Jun 14, 2011

Seeing Two Firefly Species in Nishiki Area

The two firefly species found in Japan are Genji-botaru and Heike-botaru, which are very similar but differ in many characteristics.

The Genji-botaru (源氏蛍)are fireflies that live in the Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu Islands, and has average size of .5mm. Genji-botaru larvae live in flowing water such as streams and rivers. Whereas, the slightly larger species, Heike-botaru (平家蛍)larvae live in wet areas such as ponds, swamps, rice paddies, etc., in Japan, China, and Eastern Siberia. The Genji-botaru are seen from June and July, followed by the Heike-botaru from July to August.

That is why July is a perfect time to catch both species at the same time! Here is your chance to find them in Nishiki, Semboku City!



 
Fireflies Public Viewing Session

(Seeing Heike-botaru in Rice Paddies and Genji-botaru in Streams)

Dates:
Thursday, June 30th to Wednesday, July 20th.

Itinerary:
Sign in at Katakuri-kan 7:30 -8:00 and meet with the guide.
He or she will show you where the viewing spots are.
You come back to Katakuri-kan (8:00 – 9:00) and will be offered some light snack, while mingling with other participants.

Access:
TRAIN- Take Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway  and get off at Yatsu Station. Katakuri-kan is within a few min walk. To get back to Kakunodate Station, take 9:37 train.

OR:

CAR- Drive there and park in the front parking lot. You won’t be drive to the viewing spots.

Fee:
300 Yen per Adult 
 Free for Children under 6
(Fee includes guide and snack.)

No comments: