The Hotaruika Museum is a museum in Namerikawa, Toyama Prefecture, Japan dedicated to the firefly squid (Watasenia scintillans). It is the only museum in the world dedicated to this unique creature.
The museum opened in 1998 and is housed in a striking modern building designed by Japanese architect Tom Heneghan. The building is shaped like a firefly squid and is lit up at night, creating a beautiful sight.
The museum has three floors of exhibits on the firefly squid, its ecology, and its importance to the local community. Visitors can learn about the firefly squid’s life cycle, habitat, and migration patterns. They can also see specimens of the firefly squid up close and even touch them in a special touch pool.
One of the highlights of the museum is the Luminous Light Live Show. This show recreates the bioluminescent display of the firefly squid using LED lights. Visitors can experience the magic of the firefly squid’s bioluminescence even if they are visiting out of season.
The museum also has a cafe and a shop where visitors can buy souvenirs and snacks related to the firefly squid.
The Hotaruika Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the firefly squid or in marine biology in general. It is a fun and informative experience for all ages.
According to the internet
