Hotaru Park: Fireflies beside the Soni River
A small riverside rest stop on the Tokai Nature Trail where fireflies may appear in early summer and a Saigyo poem marks the landscape.
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Hotaru Park sits beside the Soni River on the Tokai Nature Trail. In early summer, the riverside can glow with fireflies, and the park becomes a quiet place to pause between village walks. The national tourism database lists toilets and rest facilities, and notes that a stone monument at the park bears a poem attributed to Saigyo about the wind around Mount Yoroi. Soni's local tourism operator describes Genji fireflies in early June to late June, followed by Heike fireflies, while the national listing gives the broader early-to-late June season. The exact viewing depends on weather and the insects' natural cycle; there is no guarantee of a display on any given night.
A seasonal riverside habitat
The park lies along the Soni River and is best known for fireflies, which are usually reported from early to late June. The local tourism operator distinguishes Genji fireflies in early June to late June and Heike fireflies afterward; the national listing describes a general June viewing season. Weather, water conditions and the annual life cycle affect both timing and numbers, so check local updates rather than planning around a guaranteed nightly event. The park's role as a rest stop on the Tokai Nature Trail makes it useful beyond the short firefly season.
Find the poem to Mount Yoroi
A stone monument in the park carries a verse attributed to Saigyo, describing a breeze against the armor-like slopes of Mount Yoroi. The poem connects a small public riverside space to the wider landscape and the poetic traditions that gave names and meanings to the surrounding mountains. Take time to read the inscription respectfully; do not climb on the stone or rub the characters.
Easy access from Kuzu bus stop
JAPAN 47 GO lists a bus ride of about 39 minutes from Kintetsu Nabari Station to Kuzu bus stop, then about a three-minute walk. The park is described as lying on the Tokai Nature Trail and has toilets and a place to rest. Confirm the current bus timetable and return service, especially if visiting after dusk for fireflies. Do not assume the final bus runs late enough for night viewing; arrange your return before setting out.
Watch fireflies without disturbing them
Keep lights dim and pointed at the ground, turn off flash photography, and avoid shining torches into the trees or water. Do not catch fireflies, enter the river or trample its banks. Keep voices low, stay on public paths and follow any temporary signs. June evenings can bring many visitors, so avoid blocking nearby homes, roads or the bus stop. No admission charge or fixed opening hours are listed for the park.
Check current travel notices
The park is a small public place rather than a staffed visitor center. Road and bus conditions can change; Soni Tourism Association has posted seasonal notices, and its current 2026 October notice reports daytime weekday restrictions on the Nabari–Soni road. That restriction is date-specific and may not apply to your visit, but it shows why you should check current road and transit updates before travelling. No commercial filming permission or licensed MyNara park image has been confirmed.
What to look for
Riverside park on the Tokai Nature Trail with toilets and a rest area
Fireflies are typically reported in June; sightings vary by weather and year
About three minutes on foot from Kuzu bus stop; plan the return bus before dusk
Photo notes
No commercial filming permission or licensed MyNara image is confirmed. Do not use flash or bright lights near fireflies; never catch them or enter the river. Photograph the stone inscription without climbing on it, and ask before photographing local residents or other visitors.
Make a day of it
Explore guides close to this map point, then check the actual route before travelling. Distances below are straight lines, not walking distances or travel times; map points may not be entrances.
Sources & editorial status
Original MyNara draft based on the linked sources. Sources reviewed 20 October 2026. Opening arrangements, prices and offers may change; use the operator's current information before travelling.