Marking the arrival of autumn, "Genkyu-en de Mushi no Oto wo Kiku-kai," or a special night event to listen to chirping insects, started at the feudal lords garden "Genkyu-en Garden," a designated scenic spot in Japan, inside Hikone Castle, on September 1. This is the 24th time the event has been held. Candles in bamboo lanterns and other lights illuminated the Edo style "Chisen Kaiyu-shiki no Niwa," or stroll-through garden around a pond, and it was full of the sound of chirping crickets and other insects.

In the midst of the various chirping sounds of Japanese bell crickets, green tree crickets, pine crickets and others, couples, groups of young women and other visitors enjoyed the autumn atmosphere while walking around the garden or sitting on benches to listen carefully. One man said, "I was surprised that the castle tower and the light on the surface of the water were so fantastic."

Visitors can enter the garden from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. until September 30. Admission is 500 yen for adults, and 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students. On set dates and times, visitors can also enjoy an outdoor tea ceremony for 500 yen, and listen to concerts of traditional Japanese music or ancient Japanese court music on a boat.