Photo= Visitors listen to the refreshingly cool sounds of insects in the lit-up garden (Genkyu-en, Konkicho, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture)

The traditional autumn event of "gathering to listen to insects singing" is taking place every night in "Genkyu-en," or a feudal lords' garden, which is a designated National Site of Scenic Beauty, in Hikone Castle, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture. Tourists enjoy the long autumn nights, while appreciating the refreshingly cool sounds of insects, which resonate in the lit-up garden.

Genkyu-en is a circuit style garden with a pond at its center. It was built by the now-defunct Hikone Domain in 1679. Insect singing in the castle was selected as one of the "100 Soundscapes of Japan" by the Ministry of the Environment.

Around 6:00 p.m. the lanterns in the garden are lit, fantastically illuminating the plants and trees around the pond. As visitors listen closely, they can hear the harmonious music played by crickets and bell crickets, as they stroll beside the pond or enjoy a view of the castle tower, a National Treasures, illuminated against the dark night.

The event will continue until September 30. There is an admission fee. For more information, call the Hikone Sightseeing Association at 0749-22-2954.