Among the many species of fireflies or "lighting bugs" in Japan, only two has been prominent: Genji (Luciola cruciata), and Heike (Luciola lateralis). If you are familiar with the first ever novel ever written, the Tale of Genji of Murasaki Shikibu, and another novel, Tale of Heike (an epic with multiple authorship), you probably have a hint that fireflies or hotaru are special for the Japanese. Up to present time, they even make events related to fireflies and breeding grounds for these playful luminiscent insects, which is usually held from late May to late June.
Hundreds of lighting bugs gently wandering in the lush forest at summer dusk can actually be viewed in some places in Japan. Here's a quick guide to events and places that will take you to the fanciful scene where these fireflies show-off their talents in glowing in the dark:
1. Hotaru Mi-Night (Firefly Gazing Night)
The Adachi Park of Living Things has been a popular destination for firefly watchers for years. Amid the urbanization in Tokyo, it enlivens its name as park of "living things", remaining as a habitat and a breeding site for fireflies. The park usually holds firefly watching events, specially the Hotaru Mi-Night (Firefly Gazing Night), starting in early June.
2. Hotaru no Yube (Evening Lit by Fireflies) at Shibuya City Botanical Garden
Shibuya is known to be one of the fashion centers in Tokyo, but there is a botanical center where you can see genji and heike hotaru in the summer nights of June, gently illuminating the tropical plants in the Green garden greehouse.
3. Fussa Firefly Festival
Within the vicinity of Tamagawa Josui’s Ome Bridge
Heading to West Tokyo? Around June, while these little glowing bugs are busy finding their mate, you can participate in a festival dedicated to fireflies! Watch them flight in the riverside area and glow spontaneously like little lanterns in the nightfall. It's one of the most crowded firefly events so you better plan your commute than bringing your car.
4. Setagaya Hotaru Festival & Sagiso Orchid Fair
Summer in Japanese culture is for fire: it wouldn't be complete without attending fireworks and firefly festivals. Setagaya Festival is a family event where you and your kids can observe the lighting bugs and see the sagiso, a special orchid and the official flower of Setagaya Ward. As a typical festival, there are lanterns, food stalls, and dance performances.
5. Otomeyama Natural Park
Shinjuku, Japan's largest district, has its own quiet haven for fireflies. Otomeyama Natural Park's spring pond is a great spot as fireflies' habitat. Different heike hotaru species inhabiting here are raised by the locales.
Make your participation in firefly events an opportunity to see life's beautiful mysteries!
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