Japan’s summer season brings many things to mind: colorful hydrangeas, dazzling fireworks, local festivals, ringing windchimes, buzzing cicadas, the unbearable humidity — but perhaps one of the most underrated yet magical summer activities is firefly viewing. 

“Imaginary Scene of Actors Catching Fireflies: Jewels Shining in the Dark” by Utagawa Kunisada

Hotaru Gari, or “firefly hunting” has been a treasured seasonal activity for centuries. The arrival of the fireflies is synonymous with the arrival of summer. Fireflies also hold deep significance in Japanese culture. They’re associated with longing — manifesting as passionate love or the souls of the departed. In the Nihon Shoki, the second-oldest book chronicling classical Japanese history, divine power is likened to the light of fireflies.

Countless ancient poems and artworks also spotlight the soft endearing glow of these summer insects. Modern firefly depictions in Japanese culture of course also includes Studio Ghibli’s heart-wrenching 1988 animated film, Grave of the Fireflies, in which the ephemeral beauty of the insects come to represent the fragility of life and a short-lived childhood.

Fireflies take us back to a time before electricity, where the real mesmerizing magic of nature becomes a centerpiece spectacle. Here is our comprehensive guide to firefly viewing and recommended festivals in and around Tokyo to enjoy this season.

List of Contents:

When Is Firefly Season in Japan?

Genji fireflies are typically spotted between May and June. Heike fireflies come in a little later, flying in June and into July.

There are around 40 known species of fireflies in Japan, which are called “hotaru,” or sometimes “natsumushi.” The most common and well known types are the Genji fireflies (Luciola cruciata) and the smaller Heike fireflies (Luciola lateralis). 

Best Times To See Fireflies: Viewing Tips and Etiquette

To optimize the fireflies’ glow, the best time to see them is after sunset. Fireflies tend to hide on rainy, cold or windy days. Humid and cloudy days actually add a diffuser-like filter that makes fireflies more visible, so these are great days to go firefly hunting. 

Different festivals and venues have different rules, so please check with each spot beforehand. But general etiquette typically includes no flash photography or other bright lights, no touching or capturing fireflies and no insect repellent. You should also strive to make minimal noise to not startle the fireflies.

Apart from dedicated firefly festivals, you can find more viewing areas in the Kanto area and check firefly status on the Weather News website.

Firefly Festivals and Viewing Spots In and Around Tokyo

Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo Firefly Fantasy 2026

Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is a premier firefly viewing location, with illuminations in a peaceful garden and a seasonal buffet.

Date & Time May 16-Jun 30・18:30-23:00・Entry with garden entry tickets available until 20:00
Price Free
Location Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo
More Info Open to all hotel guests, restaurant patrons and garden ticket holders (additional fee)

Kugayama Firefly Festival 2026

The 29th annual Kugayama Firefly Festival will return along the Kanda River and Tamagawa Aqueduct, where around 3,000 fireflies glow.

Date & Time Jun 06-07・14:00-21:00
Price Free
Location Tamagawa Aqueduct

Yomiuriland Hana Biyori Firefly Days 2026

Hana Biyori, a flower park located inside Yomiuriland theme park, will be holding a firefly viewing event called Hotaru Biyori.

Date & Time May 23-Jul 01・weekdays: 19:40 - 20:30 | weekends: 19:40 - 21:00
Price ¥400 on top of regular park admission
Location Hana Biyori

Setagaya Firefly Festival and Heron Flower Market

The Setagaya Firefly Festival and Heron Flower Market will be held on July 4 and July 5, at the Setagaya Daikan Yashiki area.

Date & Time Jul 04-05・16:00-21:00・Firefly viewing will begin at 17:00 on both days (queueing for firefly viewing will end around 20:45)
Price Free
Location Setagaya Daikan Yashiki area

Hachioji Firefly Nights 2026

Yuyake Koyake Fureai no Sato's Firefly Nights will return with Heike and Genji fireflies in it's village-like Hachioji venue.

Date & Time Jun 06-21・18:00-20:45
Price ¥200
Location Yuyake Koyake Fureai Village

Fujisan Onsen Hotel Kaneyamaen Firefly Festival

Fujisan Onsen Hotel Kaneyamaen in Yamanashi will host a firefly festival along the Katsura River with beautiful views, live music and food.

Date & Time Jun 05-25・14:30-20:45
Price accommodation plan starting at ¥30800
Location Fujisan Onsen Hotel Kaneyamaen
More Info Event is exclusive for hotel guests

Gotemba Kogen Tokinosumika Summer Galaxy and Firefly Den

Gotemba Kogen Tokinosumika park will host the "Summer Galaxy" and "Firefly's Den" events with fantastically illuminated summer nights.

Date & Time May 23-Jun 21・19:30-21:00・last admission at 8:30 p.m.
Price
Location Gotemba Kogen Tokinosumika
More Info To access the firefly area, spend ¥1,000 or more in a single transaction at facilities within the park

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Updated On June 11, 2026