This immersive 4K walking tour by Rambalac captures the vibrant atmosphere of the 2025 Kugayama Fireflies Festival in Tokyo without any narration, focusing solely on natural sounds and visuals. The walk begins at Kugayama Station’s North Gate, a local hub in Suginami-ku, and moves through busy shopping streets where visitors gather for the event. As the evening unfolds, viewers can see local shops, busy intersections, and glimpses of daily Tokyo life that set the scene for the festival.

The journey continues to the Kugayama Inari Shrine (久我山稲荷神社), an important cultural site where fireflies are displayed in special boxes for visitors to safely admire. Not far from the shrine, Rambalac walks along the Kanda River and its adjacent park area, showing more enclosures with fireflies and the lively food stalls that pop up during festival nights. Even in such a crowded event, the tranquility of twilight and soft river sounds offer a calming contrast.

The highlight of the video is the Tamagawa Aqueduct (玉川上水), where fireflies fly freely in a more natural habitat away from the crowds. Here, the video showcases several moments of illuminated fireflies in the wild, offering a rare glimpse at this traditional summer phenomenon in the heart of Tokyo. The walk concludes with scenes of local residential streets, a fire station, and the busy crossings of Suginami-ku, emphasizing both the community spirit of the festival and the everyday backdrop of life in suburban Tokyo.

Kugayama, part of Suginami Ward, is one of the few places in Tokyo where both enclosed and wild firefly viewings are possible. The festival not only highlights the delicate ecosystem that allows these insects to thrive but also showcases an annual local tradition that draws crowds from across the city. The Tamagawa Aqueduct, originally constructed in the 17th century to supply water to Edo, is now a scenic walking path and a seasonal haven for firefly enthusiasts.

For those visiting Tokyo in early June, the Kugayama Fireflies Festival offers a unique opportunity to witness fireflies amidst the urban sprawl, combining traditional summer elements with the bustling life of Tokyo’s outer neighborhoods.