1. Firefly Squid Breakfast Experience at the Fishing Port
Firefly squid is one of spring's most popular sushi toppings. Fishing ports across Toyama Prefecture mark the start of the season in March, when the bioluminescent creatures glowing in the night sea become a beloved seasonal sight.
A firefly squid breakfast tour is being held at Mizuhashi Fishing Port during the peak season. Before dawn, visitors can witness the firefly squid catch firsthand from the port — an area not normally accessible to the public — watching as fishermen work alongside the glowing creatures hauled up from Toyama Bay. The experience includes watching the sorting process and viewing the auction.
After observing the luminous squid, freshly landed firefly squid from Mizuhashi Fishing Port are carefully prepared on-site by a chef. Because freshness is everything with this ingredient, the resulting breakfast is something that can only be tasted right here.
■ Special Firefly Squid Fisherman Breakfast Tour — A Rare Look at the "Mystery" of Toyama Bay!
Dates: March 7 (Sat), 8 (Sun), 14 (Sat), 15 (Sun), 20 (Fri/Holiday), 21 (Sat), 22 (Sun), 28 (Sat), 29 (Sun), 2026 — 4:45 AM to 8:00 AM
The tour is planned through May 2026. Dates for April onwards will be updated regularly.
Location: Mizuhashi Fishing Port
A shuttle bus is available from Toyama Station North Exit or ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Toyama.
2. Toyama Prefecture Fair at Hotel New Otani Tokyo
Hotel New Otani Tokyo is hosting a Toyama Prefecture fair this spring, with a connection to the prefecture running deep: the hotel's founder, Yonetaro Otani, was originally from Toyama.
At the all-day dining restaurant SATSUKI, a spring pasta made with firefly squid from Toyama Bay is available. The vibrant green comes from seasonal nanohana (flowering rapeseed): a purée made from the mildly bitter vegetable, combined with bamboo shoots and a clam-based sauce, is paired with the plump, rich firefly squid from Toyama. It is a dish that can only be enjoyed at this time of year.
■ Toyama Prefecture Fair
Period: March 2 (Mon) – April 24 (Fri), 2026
Venue: Hotel New Otani Tokyo — All-Day Dining "SATSUKI" and other restaurants
Sample Menu Items:
- Toyama Firefly Squid and Nanohana Spring Pasta (All-Day Dining "SATSUKI")
- Toyama White Shrimp Sakura Barachirashi Sushi (Japanese Cuisine "KATO'S DINING & BAR")
3. Firefly Squid from Toyama Bay
Toyama Bay's firefly squid stand out for their size and freshness. The bay's deep waters sit unusually close to shore, and during spawning season the squid move in large schools toward the shallows, where they are landed in good condition by fixed-net fishing. Early spring brings especially plump, sweet squid with rich umami extending through the innards. Because the fishing grounds are near the port, the morning catch can be served the same day as sashimi or shabu-shabu — something that sets Toyama apart. The translucent flesh, firm texture, and deep, lingering flavor have made Toyama Bay firefly squid a celebrated spring ingredient among food lovers.
4. "If It's Sushi, It's Toyama"
Toyama's sushi culture serves as a gateway to the prefecture's broader appeal, from its grand natural landscape and history to food, local culture, and everyday life.
