辰野ほたる童謡公園, centred on 松尾峡 (Matsuo Gorge), opened in 2003 across 9.15 hectares split into a 'ふれあいゾーン' and a '小さな生き物ゾーン', threaded by 3,245.7 m of managed water channels built specifically to support Genji fireflies. The site has been a designated Nagano Prefecture natural monument since 1926 (re-designated 1960) and an Environment Agency 'Hometown Wildlife Sanctuary' since 1989. Peak viewing runs 8-9pm, best on humid, low-moonlight nights; flash photography and tripods are both banned in June to protect the fireflies and other visitors.

Best season

Summer

Early to mid June (Genji firefly season, annual recurring window)

Crowd level

Hidden gem

Admission

Free.

Website

town.tatsuno.lg.jp/gyosei/soshiki/sangyoshinkoka/kankosite/1/1/1209.html

More in Chubu

Continue exploring

Nagamachi Samurai District

Ishikawa

Mino Washi Paper Town

Gifu

Chureito Pagoda

Yamanashi

Wajima Lacquerware Museum

Ishikawa

Shinshu Takato Castle Ruins

Nagano

ヒスイ海岸

Niigata

Ponshukan Echigo-Yuzawa

Niigata

Sotomo Scenic Coast

Fukui