Fireflies, also known as hotaru in Japanese, are a recurring motif in Japanese literature and art, often associated with humid summer nights. With the firefly season almost upon us, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is now offering a dinner plan with a view of twinkling fireflies.
Held in one of the hotel’s banquet halls, the Firefly Evening Dinner Buffet offers a sumptuous selection, including the hotel’s famous sirloin roast beef and beef stew, fresh seafood and Chinese specialities. The luxurious spread comes complete with a colourful sweet buffet filled with fruit tarts, lemon mont blanc and more.
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While you're there, don't forget to walk out into the hotel’s Chinzanso Garden and you’ll find yourself surrounded by hundreds of twinkling fireflies. Cross the garden’s vermillion Benkei Bridge and listen to the soothing sound of the waterfall and the garden’s singing cicadas – a classic Japanese summer soundscape. The breathtaking mix of the garden’s artificial ‘sea of clouds’ and the magical glowing fireflies will make you forget you’re in the heart of Tokyo.
On days when the weather doesn't permit outdoor activities, you can still view the dancing fireflies from the hotel’s special tunnel-shaped cave, installed behind one of the garden waterfalls to re-create fireflies’ natural habitat.
There are an estimated 500 to 600 fireflies fluttering about nightly from now to the end of June. All are raised in Nagano by the hotel’s team of specialists and placed in Chinzanso Garden’s clear stream in January.
The buffet is available from now to June 29, with three seating times (6pm-8pm, 6.30pm-8.30pm, 7pm-9pm). It's priced at ¥13,500 between Monday and Thursday, and ¥15,500 on Fridays and weekends.
For more information and to make a reservation, visit Hotel Chinzanso's website.
This article was published on May 30 2022 and updated on May 21 2025.
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