Where Fireflies Dance and Warmth Welcomes You
Nestled just 60 minutes from downtown Shimonoseki, Hotaru Kaido Nishinoichi stands as a serene retreat along a sparkling river where thousands of fireflies illuminate the night. This roadside station blends rustic charm with modern comfort, offering visitors a rare chance to experience nature’s magic. Surrounded by lush forests and fertile farmland, it’s a gateway to seasonal beauty, local culture, and unforgettable moments.
Discover the region’s finest—fresh produce nurtured by pure mountain water, regional specialties like crisp pear soft serve and refreshing pear soda, and premium game meats. Unwind in the alcaline “Hotaru no Yu” hot spring or enjoy the clean, invigorating ambiance of the “Hotaru Sauna.” For a truly unique adventure, embark on the nation’s first firefly boat ride, gliding through glowing waters under a starlit sky. At Hotaru Kaido Nishinoichi, every visit is a celebration of nature, flavor, and tranquility.
Why Visit
Visit Hotaru Kaido Nishinoichi to experience Japan’s only hotaru boat ride, gliding through a forested river where tens of thousands of fireflies illuminate the night—only accessible from this roadside station. Here, you’ll also find the region’s sole artisanal pear soft-serve and pear cider, crafted from locally grown, sweet-tasting pears, and relax in the unique combination of a traditional alkaline hot spring, "Hotaru no Yu," and a clean, modern sauna using natural hot spring water.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Hotaru Kaido Nishinoichi roadside station, where fresh ingredients meet traditional recipes.
Soba Shop Kikawa
菊川そうめん
Specialty
Fresh handmade soba noodles made from local wheat and buckwheat
A traditional soba shop offering handmade soba noodles using locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is rustic and welcoming, perfect for enjoying a simple yet authentic meal.
Gibier Specialty Meat Set
長州ジビエ加工肉セット
Specialty
Premium game meat products from local hunting
A specialty shop offering high-quality processed game meat, including various cuts and ready-to-cook meals. The focus is on sustainable, locally sourced wild game.
Whale Meat Set
下関の鯨セット
Specialty
Traditional whale meat products from Shimonoseki
A specialty shop offering traditional whale meat products, including various cuts and ready-to-cook meals. The focus is on preserving local culinary heritage.
Fugu and Seasonal Vegetable Tempura Bowl
ふぐと季節野菜の天丼
Specialty
Fresh fugu (pufferfish) and seasonal vegetables in tempura
A restaurant specializing in fresh fugu and seasonal vegetables prepared in tempura style. The atmosphere is modern and clean, ideal for a refined dining experience.
Shopping Highlights
Discover regional treasures at Hotaru Kaido Nishinoichi, offering authentic local products and crafts.
Farmers Market
農産物市場
A market offering fresh local produce from Toyoda Town, Shimonoseki City, and Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh seasonal vegetables
Bakery
ベーカリー
A bakery offering fresh bread, pastries, and other baked goods made with local ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly baked bread
Craft Shop
工芸品店
A shop specializing in handmade crafts and local artisan products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handmade pottery
Meat Shop
肉屋
A shop specializing in high-quality meat products, including local game and beef.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local game meat
Dairy Shop
乳製品店
A shop offering fresh dairy products made from local milk.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh local cheese
Souvenir Shop
お土産屋
A shop offering a variety of souvenirs and local products for visitors.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local snacks
General Store
一般店
A general store offering a wide range of everyday items and local products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local snacks
Alcohol Shop
酒屋
A shop specializing in local alcoholic beverages, including sake and regional drinks.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local sake
Featured Products
Experience signature specialties like pear soft serve, crisp local vegetables, and premium game meats from the region.
Kikawa Soba Set
菊川そうめんセット
A premium set of fresh handmade soba noodles made from local wheat and buckwheat, perfect for home cooking.
Yamaguchi Prefecture Game Meat Set
長州ジビエ加工肉セット
A high-quality set of processed game meat from Yamaguchi Prefecture, ideal for grilling or stewing.
Shimonoseki Whale Meat Set
下関の鯨セット
A traditional set of whale meat from Shimonoseki, preserved using local methods.
Local Sake
地元の酒
Premium local sake made from traditional recipes and local ingredients.
Fresh Local Cheese
新鮮な地元チーズ
Freshly made cheese using milk from local farms, known for its rich flavor and creamy texture.
Handmade Pottery
手作り陶器
Artisan-made pottery crafted by local artisans, each piece unique and beautifully designed.
