Tsukiyono Firefly Village is a renowned firefly-watching destination in Tsukiyono, Minakami Town, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture. Located west of Jōmō-Kōgen Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen, the area stretches around Gakurinji Temple and is surrounded by rich natural scenery.
Known as one of the largest natural habitats for fireflies in the northern Kanto region, the area features a walking trail of approximately 1.9 kilometers. In early summer, visitors can enjoy the magical sight of fireflies glowing against the darkness of the night.
From around mid-June to early July, visitors can observe several species of fireflies, including Genji fireflies, Heike fireflies, and black-window fireflies. The area is blessed with clear streams and a rich natural environment, providing ideal conditions for these delicate insects.
After nightfall, countless fireflies illuminate the darkness as they fly above the streams and surrounding vegetation. Their soft, flickering lights create a scene reminiscent of jewels floating in the night sky. Walking quietly along the paths while listening to the sound of flowing water offers a peaceful opportunity to experience the beauty and mystery of nature.
Tsukiyono Firefly Village has approximately 2 kilometers of walking trails running through a peaceful rural landscape. Small streams flow alongside the paths, while the surrounding natural environment is carefully preserved as a habitat for fireflies.
Rest shelters are also provided along the walking route, allowing visitors to take a break during their stroll. The combination of a quiet nighttime walk and firefly viewing makes this an ideal place to slow down and appreciate the natural surroundings.
Every year in late June, the nearby Yaze Shinsui Park hosts an event known as the Tsukiyono Firefly Viewing Evening. Visitors can enjoy viewing fireflies while also learning about their life cycle and the natural environment in which they live.
The sight of numerous fireflies dancing through the air on an early-summer evening creates a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Fireflies are members of the beetle family. Among them, the Genji firefly is one of the best-known and most beloved species in Japan. Adult fireflies have a very short lifespan of approximately one week and live mainly on nutrients accumulated during their larval stage.
The larvae spend approximately nine months living in clean streams, where they feed on small aquatic creatures such as kawanina, freshwater snails. Because fireflies require clean water and a healthy natural environment to thrive, their presence is often regarded as an indicator of good environmental conditions.
Visitors are asked to follow several simple rules in order to protect the fireflies and their habitat. In particular, flashlights and camera flashes should be avoided, as bright lights can disturb the fireflies’ activity.
It is also important to keep voices low and enjoy the area quietly. With fewer disturbances, fireflies may come closer to the walking paths. They are generally most active at around 8:00 to 9:00 p.m.
By Shinkansen: Approximately a 3-minute walk from Jōmō-Kōgen Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen.
By car: Approximately 10 minutes from the Tsukiyono Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway. Parking is available near Jōmō-Kōgen Station.
Tsukiyono Firefly Village is a special destination where visitors can experience the beauty and tranquility of nature. On early-summer nights, the gentle lights of fireflies drifting through the darkness create a soothing and unforgettable atmosphere.
For travelers visiting Minakami Town, a nighttime walk through Tsukiyono Firefly Village offers a wonderful opportunity to experience one of Japan’s most enchanting natural sights.