Wild fireflies seen in the satoyama of Washinmura, Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture.

Washinmura, a small village in the satoyama where guests can stay, operated by Washinmura Co., Ltd. (Location: 14 Takamizo, Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture), announces that the 2026 firefly season ended on July 5th. In the satoyama, having bid farewell to the firefly season, the summer stay has quietly begun, accompanied by the evening breeze, the time spent waiting for the fire, and the presence of rescue cats.

This year too, we quietly saw off the season when small lights appeared around the edges of the rice paddies and small waterways. How fireflies appear changes slightly depending on whether it has rained, if there is wind, and the temperature and humidity.

The fireflies encountered at Washinmura are natural fireflies living in the environment around the edges of rice paddies and small waterways. When rain, wind, temperature, and humidity align within the flow of the satoyama for that year, there are nights when many lights are visible, and nights when one quietly waits. Precisely because the results are not the same every year, we convey this, including its fluctuations, as an important seasonal message from Washinmura.

At Washinmura, we have cherished fireflies not as a guaranteed attraction, but as a brief seasonal sign that the satoyama delivers each year. We express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who watched over this year's firefly season and to everyone who visited.

Regarding the 2026 Firefly Season

Washinmura's 2026 firefly season concluded on July 5, 2026.

The time when firefly lights are visible is not long within the year of the satoyama. Small lights suddenly appear along the edges of rice paddies and beside small waterways, and while waiting for the next light, the feel of the soil underfoot, the scent of grass, and the sounds of distant insects become closer. Such moments are also one of the ways of spending time in the satoyama that Washinmura cherishes.

To protect the environment where fireflies live, it is important not to disturb the areas around rice paddies and waterways, to refrain from strong lights and loud noises, and not to leave unnecessary things in nature. Washinmura will continue to arrange seasonal guidance so that those who come to enjoy the fireflies can also cherish the environment where those small lights are born.

The Summer of the Satoyama Begins After the Fireflies

As the firefly season ends, the summer of the satoyama quietly begins at Washinmura.

In the evening, the shadows in the garden lengthen, and different colors remain on the pillars of the old houses and the bark of the wooden gate than during the day. The time spent waiting for the charcoal to catch fire and turn red. Nights when the pace of conversation slows down by the fire. The signs of rescue cats finding cool spots at their own pace.

As the season progresses, eyes that were searching for firefly lights turn towards the garden shadows, the outlines of trees, the brightness of the fire, and the strides of the cats.

Towards Early Summer Next Year

Fireflies are beings that live in nature, and their visibility and timing vary depending on the climate and natural conditions of each year. Washinmura plans to provide seasonal guidance next early summer as well, while observing the conditions of the satoyama.

As a time to listen closely to the nature of that year, that night, and that place. Washinmura hopes to quietly welcome the season next year when small lights will return to the edges of rice paddies and beside small waterways.

About Washinmura

Washinmura/Nekojimura is a "small village in the satoyama where guests can stay," located in the satoyama of Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture, where rescue cats live.

Old houses, a wooden gate, Nordic tents, and living pods are scattered throughout, allowing guests to enjoy fire, BBQ, wood-fired saunas, and the seasonal nature at their own pace. It is a nature experience-oriented satoyama inn for those attracted to close proximity with nature and animals, the time spent waiting for the fire, and the tranquility of morning and evening.

Location: 14 Takamizo, Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture, 299-1733

Official Website: https://www.washinmura.jp/

Wild fireflies seen in the satoyama of Washinmura, Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture

Wild fireflies seen in the satoyama of Washinmura, Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture

Wild fireflies seen in the satoyama of Washinmura, Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event終了