The poet who was a famous samurai describes that the stars he saw reflected on the river were not, in fact, stars, but hotaru (fireflies). For centuries, Japanese people have looked forward to the month of June, when hotaru light up dark nights with their quiet, yet powerful lights. The white lights that float around, turning on and off against the darkness are a source of serenity and strength for Japanese people, signaling the coming of summer. 

Here, hotaru have started to fly. Go and take a stroll along Takatori river in the evening, and you will see little bulbs of light leisurely bobbing up and down, left and right. They like to be around large trees, and close to water. The scenery, accompanied by the sound of trickling water, is one you won’t usually find anymore in cities. Asuka and Takatori are relics of the past, where you can still feel the spirit of Japanese culture, and understand Japanese beauty. Come by, behold the hotaru just a breath away from you, and feel the wonder that Fujiwarano Yoshitsune describes in his poem.