Wild Fireflies Shine Again in the Satoyama of Katori, Chiba: THE FARM Agri-Resort Hosts Exclusive Firefly Viewing Experience for Guests
THE FARM, an agri-resort operated by The Farm Co., Ltd., announced that starting May 23, 2026, it will host a guest-exclusive 'Firefly Guide Tour.' Thanks to nearly a decade of environmental conservation efforts, native fireflies have returned to the surrounding satoyama, offering guests a special experience to enjoy the early summer nights.
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- 📰 Published: May 21, 2026 at 20:20
- 🔍 Collected: May 21, 2026 at 12:01
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At the 'THE FARM' agri-resort, operated by The Farm Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Katori, Chiba; CEO: Yasuaki Takeda), the first fireflies of the season were spotted on Monday, May 18, 2026, near the facility's rice fields and waterways.
The fireflies seen at THE FARM are not artificially released, but are native populations living naturally within the local waterside environment.
THE FARM has spent approximately 10 years on environmental conservation efforts, including maintaining the satoyama (traditional village woodland) and local waterways, which were once abandoned farmland.
To allow guests to experience the natural changes of the land, THE FARM will be conducting 'Firefly Guide Tours' based on the emergence of the fireflies.
We invite you to experience the special sight of native fireflies dancing in the night—a scene increasingly rare in urban settings—during your early summer stay at THE FARM.
[THE FARM Firefly Guide Tour] Overview
Dates: From Saturday, May 23, 2026, to early June.
Schedule:
・20:10 Gather at the 'Fireplace' in the glamping area.
・20:15 Depart for the firefly viewing tour.
・21:00 Disperse (Fireplace).
Target: Guests staying at THE FARM.
Fee: Free.
What to bring/wear:
・Please bring the lantern provided in your room.
・Please wear long pants and comfortable walking shoes.
・For safety reasons, please avoid wearing sandals.
*Previous year viewing period: May 20 – June 6.
*Firefly appearance depends on weather and climatic conditions.
'Native Fireflies' living in the Satoyama environment
Fireflies are delicate creatures that can only survive in quiet environments where clean water, lush greenery, and human presence coexist in harmony. Surrounding the Nishitabe area of Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, where THE FARM is located, is the 'Yatsuda' satoyama landscape—a network of rice fields spread across low valley hills. In the past, fireflies were a common sight in this area near rice fields and waterways.
However, due to depopulation and an increase in abandoned farmland, these environments gradually changed as human maintenance decreased. While operating the facility as an agri-resort, THE FARM has also been dedicated to preserving these surrounding waterside and satoyama environments.
Through continuous management of grasslands, waterway maintenance, and creating habitats for wildlife, native fireflies were rediscovered in 2023. The fireflies confirmed this year are also born and raised within this preserved environment, emitting light on early summer nights.
A glamping facility powered entirely by wind energy
THE FARM has sought to combine the natural richness of 'farms' with the relaxation of a 'resort.' While offering one of eastern Japan's largest glamping experiences and harvesting activities for 40,000 visitors annually, we prioritize various conservation initiatives.
Our facility is the first leased farm in Japan registered as a JGAP-certified farm, uses 100% renewable wind energy, features the most EV chargers for any glamping facility in the nation, and utilizes eco-friendly items like biodegradable detergents and bamboo toothbrushes.
Furthermore, in 2026, we achieved certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC®), an international standard for sustainable tourism (Registration: GSTC HATU250141). This is the first GSTC certification awarded to a glamping facility in Japan.
The fireflies seen at THE FARM are not artificially released, but are native populations living naturally within the local waterside environment.
THE FARM has spent approximately 10 years on environmental conservation efforts, including maintaining the satoyama (traditional village woodland) and local waterways, which were once abandoned farmland.
To allow guests to experience the natural changes of the land, THE FARM will be conducting 'Firefly Guide Tours' based on the emergence of the fireflies.
We invite you to experience the special sight of native fireflies dancing in the night—a scene increasingly rare in urban settings—during your early summer stay at THE FARM.
[THE FARM Firefly Guide Tour] Overview
Dates: From Saturday, May 23, 2026, to early June.
Schedule:
・20:10 Gather at the 'Fireplace' in the glamping area.
・20:15 Depart for the firefly viewing tour.
・21:00 Disperse (Fireplace).
Target: Guests staying at THE FARM.
Fee: Free.
What to bring/wear:
・Please bring the lantern provided in your room.
・Please wear long pants and comfortable walking shoes.
・For safety reasons, please avoid wearing sandals.
*Previous year viewing period: May 20 – June 6.
*Firefly appearance depends on weather and climatic conditions.
'Native Fireflies' living in the Satoyama environment
Fireflies are delicate creatures that can only survive in quiet environments where clean water, lush greenery, and human presence coexist in harmony. Surrounding the Nishitabe area of Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, where THE FARM is located, is the 'Yatsuda' satoyama landscape—a network of rice fields spread across low valley hills. In the past, fireflies were a common sight in this area near rice fields and waterways.
However, due to depopulation and an increase in abandoned farmland, these environments gradually changed as human maintenance decreased. While operating the facility as an agri-resort, THE FARM has also been dedicated to preserving these surrounding waterside and satoyama environments.
Through continuous management of grasslands, waterway maintenance, and creating habitats for wildlife, native fireflies were rediscovered in 2023. The fireflies confirmed this year are also born and raised within this preserved environment, emitting light on early summer nights.
A glamping facility powered entirely by wind energy
THE FARM has sought to combine the natural richness of 'farms' with the relaxation of a 'resort.' While offering one of eastern Japan's largest glamping experiences and harvesting activities for 40,000 visitors annually, we prioritize various conservation initiatives.
Our facility is the first leased farm in Japan registered as a JGAP-certified farm, uses 100% renewable wind energy, features the most EV chargers for any glamping facility in the nation, and utilizes eco-friendly items like biodegradable detergents and bamboo toothbrushes.
Furthermore, in 2026, we achieved certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC®), an international standard for sustainable tourism (Registration: GSTC HATU250141). This is the first GSTC certification awarded to a glamping facility in Japan.
FAQ
Where can I see fireflies in Chiba Prefecture?
At THE FARM in Katori City, fireflies are returning due to long-term conservation efforts and can be viewed in early summer.
How can I join the firefly tour at THE FARM?
Guests staying at THE FARM are eligible to join the complimentary guided firefly tours.
When is the firefly viewing season?
In 2026, the season is expected to run from around May 23rd through early June.