June may be Japan’s wettest and most humid month, but it’s also one of the most enchanting. Why? Because it’s firefly season — and for just a few short weeks, parks, riversides, and gardens across Japan come alive with the soft glow of these magical creatures.
While Tokyo and Kyoto steal most of the spotlight, Nagoya and its surrounding areas offer stunning (and often less crowded) spots to experience this seasonal phenomenon. From quiet city parks to illuminated flower gardens, we’ve rounded up the best places to view fireflies in and around Nagoya in 2025.
Whether you’re a local looking for a quiet evening or a traveler seeking a truly “off the beaten path” Japanese summer moment — this guide is for you.
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Rules for Firefly Viewing in Japan
To protect these delicate creatures and ensure everyone enjoys the experience:
- ❌ No bright lights — Flashlights and phone screens disturb fireflies.
- 🤫 Be quiet — Loud voices and sudden movement will scare them away.
- ♻️ Respect nature — Stay on paths and don’t touch the fireflies.
- ☂️ Weather warning — Fireflies may hide during heavy rain but might appear under umbrellas in light drizzle.
Top Spots for Fireflies in and Around Nagoya 2025
Nabana no Sato
Every year from the end of May through the end of June, viewers flock to Nabana no Sato flower park hoping to catch a glimpse of both the Genki and the Heike fireflies. The best time to see them is around 8pm (20:00) so the park extends their opening hours to 21:00 only for this special firefly viewing season.
✨ Tip: Want a more immersive experience? Check out our Magical Summer Fireflies Night Tour — a guided evening trip from Nagoya to Nabana no Sato that includes flower illuminations, peaceful ponds, and a chance to see hundreds of fireflies in their natural habitat.
Nabana no Sato (白鳥庭園)
Entry Fee: Adults 1700 yen; Children under 3 free
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 21:00; until 22:00 on Saturday and Sunday
Address: 270 Urushibata, Komae, Nagashima-cho, Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Aioiyama Ryokuchi Park
This park is a little bit different from the ones introduced up to now. Located around a small hill this park consists of large woods and large areas of bamboo forest as well as some small orchards. The fireflies are known to come out quite late here!
Aioiyama Ryokuchi Park (相生山緑地)
Entry Fee: free
Peak Time: 21:00-23:30
Address: Inada-2005-57 Tenpakucho Oaza Nonami, Tempaku Ward, Nagoya, Aichi
Website | Google Maps
Nagoya Castle Outer Moat
Nagoya Castle Outer Moat (名古屋城)
Entry Fee: 500 yen; Seniors 100 yen; Children under 12 free
Opening Hours: 9:00 – 16:30
Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0031
Website | Google Maps
Tokkawa Firefly Festival
The Tokkawa Firefly Village is listed on the Ministry of the Environment’s Selected 100 Exquisite and Well-conserved Waters of the Heisei Era. This location is known for its crystal spring water as well as being a great location to view fireflies! The best time to watch fireflies is generally from late May to late June, around 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. There will also be food stalls and information centers set up at the Firefly Village.
Tokkawa Firefly Festival (鳥川ホタルまつり)
Dates: June 1st – June 25th, 2025
Peak Time: 20:00 – 21:00 (open from 9:00-21:00, closed Tuesdays)
Address: 5-1 Kodenosawa, Torikawa-cho, Okazaki-shi, Aichi
Website | Google Maps
Hirahara Genji Firely Village
The forested areas east of Nishio have many natural areas where many animals such as dragonflies, birds, and wetland plants grow. In the surrounding area, the habitat of Kawanina, is home to the Genji fireflies. In 1990, the “Hirahara Genji Firefly Village Preservation Society” was established by local residents in an effort to protect and learn more about this unique species of firefly.
In fact, many local school science clubs are even breeding and researching Genji fireflies, and every march releases firefly larvae into the area in the hopes to support the local population of fireflies.
During the 2025 Genji Firefly Festival, 6th graders at Muroba Elementary School will present the history of breeding fireflies to visitors, including a brieft recap of the school’s conservation efforts and firefly facts.
Hirahara Genji Firefly Village Festival (平原ゲンジボタルの里ホタル祭り)
Festival Dates: June 4 – June 8, 2025
Peak Times: from 19:30 – 20:30
Address: Takiguchi-6 Hiraharacho, Nishio, Aichi 445-0032
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
