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.)
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