettable. Rich. Oceanic. Sweet. You pause and think, why don’t more people know about this?

Well, now you do. And I’m here to make sure you never forget it.

I can’t stop talking about them because honestly , nothing else compares. Hotaruika are:

Unique to Japan, and to Toyama itself. No other prefecture carries them fresh
Seasonal delicacies are only available a few months a year March to April is peak.
Naturally bioluminescent (yep, they glow without any tech)
Incredible both raw and cooked, but my favorite way is boiled
Part of centuries-old culinary tradition

They’re not just food. They’re not just nature. They are an experience.

Whether you’re after the best seasonal eats in Japan or chasing rare wildlife phenomena, Hotaruika delivers both. There’s nowhere else in the world you can watch thousands of squid glow in unison and then eat them hours later, perfectly prepared.

This is travel storytelling at its finest , and it starts in the heart of Toyama. Keep reading. I promise, this is a story worth tasting.

Every spring, Toyama Bay becomes a glowing natural wonder , a rare and magical phenomenon where tiny blue lights dance on the surface of the sea just before dawn. These lights aren’t man-made, and they’re not a trick of the moonlight. They’re real, living creatures called firefly squid, or Hotaruika (ホタルイカ) in Japanese. And yes, not only can you see them in the wild, you can eat them, too , fresh, seasonal, and unlike any other seafood on Earth.

Firefly squid are about the size of your finger, but don’t let their size fool you , they pack an otherworldly glow and an unforgettable taste. For seafood lovers, night photographers, science nerds, and culinary explorers, this is one of Japan’s most unique natural and gastronomic experiences. And it only happens here.

If you’ve ever wanted to tell your friends you’ve eaten something that glows , and then show them proof , Toyama Bay is your destination.

What Does Firefly Squid Taste Like?

Hotaruika has a rich, briny depth , pure umami. The flavor is slightly sweet, a little creamy, and far less chewy than typical squid. Some say it’s like a cross between sea urchin (uni) and baby octopus. The texture is soft but firm enough to hold its shape, and the taste lingers on your tongue in the best way possible.

Raw (Sashimi): Sweet and oceanic, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Boiled (with Vinegared Miso): Classic preparation with a punchy miso dip to balance the richness. (my favorite way)
Tempura or Grilled: Adds a crunchy or smoky layer, perfect for sake pairing.

When you eat them fresh , caught the same morning , you may even notice a faint bioluminescent shimmer still clinging to their skin. It’s not just a meal; it’s a sensory experience.

Why Eat Something That Glows?

Because it’s extraordinary. Because it’s rare. Because food should be more than just fuel , it should be a story. And this is one story few people outside Japan even know exists.

The glow of the firefly squid comes from photophores , specialized light organs that produce a ghostly blue glow. In the right conditions, you’ll see them light up in synchronized bursts, like aquatic fireflies. Imagine putting that in your travel diary , or your stomach.

This isn’t a gimmick dish or a novelty meal , it’s a deeply respected, traditional part of Toyama’s coastal culture. Locals have been eating hotaruika for generations. Now it’s your turn.

Where to See Firefly Squid in Action

Boat Tours in Namerikawa

To truly experience the firefly squid’s natural light show, you need to wake up early , really early , and head to Namerikawa Port. This small fishing town east of Toyama City is the epicenter of firefly squid sightings.

From mid-March to early June, you can hop aboard a before-dawn boat tour and cruise into the bay as the sun starts to rise. In the darkness, fishermen haul up special nets and baskets full of firefly squid. The moment they’re brought out of the water, they begin to glow a vivid blue , a natural chemical reaction triggered by their nervous system.

Tour guides explain the phenomenon, and you’re free to snap photos or just sit in awe as the sea sparkles like a galaxy. It’s peaceful, surreal, and 100% unforgettable.

Departure Time: Between 3:00–4:30 AM
Duration: About 60–90 minutes
Booking: Highly recommended in April (Golden Week crowds)

Info & Reservations: Visit Toyama Japan – Firefly Squid Tourism

The Hotaruika Museum

If pre-dawn boat rides aren’t your thing, don’t worry. You can still get an up-close view of these glowing marvels at the Hotaruika Museum in Namerikawa. It’s one of the only facilities in the world dedicated entirely to a single squid species , and it’s surprisingly fun.

Inside, you’ll find:

A darkroom exhibit where live squid flash their lights
Interactive models explaining how the squid live and spawn
A seafood restaurant serving freshly caught hotaruika in various styles
A gift shop selling squid-shaped souvenirs, postcards, and snacks

Even better? If you visit during the right season, they host live glow shows where staff demonstrate the squid’s bioluminescence in a small tank. You’ll see them flash like blue fire in a jar.

Learn more: Hotaruika Museum Official Site

Camping at Toyama Bay

You can pitch at a campsite, and stay up late at night or wake up early in the morning to take your chances. There’s free and paid campsites all over Toyama.

Read this article For more [camping activities in Toyama]

Best Time to Visit

The firefly squid season in Toyama Bay runs from late March to early May, but the peak is in April. During this time, thousands of female squid rise from the deep to lay eggs near the surface. It’s this spawning event that creates the glowing spectacle.

