Discover Hakone's Best Firefly Viewing Spots: A Guide to Magical Summer Nights
Hakone is one of Japan's most representative tourist destinations. It's popular as a hot spring area where visitors can enjoy high-quality onsen, and many people visit Hakone seeking relaxation.
Surrounded by mountains, Hakone offers the opportunity to experience the charm of Japanese nature through all four seasons. It's also popular as a spot where visitors can easily enjoy nature far removed from daily life on a day trip from Tokyo.
In such nature-rich Hakone, you can encounter fireflies during the early summer period from late May. This time, I'll introduce Hakone's Best Firefly Viewing Spots along with their attractions, which are also a summer tradition in Japan.
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・Hakone Full Day Chartered Private Tour: Art & Nature
・Mt. Fuji Full-day Nature Guided Tour with a Private Chartered Car & Guide
There Are Many Spots Around Hakone to Enjoy "Hotaru," a Japanese Summer Tradition
Japanese fireflies are famous for their luminescence and are beloved as one of early summer's traditional sights.
Hakone, surrounded by lush nature, has many spots where you can enjoy fireflies. Since fireflies are rarely seen in urban areas, many people from cities visit Hakone during the season to appreciate the fireflies. I also love the gentle lights created by fireflies and go to view them every year. Please enjoy the fantastical world far removed from everyday life by visiting Hakone's firefly viewing spots.
What Are Fireflies?
In Japan, fireflies are affectionately known as "Hotaru." It is said that there are 2,700 species of fireflies worldwide, but most do not emit light and are active during the daytime.
Japanese fireflies are rare worldwide, spending their larval stage underwater, and as adults, they become active at night, emitting light for reproductive activities. Firefly larvae can only live in clean streams and rice paddies, so fireflies can hardly be seen in urban areas.
Surrounded by beautiful nature with quiet streams flowing through it, Hakone provides the perfect environment for fireflies to thrive. Hakone is truly a treasure trove of rich nature.
Firefly Season Peak Times
The peak season for viewing fireflies is during early summer, from late May to July. There are two main types of fireflies living in Japan: "Genji Hotaru" and "Heike Hotaru." These fireflies differ slightly in their appearance times and habitats.
Genji Firefly Peak Season
The most commonly seen firefly in Japan is the "Genji Hotaru." These magnificent creatures can be observed from late May to mid-June. Unique to Japan, Genji fireflies spend their larval stage in clean, gently flowing streams with excellent water quality. Hakone's Best Firefly Viewing Spots are primarily inhabited by these stunning insects.
When Genji fireflies reach adulthood, they grow to 1-2cm in size. They are among the largest fireflies visible in Japan, characterized by their distinctly bright illumination. Most of the fireflies you can see in Hakone are Genji fireflies, typically found in grassy areas around small streams.
Heike Firefly Peak Season
Source:Wikipedia
The second most common firefly in Japan is the "Heike Hotaru." The peak breeding season for Heike fireflies comes slightly later than Genji fireflies, from mid-June to mid-July.
Heike fireflies can also be found in parts of China and Russia. They spend their larval stage in still waters like ponds and rice paddies. Adult Heike fireflies are smaller, measuring only 5-7mm, with an adorably charming appearance.
While they are less numerous than Genji fireflies and designated as a near-threatened species, visitors to Hakone's Best Firefly Viewing Spots can still observe Heike fireflies in certain areas.
Two Famous Spots to Enjoy the Beautiful Dance of Fireflies Around Hakone
Here are two representative spots around Hakone where you can enjoy beautiful fireflies. At both locations, fireflies can be observed starting around 7 PM after sunset. Since fireflies stop their activities after 9 PM, viewing between 7 PM and 9 PM is recommended.
Hakone Yumoto Firefly Park
Source:Kankou Kanagawa NOW
The most famous of Hakone's Best Firefly Viewing Spots is undoubtedly "Hakone Yumoto Hotaru Park." Located just a 5-minute walk from Hakone Yumoto Station at the entrance to Hakone, this park is easily accessible.
A small stream flows through Hakone Yumoto Hotaru Park, making it an ideal habitat for observing Genji fireflies. During peak times in early June, more than 500 fireflies dance through the air, creating a fantastically magical atmosphere.
