Lighting up the dark with beautiful yellow glows are the fireflies, known as hotaru in Japan. While admired worldwide, hotaru holds special significance in Japan. In this article, we explore the importance of fireflies in Japanese culture and highlight a special period when you can witness these mesmerizing views on Awaji Island.
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The Importance of Hotaru(Fireflies) in Japan
For millennia, fireflies, known as hotaru (蛍) in Japanese, have played an important role in Japan’s cultural and historical fabric. With their ethereal radiance, these lovely insects have captured the Japanese people’s imaginations and become symbols of various aspects of their civilization.
Their lights are thought to be the altered forms of the souls of soldiers who died in war. Viewing the fireflies’ glow during hot summer nights, known as hotaru-gari, is a popular activity. However, since hotaru inhabit only clean streams, their numbers have decreased in recent years due to pollution.
“Hotaru no Hikari” (The Light of the Firefly) is one of Japan’s most popular songs, mainly sung at farewells, such as graduation ceremonies, event closings, and the end of the year.
In the filming industry, “Hotaru no Haka” (Grave of the Fireflies) is a renowned Japanese animated film (1988) based on Akiyuki Nosaka’s autobiographical novel. It follows the struggles of two orphans during the American firebombing at the end of World War II. Fireflies have long been an important theme in Japanese culture.
Starry Nights and Firefly Magic at Grand Chariot on Awaji Island
For night views, few destinations on Awaji Island compare to Grand Chariot, a luxurious glamping facility renowned for its starry skies and opulent accommodations. In late May, Grand Chariot will host a “Trip to Search for Hotaru” in Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Island Park, where the hotel is located, with events continuing irregularly through mid-June.
The Himebotaru is a firefly endemic to Japan, thriving in rich forests. It emits light from around 9:00 p.m. to 12 midnight, with the exact timing depending on luck. Despite being small, the Himebotaru is highly attractive due to its strong golden glow.
“To the Fantasy World Woven by Himebotaru” Overview
Date: May 27, 2024 (Monday) 9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
*9:00 p.m. Grand Chariot departure
*If you want to join, please get in touch with Grand Chariot in advance.
*Pick-up and drop-off will be done by Grand Chariot’s car.
Accommodation Benefits
- Complimentary guest room minibar (original champagne, craft beer from Awaji Island, soft drinks, etc.)
- Complimentary admission ticket to the newly opened Nijigen no Mori attraction “SPY×FAMILY Collaboration Event! Heartthrob Maze and Flower Park”
*If you want to enter the above attraction before check-in, please get in touch with Grand Chariot in advance.
*Attraction tickets may change without prior notice.
*If you want to join the event, please reserve before your check-in.
| Name | GRAND CHARIOT |
|---|---|
| Adress | 2425-2 Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301 Located at Nijigen no Mori in Hyogo Prefecture Awajishima Park |
| Tel | 0799-64-7090 |
| Website | https://awaji-grandchariot.com/ |
| Reservations | https://go-grandchariot.reservation.jp/en |
