Dive into the Magic of the Sea at Wave Park Namerikawa
Nestled along the serene coastline of Namerikawa in Toyama Prefecture, Wave Park Namerikawa is more than a roadside station—it’s a gateway to the wonders of the deep sea. Surrounded by sweeping ocean views and lush coastal landscapes, this vibrant destination invites travelers to explore the mysteries of the firefly squid, a local marvel celebrated through immersive experiences and hands-on exhibits.
At the heart of the station lies the Firefly Squid Museum, where visitors can step into the ocean’s depths through cutting-edge VR and AR adventures. From diving as a squid to exploring a virtual fishing net, every experience is designed to spark wonder. The station also features a seasonal touch pool and a new summer BBQ area, where guests can enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals—like the seasonal “Fufufu” rice—while overlooking the sea. With its unique blend of science, culture, and seaside charm, Wave Park Namerikawa offers a truly unforgettable journey.
Why Visit
Wave Park Namerikawa stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering an immersive VR experience as a bioluminescent squid, letting visitors explore the deep sea in high-definition 3D. Home to the only on-site museum dedicated to the rare firefly squid, it features interactive touch pools and detailed exhibits. Locals and travelers alike savor the unique "Fufufu" rice—grown in the area and served in every restaurant dish—paired with seasonal seafood dishes that highlight the region’s coastal bounty.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, local flavors at Wave Park Namerikawa, where seasonal ingredients and regional rice define every meal.
Restaurant Hikari
レストラン光彩
Specialty
Seasonal Japanese cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
A dining experience featuring seasonal Japanese dishes crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, blending traditional aesthetics with modern comfort.
Café Kurokawa
カフェくろかわ
Specialty
Light snacks and coffee with a focus on local flavors
A cozy café offering light meals, pastries, and coffee, with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a midday break or afternoon tea.
BBQ Pavilion
BBQ広場
Specialty
Grilled food with all equipment provided
An outdoor grilling area where guests can enjoy a relaxed BBQ experience without bringing their own tools. Perfect for families and groups.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local treasures and handcrafted goods at Wave Park Namerikawa’s roadside station.
Kanetsuru Sashiko Shop
カネツル砂子商店
A specialty shop offering traditional Japanese crafts and souvenirs, including handcrafted textiles and local art.
Products
Must-Try Item
Traditional Sashiko Embroidery Kit
Toyama Hometown Center
富山ふるさとセンター
A shop dedicated to regional products and cultural souvenirs from Toyama Prefecture.
Products
Must-Try Item
Toyama Regional Delicacies Box
Farmers Market
農産物直売所
A fresh produce market featuring seasonal fruits, vegetables, and locally grown goods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Namerikawa Fresh Rice
Local Food Market
地元食市場
A general retail market offering a variety of local food products and daily essentials.
Products
Must-Try Item
Namerikawa Special Rice
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature specialties like rich seafood and locally grown produce.
Namerikawa Fresh Rice
滑川産新米
Premium rice grown in Namerikawa, known for its rich flavor and soft texture. Harvested annually and available in bulk.
Toyama Regional Delicacies Box
富山の郷土料理セット
A curated collection of traditional foods from Toyama Prefecture, perfect for gifting or tasting local flavors.
Sashiko Embroidery Kit
刺し子キット
A traditional Japanese embroidery kit featuring hand-stitched patterns and high-quality materials.
Deep Sea Water Foot Bath Salt
深海水足湯塩
Natural salt extracted from deep seawater, known for its therapeutic properties and mineral content.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, picnic areas, and outdoor BBQ spaces at Wave Park Namerikawa.
Parking Area
A parking area is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Near the main entrance of the roadside station
Restroom
Clean and accessible restrooms are available for visitors.
Inside the main facility building
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station for visitors.
Throughout the premises, including indoor and outdoor areas
Information Center
An information center provides assistance with local attractions, events, and transportation details.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Play Area
A designated play area for children is available for family visitors.
Adjacent to the park area
Hot Spring Foot Bath
A deep-sea water foot bath is available for relaxation. Note: As of 2024, this facility is temporarily closed.
