5 great spots for fireflies

June brings with it the chance to get out in the fields and watch nature at play. Firefly season is upon us, and while it's true that Tokyo is rather limited in the field department these days, there are still some great spots to see these homegrown fireworks before they burn themselves out.

Hachioji firefly night | June 11-26
For a chance to see the fireflies in their natural glory, head to the countryside. Grab a room at Yuuyake Koyake Fureai no Sato, and a dip in the onsen before you head back to town the next morning. Read more

Chinzan-so fireflies | Until June 10
An annual event held at the opulent Four Seasons Hotel at Chinzan-so, a luxury spot that boasts its very own firefly garden. Great for kids and those who fancy taking a weekend break from it all. Read more

Festival fireflies | June 11
The Fussa Firefly Festival is known for the fact that the townsfolk spend the rest of the year breeding the Genji Hotaru species in preparation for their release and celebration on this auspicious night. Read more

Nature in a nursery | June 17-19
Visitors to the Itabashi Firefly Nursery get not only a great view of the flies up close, but also the chance to learn about the Japanese Genji fly from the boffins that work with them. Extremely popular. Read more

Firefly theme park | Jun 24-July 3
Now into their second year, the firefly evening events at Yomiuri Land take place in the Seichi Koen area of the park, a specially developed grassland ideal for firefly breeding. Looks cheap, but canny parents will know better. Read more