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 dreamy dinner plan with a view of twinkling fireflies.
Held in one of the hotel’s sumptuous 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 even comes complete with a colourful sweet buffet filled with fruit tarts, éclairs, panna cotta and more.
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While you're there, don't forget to walk out into the hotel’s famous 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 about 600 fireflies fluttering about from mid-May to the end of June, including Genji and Heike species. 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 May 19 to July 2, with two seatings (6pm-8pm, 7pm-9pm). It's priced at ¥13,000 between Monday and Thursday, and ¥15,000 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 April 6 2023.
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