Near the park area
Bike Rental
Bicycles can be rented at the roadside station through the local tourism association.
Near the park entrance
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is available for mothers with infants.
Inside the restroom building
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors using electric vehicles.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for cash withdrawals.
Near the information center
Pet Area
A designated area for pets is available for visitors with animals.
Outside the main building, near the park
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in hands-on experiences from VR deep-sea adventures to seasonal exploration events.
VR Squid Experience DIVE
VRホタルイカ体験 DIVE
Participants will use VR technology to explore the deep sea as a firefly squid, experiencing its unique movements and bioluminescence in an immersive environment.
Duration
15 min
AR Trammel Exploration
AR定置網を探検
Using AR technology, participants can explore a virtual trammel net and learn about marine life and fishing techniques in an interactive and educational way.
Duration
10 min
Outdoor BBQ Party
海を見渡しながら本格BBQパーティしませんか？
Enjoy a full BBQ experience with all equipment provided, while overlooking the sea. No need to bring your own tools—perfect for a relaxed and convenient gathering.
Duration
60 min
Weather-dependent; may be canceled or rescheduled due to rain or strong winds.
Touch Pool Experience
タッチプール
Participants can touch and interact with marine creatures in a hands-on pool, learning about local sea life in a safe and engaging environment.
Duration
20 min
Insider Tips
Plan ahead—check seasonal updates and seasonal events for the best visit to Wave Park Namerikawa.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 10:00 AM on weekdays to experience the VR & AR Holothuria (firefly squid) exhibit before it closes for the day at 17:00, as latecomers often face long queues during peak hours.
- Hidden Gems: Head directly to the deli counter near the entrance to pick up the limited daily batch of fresh-baked milk bread, which is released at 9:30 AM and sells out by 11:00 AM—arrive early to secure your loaf.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the outdoor BBQ area between 15:00 and 17:00 to enjoy the free BBQ setup with fully equipped grills and utensils—no need to bring your own, and the area fills up quickly after 16:00.
- Best Food Experience: Order the seasonal autumn rice menu at Restaurant Kōkai, which exclusively uses newly harvested "Fufufu" rice from Takaoka City—this menu launches on September 1 and is available only until the end of the year.
- Interactive Adventure: Use your smartphone to scan the AR fishing net display located near the museum entrance to unlock the full AR exploration experience of the traditional fishing nets, which is only available during the summer months (June–August).
- Shopping Tip: Visit the KANETSURU Sand Shop inside the roadside station to buy the exclusive "Wave Park Namerikawa" branded sea salt, available only at this location and sold out by mid-afternoon on weekends.
- Accessibility Note: If arriving by train, use the bicycle rental service provided by the Namerikawa City Tourism Association—bikes are available at the roadside station entrance and are free for the first 30 minutes, making it easy to reach the nearby museum and coastal trail.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): VR and AR Hokkigai experiences and touch pool available; fresh bamboo shoots and spring vegetables featured at the market.
Summer (June-August): Outdoor BBQ available with no equipment needed; ocean views enhance the summer visit.
Autumn (September-November): New rice 'Fufufu' from Namerikawa featured in all rice dishes; autumn menu launched in September.
Winter (December-February): No specific seasonal activities mentioned; limited access due to ongoing construction.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers VR and AR interactive experiences, touch pools (seasonal), and a children's play area. Features kid-friendly food options and stroller-accessible paths. Educational elements are strong with marine life exhibits and hands-on activities.
Food Lover Review
Features a dedicated restaurant with seasonal menus using local rice. Offers fresh produce, regional specialties like Hatakeika-themed items, and artisanal souvenirs. BBQ area enhances dining experience with convenience.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms and vending machines. Offers a quiet, scenic setting with designated parking. No explicit overnight stay policy noted, and ongoing construction may affect comfort.
Scenic Beauty Review
Overlooks the sea with expansive views and natural coastal scenery. Features scenic viewpoints and photo spots. Seasonal beauty is enhanced by marine themes and seasonal events.