Local Snacks
地元のお菓子
Assorted local snacks made with traditional recipes and fresh ingredients.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax in natural hot springs or unwind in clean, serene saunas at Hotaru Kaido Nishinoichi roadside station.
Hyou no Yu
A full-scale hot spring with alkaline water quality that gently dissolves old skin cells and leaves the skin smooth.
Inside the roadside station
Hotaru Sauna
A clean space featuring hot spring baths and open-air bathing areas for a refreshing and relaxing experience.
Inside the roadside station
Parking Area
Parking available for visitors arriving by car.
Near the main entrance of the roadside station
Restroom
Clean restrooms available for visitors.
Throughout the roadside station premises
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi access available for guests throughout the facility.
Throughout the roadside station premises
Information Center
Visitor information center providing guidance on local attractions, events, and services.
Main building entrance area
Play Area
A designated play area for children, located near the outdoor spaces.
Near the outdoor garden and riverbank
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging station available for visitors.
Near the parking area
ATM
Cash withdrawal machine available on-site for visitor convenience.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Nursing Room
Private nursing room equipped for mothers with infants.
Inside the restroom area
Pet Area
Designated area for pets, allowing visitors to bring their animals safely.
Near the outdoor walking path
Activities & Experiences
Enjoy seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and unique experiences like the famed firefly boat ride.
Firefly Boat Ride
蛍の舟
Glide slowly through the magical light of thousands of fireflies along a riverbank, enjoying a unique and serene experience.
Duration
60 min
Best enjoyed on clear, warm summer evenings with minimal wind.
Hot Spring Bath
蛍の湯
Relax in a traditional alkaline hot spring that gently removes dead skin and leaves your skin smooth and refreshed.
Duration
60 min
Ideal for cold or rainy days to warm up and unwind.
Firefly Sauna
ホタルサウナ
Enjoy a clean and refreshing sauna experience with hot spring baths and open-air bathing areas for a revitalizing wellness session.
Duration
45 min
Best experienced after a hot spring bath for maximum relaxation.
Handmade Market
ハンドメイドマルシェ
Explore a variety of handmade crafts and local artisan goods at this seasonal market event.
Duration
180 min
Indoor event; weather does not affect participation.
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around seasonal events and arrive early to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the firefly river at dusk.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 10:00 AM on weekends to secure a spot at the bakery counter before the fresh milk bread sells out by 11:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to find the limited-edition seasonal vegetable and fish tempura bento, available only during the "Fugu and Seasonal Vegetables" event
- Weekend Special: On Sundays, attend the 2:00 PM "Handmade Market" to purchase exclusive local crafts and handmade soaps not available elsewhere in the shop
- Best Time for Hot Springs: Use the "Hotori Sauna" (hot spring sauna) between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM when the outdoor open-air bath is open and less crowded
- Must-Try Food: Order the "Yamagata Beef Steak Set" at the restaurant between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to enjoy the premium local beef served with fresh seasonal vegetables
- Best Shopping Deal: Purchase the "Longzhou Game Meat Set" from the online shop before 8:00 PM on weekdays to receive free shipping and a complimentary bottle of local plum juice
- Special Experience: Reserve a spot on the "Firefly Boat Ride" at the official booking desk by 12:00 PM the day before your visit, as only 15 boats operate daily and they fill up quickly
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Canola flowers bloom in late March to April, and fresh bamboo shoots are available at the roadside station market.
Summer (June–August): Enjoy the unique Hotaru Boat experience on the river amid glowing fireflies during the peak season.
Autumn (September–November): The fugu (pufferfish) and seasonal vegetable tempura bowl is served from October, and the handmade market runs on the second Sunday.
Winter (December–February): Savor warm drinks and soak in the hot spring bath, with the tranquil atmosphere enhanced by the surrounding mountains.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a play area and stroller-friendly paths. Features kid-friendly options like pear soft serve and interactive experiences such as the firefly boat. Safe, accessible, and includes educational elements about local nature and wildlife.
Food Lover Review
Provides diverse dining with local specialties like pear soft serve, pear soda, and seasonal dishes such as fugu tempura. Features high-quality regional products and fresh local produce from farmers markets, enhancing the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Offers restrooms and vending machines, but lacks dedicated overnight parking signage. Quiet and scenic, yet not designed for extended stays. Suitable for short stops but not ideal for full-night car camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near a river with thousands of fireflies, offering stunning natural views. Features picturesque viewpoints and seasonal beauty throughout the year. The atmosphere is serene and immersive, enhanced by the surrounding forest and water.