In Mabi, nearly a year has passed since the July 2018 torrential rains, and customary events are gradually making a comeback.
The summer festival “Mabi-Funao Soodori Dance Festival,” which was canceled in 2018, is also set to be held on July 13, 2019.
Let’s bring light to Mabi
There has also been a growing movement to do so, and on June 8, 2019, the “Firefly Appreciation Gathering” was held at Makibi Park.
Some may wonder, “Are there fireflies in Makibi Park?”
In fact, 500 Genji firefly larvae were released there twice, in October 2017 and October 2018. Makibi Park escaped damage, and visitors were able to enjoy watching fireflies there again this year (2019).
Many people, mainly residents of Mabi, gathered on the day, and it seems that adults and children alike enjoyed the magical atmosphere.
Here is a report on the 2019 “Firefly Appreciation Gathering” at Kurashiki’s Makibi Park.
The information provided was current when this article was published in June 2019. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the “Firefly Appreciation Gathering”?
The “Firefly Appreciation Gathering” is an event for viewing fireflies that has been held at Makibi Park since 2018.
Genji firefly larvae were released into the river in Makibi Park in October 2017, and the number of fireflies has gradually increased since then.
For the second release, in October 2018, fireflies were released into the Suemasa River in town and at two locations in Makibi Park. The aim was to “bring a little more light to Mabi, which had become completely dark after the disaster. We hope that seeing fireflies glowing at night will bring even a few smiles to local residents.”
At well-known spots, events are often held as “Firefly Festivals,” but the fireflies here are not yet numerous enough to “dance in swarms.”
It is an event attended by many Mabi residents, who help nurture the fireflies.
The event
Many visitors coming from farther away will likely drive to Makibi Park, the event venue.
Parking is available nearby, including at the parking lot of the adjoining Takenoko Chaya, but spaces are limited, so please carpool if possible.
The event starts at 8 p.m.
Takenoko Chaya is usually closed at that time, but it was open at night for the “Firefly Appreciation Gathering.”
I went with my family of five, including two children, and the children were given snacks at the entrance.
Since the “Firefly Appreciation Gathering” takes place at night, Makibi Park is, of course, completely dark.
Normally, you can see the “circular window” and “hexagonal pavilion,” but in the darkness they were only faintly visible. All you could hear were occasional flashes of light and children shouting, “There!”
Crossing the bridge beyond the circular window and going as far as the hexagonal pavilion, we saw fireflies here and there.
Farther in, fireflies were flying all around.
There weren’t enough to fill the sky, so taking photos was difficult.
Looking around, I saw almost no one with a camera, and there seemed to be many families.
“I found one!”
“It’s here!”
“Beautiful!”
The children’s excited voices rang out.
From the Writer
When I hear “Firefly Festival,” I tend to picture a noisy event with lots of tourists.
But the “Firefly Appreciation Gathering” is, just as its name suggests, an event for quietly enjoying fireflies.
There may be even more fireflies next year (2020).
I think I’ll visit again.
“Firefly Appreciation Gathering” at Kurashiki’s Makibi Park Information
| Name | Kurashiki Makibi Park “Firefly Appreciation Gathering” |
|---|---|
| Date | June 8, 2019 |
| Location | 3652-1 Yata, Mabi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
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