Never been to Fussa? Now's a great time to go, as this western city puts on its famous firefly festa again this May. The mysteriously glowing creatures have been raised for months just for this event, which sees them let free into a riverside park at nightfall and spread their shine all around the area. The best time to view the fireflies is around 8pm (firefly viewing at Hotaru park begins from 7.20pm to 8.30pm), but there will be events taking place throughout the day too, such as hula dance performances, taiko drumming performances and brass band performances by the local junior and senior high school students at the nearby Fussa Daisan Junior High School Gymnasium.
Finally, crowds are to be expected, so leave the car at home and take the train or bus to the festival site (the closest stations are Ushihama on the Ome Line and Kumagawa on the Itsukaichi Line). Entry to the firefly viewing area requires a free numbered ticket, which can be obtained on the day at the nearby Fussa City Social Welfare Centre, while supplies last.