April is also when most boat tours run, the museum hosts its special exhibits, and restaurants across Toyama roll out their best squid menus.

Avoid Golden Week (April 29–May 5) if you want to dodge massive domestic travel crowds. Visit before April 25 for the best balance of action and peace.

How to Get to the Squid

How to Get to Toyama Bay

From Tokyo to Toyama:

Hokuriku Shinkansen: Tokyo to Toyama Station (2 hours)
Ainokaze Toyama Railway: Toyama to Namerikawa (~25 mins)

It’s that easy. You can even day trip from Kanazawa or Nagano.

Extend your trip: See the Toyama Snow Wall and double down on springtime magic.

Backpacker-Friendly Tips

Hostels in Toyama City are cheaper and more social than hotels in Namerikawa
You can day-trip from Kanazawa or Nagano if you’re not staying
Use a JR Pass to cover most of the train fare (not including local lines)
Convenience stores open early , stock up on snacks before your tour
Bring layers and gloves , mornings on the water can get frosty

Firefly Squid on the Menu

Where to Eat Hotaruika

Once you’ve seen the squid in the wild, it’s time to taste them. Toyama is famous for preparing hotaruika in a variety of traditional and modern styles. In April, nearly every seafood restaurant, izakaya, and ryokan (Japanese inn) in the area features them on the menu.

Top Spots to Try:

Uozu and Namerikawa Port Seafood Markets – Early morning freshness
Izakayas in Toyama City – Budget-friendly, often locally sourced
Hotaruika Museum Restaurant – Seasonal lunch sets
Supermarkets (Valor) – Seasonal seafood item raw or boiled
Ryokans near the coast – High-end traditional kaiseki meals

Other Toyama Foods:

You’re a foodie? Good. Another Toyama delicacy. You also need to try Toyama Black Ramen — the squid’s salty soul mate.

Barefoot Surfer Tip

Ask for “seasonal specialties” , many places don’t list everything they serve during squid season. Tell them you want hotaruika, and let the chef surprise you. They’ll love that you’re in the know.

The Science Stuff (If You’re Into That)

What Makes Firefly Squid Glow?

The glow of firefly squid comes from photophores, specialized light-producing organs located mostly on their arms and around their eyes. These organs produce blue light through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase , the same basic glow system seen in fireflies on land.

This light is used for:

Camouflage: Mimicking moonlight to hide from predators below
Communication: Signaling to other squid in mating rituals
Predator Evasion: Dazzling or distracting predators while escaping

Each squid can pulse its lights independently, leading to waves of glowing patterns that ripple through the ocean like a synchronized performance.

Why Do They Come to Toyama Bay?

Toyama Bay is unusually deep and steep. Just a few kilometers offshore, the seafloor plunges down over 1,000 meters , a geological oddity that allows deep-sea creatures like firefly squid to approach the coast. In spring, female squid migrate upward to spawn, attracted by the currents and the bay’s unique geography.

This combination of accessible spawning grounds, clean water, and nutrient-rich currents makes Toyama the only place in the world where this glowing mass event happens so close to shore.

Source: Hotaruika Museum – Why They Flock to Toyama Bay

Are They Sustainable?

Yes. Firefly squid fishing in Toyama is tightly regulated. Only licensed fishers can harvest them during the designated season. These quotas are designed to protect the species while supporting local livelihoods and tourism.

The result is a delicate balance: a sustainable seafood practice that feeds people, educates visitors, and protects a glowing marine treasure.

Final Thoughts , Come Eat Glowing Squid in Japan

Some people travel for temples. Others for cherry blossoms. But if you’re the kind of person who wants something truly different , something you’ll never find on a postcard , then this is it.

Firefly squid season in Toyama Bay isn’t just a travel destination. It’s a natural phenomenon, a cultural tradition, and a culinary adventure wrapped into one glowing package.

You’ll wake up in the dark to see an ocean sparkle. You’ll eat glowing creatures pulled straight from the water. You’ll sit in a local bar in Toyama, sipping sake and eating squid you just saw swimming an hour ago.

So pack your bag, charge your camera, and come experience one of the most magical, under-the-radar spectacles in Japan.

Because this isn’t just food. It’s the glow of Japan’s wild ocean, served fresh on a plate.

Look, I don’t need to sell you on Japan. You already know it’s amazing. But what I am going to sell you on — shamelessly, relentlessly — is this:

Come to Toyama in April. See the glow. Eat the squid.

Because while everyone else is jostling for space under cherry blossoms in Kyoto, you could be cruising quietly on a black sea turned electric blue by squid. You could be biting into the most surreal seafood of your life. You could be telling a story that nobody else you know will ever be able to top.

You’ve heard of sushi. You’ve tried ramen. But have you eaten something that glows in the dark?

No?

Then what are you waiting for?

See the glow. Eat the squid. Remember it forever.

Firefly Squid Season in Toyama: Japan’s Glowing Ocean Secret