​​Overview of the Event

The “Hotarubune” (Firefly Boat) is a highly anticipated annual early-summer event held in Toyota-cho, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Widely recognized as Japan’s first firefly-viewing boat cruise, it offers a rare opportunity to observe native fireflies directly from the water.

Toyota-cho is historically known as one of the most prominent firefly habitats in Japan. The town centers its dedicated conservation efforts around the Koyagawa River, which is officially designated as a National Natural Monument due to its critical importance as a protected habitat for the Genji firefly (Luciola cruciata), a large species renowned for its distinct green glow.

The Boat Cruise Experience

During the designated operating season, visitors board specialized traditional riverboats that travel slowly down the Koyagawa River. Because the boats operate entirely in the dark, far away from streetlights and artificial city illumination, passengers can clearly observe the fireflies flying over the water and resting along the riverbanks. This dark natural setting provides a direct, unobstructed view of the fireflies’ ecological behavior.

Key Event Details

• Location: Toyota-cho, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.

• Check-in Desk: Michi-no-Eki “Hotaru Kaido Nishinoichi”
(All passengers must complete reception here before boarding).

• Operating Season: June (Operating schedules are strictly tied to the firefly breeding season).

• Cruise Duration: Approximately 30 minutes per journey.

• Reservation Policy: Advance reservations are strictly required. Walk-in boarding on the day of the event is generally not accepted.

Rules and Safety Guidelines

To preserve the fragile natural environment and ensure the safety of all guests, the official website mandates several strict rules. First, capturing or touching the fireflies is completely prohibited. 

Second, the use of flash photography, glowing devices, and smartphone screens is banned during the cruise, as artificial light severely disrupts the fireflies’ natural mating behaviors. All passengers are required to wear a life jacket while on board the vessel. 

Finally, the organizers reserve the right to cancel operations on short notice if weather conditions, such as heavy rain or high river water levels, make the river unsafe for navigation. Securing tickets early through the official website (https://hotarubune.toyotacho.com/) is highly recommended due to the strictly limited daily passenger capacity.

​