Chasing Summer Magic: The Glow of Fireflies in Japan
- Narelle Katsumoto
- 3 日前
- 読了時間: 4分
Fireflies in Japan
From early June to mid-July, Japan enters its tsuyu, or rainy season. The days become warm and humid, and sudden downpours are common. But amid the misty evenings and damp air, a beautiful seasonal event begins—the arrival of fireflies. Known in Japanese as hotaru, these glowing insects have long been symbols of summer, nostalgia, and the quiet magic of nature.
A Tradition That Glows
The custom of firefly viewing, or hotaru-gari, has been cherished in Japan for centuries. People gather quietly in natural spots to watch as fireflies drift through the night air, glowing softly like floating stars. It’s a gentle, almost dreamlike experience, far from the noise and rush of everyday life.
Fireflies have held special meaning in Japanese culture since ancient times. They appear in the Man’yoshu, an 8th-century collection of poetry, where they symbolize passionate love. They’re also seen as deeply spiritual, often linked to the souls of the departed and evoking memories of loved ones. In more modern times, fireflies have come to express feelings of beauty and sorrow—as seen in Studio Ghibli’s Grave of the Fireflies, where they carry profound emotional weight.
Even today, fireflies stir a sense of wonder and nostalgia. Their short-lived glow reminds us of the fleeting nature of life and encourages us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the natural world.
Where to Find Fireflies
To see fireflies in Japan, you’ll need to venture beyond the bright city lights. These delicate insects thrive only in clean, quiet environments—often by rivers, rice paddies, or in wide green parks with little light pollution. Popular spots can be found across Japan, especially in the countryside or in protected natural areas.
Some fireflies can even be seen in large city parks, but for the most magical experience, it’s best to go where it’s truly dark and peaceful. Imagine standing by a riverside on a warm evening, surrounded by trees and the gentle sound of flowing water—then, one by one, soft lights begin to flicker around you. It feels like nature’s own fireworks show, but in perfect silence.
If you're wondering where to experience this enchantment for yourself, here are three of the best places in Japan to see fireflies up close:
Hotel Chinzanso, Tokyo
Since 1954, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo has cultivated a firefly habitat in its scenic garden. Each January, the hotel releases larvae raised in Nagano, and specially trained staff care for them throughout the year. From mid-May to June, approximately 10,000 Genji fireflies illuminate the garden, with 500–600 visible at peak times.
Guests, diners, and shop visitors can access the garden and enjoy the glowing display, especially around Benkei Bridge and the historic watermill. On rainy evenings, fireflies can even be seen from a sheltered corridor behind the Gojo Waterfall. The best viewing time is between 7:30 and 9:00 p.m., making it a perfect post-dinner experience in the heart of the city.
Tsukiyono Firefly Village, Gunma
Nestled in the lush greenery of Minakami, Gunma, Tsukiyono Firefly Village offers a breathtaking firefly display from mid-June to mid-July. Thousands of Genji, Heike, and Kuromao fireflies light up a 1.9-kilometer riverside path each night between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m.
The site is just a short walk from Jomo-Kogen Station and is also accessible by car from the Tsukiyono IC. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts by a local protection group, the area now has the highest firefly population in the Kanto region. Volunteers are often present to help guide visitors to the best viewing spots. This free event provides a rare and magical encounter with fireflies in their pristine, natural habitat.
Oshima-ku Nigami Firefly Festival, Niigata
A scenic 7-kilometer span of Prefectural Road No. 229 in Joetsu City, Niigata—affectionately known as “Firefly Line”—glows with wild Genji and Heike fireflies from mid-June to mid-July. These fireflies flourish in the nearby mountain streams and water-filled rice fields, creating a dreamlike landscape at dusk.
The best viewing time is between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m., particularly during the Nigami Firefly Festival (June 10 – July 8). Visitors are encouraged to park and use the designated Firefly Viewing Platform, as car headlights can disturb the insects. The area can get crowded on Saturdays, so weekday visits or carpooling is recommended for a more peaceful experience.
When to Go
Fireflies usually begin to appear just after sunset. The best viewing time is between 7:30 and 9:00 p.m., with peak activity around 8:00 to 8:30 p.m. The ideal conditions? A humid, windless night, especially just before rain falls.
Different species light up at different times. The Genji firefly (Luciola cruciata), a favorite in Japan, typically emerges between May and June. The smaller Heike firefly (Luciola lateralis) follows later, usually starting in July.
Because their activity depends so much on the weather, it’s smart to check local forecasts before heading out. Cool, rainy, or windy evenings can make fireflies hide or stop glowing altogether.
How to Enjoy Firefly Viewing Respectfully
Fireflies may seem magical, but they’re also extremely sensitive. If you decide to go hotaru-gari, here are a few important tips to help protect them—and keep the experience special for everyone:
Refrain from using bright lights. Flash photography, phone screens, flashlights, and even headlights can scare fireflies away and disrupt their glowing signals, which they use to find mates.
Be quiet. Loud voices or sudden sounds can frighten them off. Speak softly and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
Don’t touch or catch them. Fireflies are fragile. Even gentle handling can hurt them.
Skip insect repellent near firefly areas. The chemicals can damage their delicate ecosystem.
Dress for the outdoors. Long sleeves and pants can protect you from mosquitoes and ticks while you enjoy the countryside.
Leave no trace. Don’t litter, smoke, or leave anything behind. Fireflies depend on clean environments, so every bit of care counts.
A Glowing Moment You’ll Never Forget
So if you’re in Japan between June and mid-July, don’t miss the chance to step outside after dark and find a quiet spot by a river or a field. Leave your phone in your pocket, listen to the sounds of the night, and watch as the fireflies begin to dance.
It’s a little bit of summer magic—and a memory that just might stay with you forever.
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