Moriyama City Hotaru (Firefly) Forest Museum (守山市ほたるの森資料館)

Flow of the course

About this spot

A museum dedicated to fireflies, nestled in the verdant grounds of Moriyama Municipal Sports Park. Moriyama has long been known as the "Firefly Town," a famous firefly viewing destination, and the museum introduces the firefly life cycle and the mechanism behind their glow through easy-to-understand panels and specimens. In the breeding room, you can observe firefly larvae being raised up close, finding yourself captivated by these small lives growing toward early summer. During late May through early June, when fireflies light the waters throughout the city, special firefly viewing events are held. With free admission yet impressive content, this spot allows you to quietly sense the richness of nature along Lake Biwa's shores as the perfect conclusion to a day spent visiting art and the lake.

Tips

Located within Moriyama Municipal Sports Park, where you can use the park's free parking. About 10 minutes by car from JR Moriyama Station. Admission is free, but closed Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday), so confirm your schedule. The firefly season typically runs from late May to early June after sunset; if the timing aligns, combining an evening firefly viewing is highly recommended. The museum is compact, so combining it with a stroll through the park allows for a leisurely experience.

Best time to visit

Allow approximately 1 hour. Afternoon viewing is standard. Late May through early June offers the option of combining with evening firefly viewing.

Access & map

〒524-0051 Miyake-cho, Moriyama, Shiga Prefecture 10, Moriyama Municipal Sports Park