![Let's go see the fireflies in Nishiawakura Village. [Okayama ] A carpet of light appears in the Mori for a limited time!の画像](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2024/05/20-180658.webp)
Nishiawakura Village is one of the few places in Okayama Prefecture where fireflies live. Every July, you can see a beautiful and fantastical sight from Ogaya Ski Resort to the Wakasugi Natural Forest.
2024.05.20The light of the fireflies shining through the trees is a spectacular sight! It's like a carpet of light. We'll also introduce some recommended spots in Nishiawakura Village that you'll want to visit before nightfall, when you can see this limited-time spectacle.
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Table of contents
- What are fireflies?
- When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms in Nishiawakura Village?
- Things to note when viewing
- Stop-by spot 1: "BASE101% -NISHIAWAKURA-"
- Stopover spot 2: "Mori"
- Stopover spot 3: Awakura Onsen Motoyu
- Stopover spot 4: Awa Land Roadside Station
What are fireflies?
Himebotaru is a species of firefly endemic to Japan, living on the mainland. Unlike the Genji and Heike fireflies that are found near water, Himebotaru lives in forests, so it is also known as the "Mori firefly."The light it emits is a powerful golden color, with repeated short flashes like a flash.
When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms in Nishiawakura Village?
Every year from early July through the third week in Nishiawakura Village, you can see mystical light dancing through the forest, gradually moving north from around Ogaya Ski Resort to the Wakasugi Natural Forest . It's especially beautiful on clear, moonless nights, so be sure to check the weather before heading out.
*The official Facebook page of the Nishiawakura Village Industry and Tourism Division, "Nishiawa Club," provides local information during the firefly flight season.
Nishiawakura Village Industry and Tourism Division Official Facebook | Nishiawakura Club
Things to note when viewing
The flowers stop glowing when hit by car headlights, so we recommend parking your car in the Ogaya Campground parking lot and then walking to the viewing spot.
Stop-by spot 1: "BASE101% -NISHIAWAKURA-"
Located along National Route 373, this complex is part of a renovated lumber factory warehouse and includes a restaurant and cafe, select shops, a lumber market, a strawberry picking house, and more. The restaurant and cafe serves game dishes and sweets unique to Nishiawakura Village, and there is also a shop selling works by artists living in Nishiawakura Village.
Address: 461-1 Okayama Prefecture, Nishiawakura Village, Aida County, Okayama Prefecture
TEL: 090-2466-9378
Business hours: 10:00-17:00 *Lunchtime 11:00-14:00
Closed: Tuesdays
Parking: Available
Stopover spot 2: "Mori"
This traditional Thai cafe is run by a Japanese-Thai couple. The approximately 130-year-old building has a thatched tin roof and serves authentic Thai dishes such as green curry, khao man gai, gapao rice, and pad thai. Their parfaits, made with seasonal fruits such as blueberries, cherries, loquats, peaches, and figs, are also popular. They also operate as a guesthouse, and after the cafe closes, each room becomes a guest room or living room.
Address: 818-1 Okayama Prefecture, Nishiawakura Village , Aida District, Okayama Prefecture
TEL: 090-8531-6189
Business hours: 11:00-15:00 (last orders 14:00)
Closed: Mondays, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays
Parking: Available
Stopover spot 3: Awakura Onsen Motoyu
This guesthouse is located along the river and comes with a natural hot spring. Thinned wood is converted into firewood, which is used for cooking and heating. The hot spring, heated by firewood, can be enjoyed on day trips (500 yen for adults, 250 yen for elementary school students, free for infants and toddlers). The restaurant serves dishes that allow you to enjoy the bounty of the Mori , such as game dishes using venison and bread made with cypress yeast from Nishiawakura .
Address: 2050 Kageishi, Nishiawakura Village , Aida District , Okayama Prefecture
TEL: 0868-79-2129
Opening hours: [Daytime bathing] 15:00-21:00, [Restaurant] 17:00 onwards (Food last order 20:30 / Drink last order 21:00)
Closed: Wednesdays
Parking: Available
Stopover spot 4: Awa Land Roadside Station
This roadside station is located close to the Nishiawakura Interchange on the Tottori Expressway. Its sales floor is lined with agricultural products and processed goods grown by local farmers, mainly from within the village, and its appeal lies in the fact that you can buy fresh vegetables grown with water from the source at reasonable prices. As it is located Nakama between San'in and San'yo, you can purchase not only products from within Okayama Prefecture, but also famous sweets and specialties from the San'in area. The colorful windmills line the corridor next to the building, making it a popular photo spot!
Address: 418 Kageishi, Nishiawakura Village, Aida District , Okayama Prefecture
TEL: 0868-79-2331
Opening hours: [Shop] Weekdays 9:00-17:00 *Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 9:00-18:00 [Restaurant] 10:00-17:00 (LO 16:20) [Outdoor shop] 10:00-17:00 [Vegetable market] 9:00-17:00
Closed: None *Vegetable market is held from December 31st to January 3rd
Parking: Available
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