May 10th, 2012
Travelling Abroad To Check Out Firefly Squid In Toyama Bay
If you are trying to decide where to take your children on an international vacation, consider going to Toyama, Japan. Toyama is a remarkable destination to take the family as there are many wonderful attractions and activities that everyone will enjoy. It is important to remember, however, that everyone in your family will need their own valid United States passport in order to be able to travel overseas. You can go online and find a passport agency that offers kids US passport services. If you need to get apply for a US passport online before your trip you should not wait too long, as getting one in the mail can take up to a few weeks.
Passport Requirements
Passports are essential documents when it comes to any sort of foreign travel. To apply for a US passport online just apply on any online passport agency website, and fill out the application along with providing necessary documentation. A kids passport can also be obtained online. However it is important to note that childrens passports are subject to different guidelines and also feature extra application instructions. All US citizens including children and infants need passports for any international travel. Children used to be able to travel on their parents passports, however due to stricter laws regarding human trafficking, laws changed and now even the youngest of American citizens must have a passport.
Toyama Bay
Toyama Bay is known to the breeding ground for the sparkling enope squid which is more commonly known as the Firefly squid. This squid exhibits bioluminescence as each of it’s tentacles features a photophore that produces light. When this light is flashed it attracts small fish. This is how the squid attracts prey and then eats it. The Firefly squid only reaches lengths of about 3inches and its’ lifespan is only about a year. The spawning of this species creates an annual light show due to the bioluminescence of the squid. For this reason the area where the spawning occurs has been declared a special natural monument.
Tours
Of course Toyama has much more to offer than just the spectacular bioluminescence show. However if visiting Toyama during spawning, it is a must see event. Tours are offered that begin around 3am. The fishing boats depart from the port and the fishermen then haul in their nets and a light show begins. Light is emitted from thousands of firefly squid and it flashes in a variety of animated patterns. The nearby museum hotaruika is a must see as well. It is the only museum in the world devoted to the firefly squid. There visitors can have an interactive experience with the squid and enjoy live theatre. The Firefly show light show only occurs from March 20th to May 31st, it’s important to plan according to not miss the spectacular site.
Japan has many attractions; however one of the most unique is that of the Firefly light show emitted in the Toyama Bay region. If in Toyama during this the spawning period it is worth a visit to behold on of the most spectacular natural occurring light shows. So, apply for a pasport online and make sure the kids have a kids passport so they can partake in this wonderful vacation as well. The light show of the Firefly squid of Toyama is truly an experience of a lifetime.