[May 16, 2024] Fireflies have begun to fly in Mie Prefecture! Here are some fantastic spots to see them!

掲載日：2024.05.16

Fireflies decorate Japan's beautiful night sky.
In the nature-rich Mie prefecture, there are spots where you can enjoy the fantastic scenery created by fireflies. In the rural valley streams of Hiraoi, Ida, and konochi districts of KihoTown town in Mie prefecture, fireflies are already flying around, entertaining people.

The peak time for firefly viewing is expected to be from mid-May to early June, with the fireflies most likely to fly around around 8 p.m.

This topic introduces places where you can see fireflies in Mie Prefecture, information about the Firefly Festival, parking, viewing fees, etc.

The gentle and precious light of fireflies. Why not be soothed by the light of fireflies amidst Japan's beautiful nature?

Special feature on firefly viewing spots in Mie Prefecture

In this special feature on firefly viewing spots in Mie Prefecture, we introduce places in the prefecture where you can see fireflies.
Fireflies grow in beautiful waterside areas rich in nature. The fireflies fluttering about on the beautiful surface of the river softly illuminate the surroundings with their gentle light, creating a fantastical sight.

Please strictly observe the following precautions to protect the beautiful natural environment in which fireflies can grow and to ensure that you can continue to enjoy watching fireflies forever.

【Notes】
・Do not catch fireflies.
・At the viewing area, turn off the flashlight and watch quietly.
・Use of flash for photography is prohibited. Illumination with lights is also prohibited.
・Many viewing areas have poor footing, so shine a flashlight under your feet and stay away from areas other than the viewing area, such as grassy areas or riverbanks.
・If you come by car, please use the designated parking lot and follow good manners so as not to disturb the neighbors at night.

Mie Prefecture's firefly viewing spots and firefly events: Information on popular and hidden spots [2024 Edition]

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Nabananosato Firefly Festival (KuwanaCity)

Usual firefly appearance period: Mid-May to late June
As of May 14th: First firefly sighting (2 confirmed)
The Nabananosato is held from mid-May to early June. The fireflies dancing in the 200m stream from the entrance gate to the Nabananosato to Sato no Yu can number up to 1,000 on busy days, delighting the viewers.
Venue: Nabananosato
Usage fee: Nabananosato admission fee required
Parking lot: Approximately 5,000 spaces (free)

Nabananosato “Firefly Festival”

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Fireflies in KihoTown [Hiraoi, Ida, and konochi districts] (KihoTown)

Firefly appearance period: Early May to late May (Genji fireflies, Heike fireflies)
As of May 15th: Fireflies can be seen.
In KihoTown, you can see three types of fireflies, Genji fireflies, Heike fireflies, and Hime fireflies, every year from early May to late June when rice planting begins. In particular, the sight of Genji fireflies flying in the valley streams of the fields in Hiraoi, Ida, and konochi districts from early May to late May is a spectacular sight.

KihoTown Firefly Dance [Hiraoi, Ida, konochi districts]

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Suzuka Firefly Village (SuzukaCity)

Usual firefly appearance period: Mid-May to late June
Opening event: Saturday, May 18th, 3pm-6pm
Suzuka Firefly Village is home to fireflies in an area surrounded by rivers, rice fields, and mountains, and many fireflies fly along the viewing path. This is one of the spots where you can watch fireflies up close.
The opening event on May 18th will include a concert and a chainsaw art display!
Venue: SuzukaCity
Environmental cooperation fee: 100 yen per adult
Parking lot: Approximately 300 cars

Suzuka Firefly Village

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Sakakibara Onsen Hot Springs (TsuCity)

Event period: Saturday, June 1st to Sunday, June 16th, 2024
At Sakakibara Onsen Hotaru-to you can watch fireflies dancing along the Sakakibara River. The Hotaru-to event will be held from June 1st (Saturday) to June 16th (Sunday)at the main venue, the District Market Park. During the event, illuminations will be lit up and the Hotaru-to Night Marche will be held.
Venue: Along the Sakakibara River, Sakakibara-cho, TsuCity

Sakakibara Onsen Hot Springs

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tanao Firefly Furusato Park (IgaCity)

Usually when fireflies appear: around June
Firefly Festival: Saturday, June 8th
Taneo tanao tanao, surrounded by rich nature. In June, you can see many fireflies flying around the park and the surrounding Firefly Village. This year, the Firefly Festival will be held on Saturday, June 8th!
Venue: IgaCity tanao
Parking lot: Approximately 60 cars

tanao Firefly Furusato Park