Hotaru No Yakata

It was cheap, so I wasn't expecting too much, and I didn't have a lot of complaints. Still, the appliances were frustrating. The electric kettle didn't work, so I boiled water in a large pot even for instant ramen. When I tried heating frozen shumai in the microwave, its timer was broken and it kept running until I unplugged it. There was also a gas stove, frying pan, and large pot for cooking. The loft was awkward for getting futons upstairs, so all four of us slept downstairs, where three futons seemed to be the best fit. It would be tough in winter. We stayed at the end of April and weren't troubled by bugs, but crane flies and stink bugs were already around. It's a bungalow, not a hotel.

We chose the bungalow for a firefly visit. It was older but sturdier and more comfortable than I expected. Evenings got pretty cool, so pack long sleeves. There wasn't much info about what was included, so I'm sharing a list of things we didn't find or might need to bring: a bowl, colander, measuring cup, glasses (there were about two), tissues, kitchen paper, and plastic wrap. Most things are provided. For cooking outdoors, there are U-shaped blocks and a grill, but you'll need charcoal. Outdoor chairs and a table are useful to bring. Some bungalows have a big outdoor area or logs to sit on, but it varies, so bringing your own seating is safer. The firefly festival was run by local people. With staff shortages and an aging population, it seems hard to bring it back after the pandemic. That's a shame, though I liked being able to watch the fireflies quietly, even with lots of people around. Please don't use flash while watching them.

We stayed with family over Golden Week in 2025 and were pleasantly surprised by how much was provided. The sheets were clean, and there was a refrigerator, gas stove, kettle, pots and pans, chopsticks, air conditioning, heated carpet, hangers, and everything else we needed. We could park right in front of our building, and there was a place to dispose of both trash and charcoal. We're beginners at outdoor activities, but the stay was comfortable and we were really satisfied.

I wasn't staying overnight, so don't take this as a lodging review. On June 4, 2023, I parked in the south lot and walked down to the river to see the fireflies. Around 8:00 PM the lot was mostly full, with just a few spaces left. It was free since it wasn't Firefly Festival season. There were so many fireflies flashing and dancing, just like the ones I remember from childhood. They seemed to coordinate their flashes to attract females, and I'm glad I came.