Kyukamura Hiruzen Kogen, a highland resort hotel set before the three Hiruzen peaks in Maniwa, Okayama, is offering a guests-only summer activity called the "Firefly Watching Tour" from June 1 (Monday) through early July 2026.
In early summer, the Hiruzen highlands deliver a refreshing break from lowland heat — daytime walks through pastoral scenery give way to cool evenings that invite you to step outside. After dinner, hotel guests board a shuttle bus to a firefly viewing spot, taking in the cool highland night breeze and the gentle, magical glow that belongs only to this brief season.
Why Fireflies Thrive Around Hiruzen
Fireflies depend on clean waterways, dark surroundings, and a rich natural ecosystem to survive. The Hiruzen area, spreading across the foothills of the three peaks, retains much of this environment — natural springs, clear streams, rice paddies, and satoyama (rural hillside) landscapes where people and nature continue to coexist. These conditions allow firefly sightings to persist in multiple spots across the area each early summer.
Firefly Watching Tour Overview
After dinner, guests board the hotel's shuttle bus to one of two firefly viewing locations, chosen on the day based on where fireflies are most active.
Period: June 1 (Monday) to early July 2026
(Subject to cancellation or date changes due to weather conditions)
Hours: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM (approximately 30 minutes of viewing time)
Viewing Locations (chosen based on firefly activity on the day):
- Seseragi Park (Tottori Prefecture) – https://www.town-kofu.jp/2/7/8/
- Tsuguro Highland Wildlife Interaction Center (Okayama Prefecture) – https://www.maniwa.or.jp/web/?c=spot-2&pk=3421
Participation Fee: Free
Capacity: Up to 20 guests (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Details: https://www.qkamura.or.jp/hiruzen/activity/
"Summer Hiruzen Highland Buffet" Dinner Plan
The firefly tour departs after dinner. The hotel's "Summer Hiruzen Highland Buffet" features Hiruzen Jersey beef alongside local highland ingredients, making for a fitting lead-up to the evening outing.
At the live kitchen, Hiruzen Jersey beef steaks are grilled to order, letting guests enjoy the full-bodied, naturally lean flavor of the beef. The buffet also includes Genghis Khan (Mongolian-style grilled mutton), local specialty dishes, and a cheese fondue made with Hiruzen Jersey milk and cheese. Room-service highland desserts and a fruit-topped chocolate fondue round out the meal, so guests can continue relaxing well after the tour.
Period: June 1 (Monday) to August 31 (Monday), 2026
Price: From ¥16,500 per person, per night with 2 meals included (tax inclusive; hot spring tax extra)
*Based on 2 guests sharing a Japanese-style room on a weekday
About Kyukamura Hiruzen Kogen
Kyukamura Hiruzen Kogen is a highland resort hotel directly facing the three Hiruzen peaks — Kami-Hiruzen, Naka-Hiruzen, and Shimo-Hiruzen. The hotel features a natural radon hot spring that is especially popular with guests after a day of hiking, offering warmth that penetrates deep into the body. It is approximately 10 minutes by car from the Hiruzen IC on the Yonago Expressway.
Address: Hiruzen Kamifukuda, Maniwa, Okayama 717-0602
Website: https://www.qkamura.or.jp/hiruzen/
