Hornets Galore

This was the Giant Asian Hornets nest hanging just outside our room in Shirakawago. There were at least 4 hornets going in and out. The nest was quite beautiful with its swirly brown patterns. We couldn't figure out what it was made of. I think the nest had been knocked down recently and they were rebuilding. We found remnets of an old one on the ground.

And here is a Giant Asian Hornet ripping into the back of a dead cicada. The cicadas here are huge and so was the hornet. The hornet was very intent on carnage so it didn't notice me getting in close to get some photos.