Yomiuriland's botanical garden Hana Biyori has been raising fireflies and working on restoring their natural environment since 2009. This year, you can see glowing Genji and Heike fireflies lighting up the stream in the park.
To celebrate the upcoming Tanabata (Star Festival), the park has set up a special area with projection mapping shows. You get to take part in a major Tanabata tradition by writing your wish on a piece of paper and attaching it to a bamboo tree. Plus, there are more than 300 blooming flower chandeliers and baskets ornamenting the park's restaurant hall, making you feel like you're in an enchanted forest.
The firefly viewing starts at 7.30pm. You can vist the park from 10am with a day ticket (adult ¥1,200; 3-year-old kids to elementary school students ¥600). Or, save money by entering the park with a night ticket from 4pm for just ¥900 (3-year-old kids to elementary school students ¥500). Note that if you want to attend the firefly viewing, you must tell the staff member (from 3.45pm) and they will give you a numbered ticket.
If you're planning this as a date night, make it a memorable dinner by opting for the special barbecue and firefly viewing plan. The dinner plan costs ¥2,300 (elementary school students and younger ¥1,600) and is available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7.30pm until 9pm. Online reservation is required for the barbecue plan.