Fireflies are sensitive creatures that stress easily. When viewing, please turn off flashlights and smartphone lights. Also, absolutely avoid using flash when taking photographs. Please observe quietly with respect for nature.
<Basic Information>
- Address: Kanagawa Prefecture, Ashigara Shimo-gun, Hakonecho Yumoto 701
- Hours: Always open
- Closed days: None
- Phone: 0460-85-5700 (Hakone Information Center)
- Official website: https://www.hakone.or.jp/558
Manyo Park: One of Hakone's Best Firefly Viewing Spots
Source:Yugawara Town
Manyo Park is a nature-rich park located at the foot of Hakone in Yugawara. The park is famous as one of the premier firefly viewing spots in Kanagawa Prefecture, and during the peak season, special events are held for firefly viewing. (In 2025, these events will be held from May 30th to June 8th.)
During the event period, the park's lighting is turned off to make it easier to observe the fireflies. In the darkness, only the warm, gentle glow of the fireflies shines quietly. In the park plaza, food trucks offering local cuisine and traditional Japanese Lanterns called "Chochin" are sold, making this an event I personally look forward to every year.
Manyo Park is located in Yugawara's hot spring district. After enjoying Hakone's best firefly viewing spots, it's also recommended to stay at a hotel in Yugawara.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 566 Miyagami, Yugawara-cho, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Hours: Open at all times
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 0465-63-2111
- Official Website: https://www.town.yugawara.kanagawa.jp/soshiki/8/1310.html
Two Recommended Ryokans Where You Can Enjoy Fireflies During Your Stay!
HAKONE, famous as a hot spring destination, has many traditional Japanese hotels called "Ryokan" where you can enjoy hot springs. Some Ryokans offer firefly viewing experiences. Here, I will introduce Ryokans that I confidently recommend for enjoying Hakone's best firefly viewing spots.
Yoshiike Ryokan Sangetsu-en
Source:Official website
Yoshiike Ryokan is a traditional inn with a beautiful Japanese garden. The Japanese garden called "Sangetsu-en," created in 1904, has a small stream where you can observe Genji fireflies, making it one of Hakone's best firefly viewing spots.
Sangetsu-en is a charming garden where you can enjoy a pond with 1,000 koi fish swimming and seasonal flowers and plants. When the firefly season begins in late May, firefly viewing events are held annually. The Japanese garden illuminated by fireflies and the night sky creates a romantic atmosphere and offers a luxurious experience that can only be enjoyed here.
Even non-staying guests can participate in the viewing, so if you're staying near Hakone Yumoto, please do visit.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 597 Yumoto, Hakone-cho, Ashigara-shimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 0460-85-5711
- Official Website: https://www.yoshiike.org/en/
Wagokoro Tei Hogetsu (Conducting Firefly Tours in Summer)
Source:Official website
"Wagokoro Tei Hogetsu" is a Ryokan situated on the shore of Lake Ashinoko. Located next to Hakone Shrine, it's a ryokan where you can spend peaceful time in a place rich with nature.
The number of fireflies around Lake Ashinoko had been decreasing for some time, but the master of Hogetsu, who loves fireflies, has been raising firefly larvae and releasing the mature fireflies back into nature. As a result, in recent years, visitors can see many more fireflies compared to before. In summer, firefly viewing events are held for guests, where you can experience the master's passionate dedication to fireflies. Hakone's Best Firefly Viewing Spots can be enjoyed through these special tours organized by the ryokan.
The cuisine using seasonal ingredients and the modern hot springs are also popular, making this a recommended ryokan for tourists visiting the Lake Ashinoko area.
<Basic Information>
- Address: Kanagawa prefecture Ashigara shimo-gun Hakonecho Motohakone 90-42
- Closed: None
- Phone number: 0120-857-007
- Official website: https://www.hakone-hougetu.com/en/
3 Recommended Summer Tourist Spots in Hakone to Enjoy Along with Firefly Viewing
HAKONE, famous as a hot spring area, also has many tourist attractions. Here are three recommended tourist spots to visit before enjoying nighttime firefly viewing.
Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine is a shrine located on the shore of Lake Ashinoko. Built in 757, this historic shrine is said to bring good fortune and marriage ties. It is also known as the most spiritually powerful spot in Hakone, and a mystical atmosphere flows through the forest where the shrine is located.
The structure itself is also attractive, with the vermilion-painted shrine gate called "Torii" in the lake being photogenic and recently popular as a photo spot. Among Hakone's Best Firefly Viewing Spots, the shrine area offers a unique combination of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
In August, a firework event is also held, where you can see beautiful fireworks over water as their light reflects on the lake.
<Basic Information>
- Address: Kanagawa prefecture Ashigara shimo-gun Hakonecho Motohakone 80-1
- Opening hours: 8:15-17:00
- Closed: None
- Phone number: 0460-83-7123
- Official website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Hakone Aquarium
Source:Official website
"Hakone Aquarium" is located on the shores of Lake Ashinoko. It's the highest-altitude aquarium in Japan, where you can meet a diverse variety of marine creatures including seals and sea turtles. The seals are star attractions at Hakone Aquarium, and the charming movements of the two seals will make you want to watch them endlessly.
The aquarium features many highlights including a large 7-meter tank and fish feeding shows, but my recommendation is shaking hands with the otters. The otters that shake your hand with their tiny paws are incredibly adorable and soothing.
It's close to the Hakone Shrine I mentioned earlier, so I recommend combining them for your sightseeing tour. Hakone's Best Firefly Viewing Spots are also nearby during summer months, offering a magical natural light display after dark.
<Basic Information>
- Address: Kanagawa Prefecture Ashigara Shimo-gun Hakonecho Motohakone 139
- Operating Hours: 9:00-16:30
- Closed: None specified
- Fee: 1,500 yen
- Phone: 0460-83-115
- Official Website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/amuse/hakone-en/language/english.html
Forest Adventure Hakone
Source: Official website
"Forest Adventure" is an athletic course in the forest where you can experience thrills and adventures not possible in everyday life. Forest Adventure has locations throughout Japan, but in Hakone, you can enjoy two different courses.
On the Adventure Course, which has varying elevations and offers thrilling experiences, you can enjoy activities using your entire body such as tightrope walking and ziplines.
For those who aren't confident in their physical strength or first-timers, the Canopy Course is recommended. It's a gentler course than the Adventure Course but still offers thrilling experiences using your whole body.
The sense of achievement after completing all the athletic challenges feels really great. Soaking in a hot spring after working up a good sweat at Forest Adventure is absolutely fantastic! While exploring the area, don't miss Hakone's Best Firefly Viewing Spots in the evening for a magical natural experience.
<Basic Information>
- Address: Kanagawa Prefecture Ashigarashimo-gun Hakone-cho Yumoto Chanohana 749-1
- Operating Hours: 9:00-16:00 (Reservation required)
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 080-4219-2206
- Official Website: https://foret-aventure.jp/en/
For a deep and efficient Hakone experience, get guided by an expert who knows Hakone inside out with a private car!
The Hakone Day Trip Tour from Tokyo with a Private Car & Guide is an exclusive tour with hotel pickup in Tokyo (area restrictions apply). Over 10 hours, you'll fully enjoy Hakone's nature, art, and cuisine. The tour covers every corner of Hakone's famous spots, including Hakone Shrine, Lake Ashi cruise, the ropeway with views of Mt. Fuji, and the Hakone Sculpture Forest Museum.
One attractive point of this tour is hearing various stories about Hakone from the guide. For those who want to enjoy all the information and experiences of Hakone without missing anything, this tour is recommended.
What made me happiest when participating in this tour was being able to fully enjoy Hakone's cuisine. The most memorable for me was the black eggs. These are hard-boiled eggs that turn completely black from being cooked in hot springs—they're impressively unique and delicious, so please try them when you join the tour.
If you're looking for a more intimate experience away from the typical tourist attractions, don't miss Café Ryusenkei. This hidden gem is nestled among Hakone's lush forests, offering visitors a tranquil setting to enjoy exceptional coffee while appreciating the natural beauty that surrounds this artistic town.
<Details>
- Meeting point: Pick-up service available (please check the official website for covered areas)
- Tour area: Hakone
- Start time: 8:00
