Firefly Tours on Ishigaki Island and the Best Time to See Them | An Explanation of the Season and Times for the Yaeyama Princess Firefly
When and where can you see fireflies on Ishigaki Island?
Fireflies on Ishigaki Island “Rhizophora mucronata (species of midge)Fireflies can be seen from mid-March through around May, and they glow for about 30 minutes to an hour after sunset. Since most of their habitats are located deep in the forest and the exact locations aren’t publicly disclosed, a firefly tour—where a guide takes first-time visitors to the day’s viewing spots—is the most reliable option.
The fireflies on Ishigaki Island are "Yaeyama Hime Fireflies," which glow only in the spring.
The fireflies found on Ishigaki Island are native only to Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island.Rhizophora mucronata (species of midge)It is.
They begin to glow in the spring—more than two months earlier than fireflies on Honshu—and after sunset, countless fireflies flit about near the forest floor, their lights flickering on and off.
In this column, I’ll share local insights on everything from the best time of year and times of day to see fireflies on Ishigaki Island, to where to find them, how to choose a firefly tour, and even the proper etiquette and what to bring!
◆For those looking for places to see fireflies on Ishigaki Island
◆For those who want to compare and choose a firefly tour on Ishigaki Island
◆For those who want to know about what to wear, what to bring, and proper etiquette for firefly viewing
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Ishigaki Island.
Firefly Viewing—Only from March to May!
▼Click here for firefly tours on Ishigaki Island▼
![[Ishigaki Island/Night] Chance to See the Taurus Meteor Shower & Supermoon☆ Starry Sky & Subtropical Jungle Night Tour♪ Same-Day Reservations Accepted! Recommended for Families with Children and Group Trips (Image size has been kept as-is to maintain quality)](https://ishigaki-tours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/V2HIJSLJ_plan_image_1-1-825x510.webp)
The person in charge of the cooking isMichelin-starred chef. Located in a prime spot with a panoramic view of the sea around Ishigaki Island, this restaurant offers Ishigaki beef steaks and French cuisine featuring local island ingredients.
📍 Oceanfront Grill St. ELMO ISHIGAKI(Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Prefecture)
Click here for more information about St. ELMO
Best Time to See Fireflies on Ishigaki Island: Season and Time of Day
The Yaeyama Princess Firefly can be seen only during a short period in the spring, and even then, it glows for just a brief time after sunset each day.
Before deciding on your travel itinerary and tour times,Season and Time of DayKeep the following in mind.
You can only participate during the season!
▼Click here for firefly tours on Ishigaki Island▼
The best time to view them is from mid-March through May.
The Yaeyama princess firefly on Ishigaki Island is,Mid-March through around MayIt lights up.
The firefly tours available for booking through Ishigaki Island Tours are held every year from March to May. Since the start and end dates vary from year to year, it’s a good idea to check the tour dates as soon as you’ve finalized your travel plans.
Since November through February and the summer months starting in June are not firefly season, we recommend stargazing tours or viewing sagaribana (June–August) if you’d like to enjoy nature at night.
They glow for about 30 minutes to an hour after sunset.
The Yaeyama Princess Firefly glows because,About 30 minutes to 1 hour after sunsetIt's only for a short time.
Sunset on Ishigaki Island is around 6:50 p.m. in mid-March and around 7:25 p.m. in late May, soAround 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.This serves as a guideline.
If you start looking after dark, you won't make it in time, so the key is to arrive at the location while it's still light out and wait there!
| period | Sunset (Estimated) | Approximate Time When Fireflies Glow |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-March | Around 6:50 p.m. | From about 7:20 p.m. to 7:50 p.m. |
| Mid-April | Around 7:05 p.m. | From approximately 7:35 p.m. to 8:05 p.m. |
| Mid-May | Around 7:20 p.m. | From about 7:50 p.m. to 8:20 p.m. |
*Sunset times are calculated for the Ishigaki City area. The time when the sky begins to glow may vary depending on the weather and location.
How it looks changes depending on the weather and moonlight
Fireflies' light is very faint, so the darker it is around them, the more clearly they can be seen.A night with little moonlightThat way, it's easier to sense the number of lights.
On the other hand, on days when the weather is bad, the number of fireflies may seem lower. Since this is a natural phenomenon, it’s reassuring to have a few opportunities to see them during your trip.
What Is the Yaeyama Princess Firefly? How Is It Different from Fireflies on Honshu?
The Yaeyama princess firefly is about 2 to 4 mm long,Japan's smallest firefly (Luciola cruciata)It is.
Unlike the Genji fireflies of Honshu, which fly above rivers, these fireflies fly slowly close to the ground in the forest on spring nights, flashing about 3 to 5 times per second. On nights when there are large numbers of them, the forest takes on the appearance of a carpet of light, and this phenomenon is often referred to as a “natural light display.”
| (data) item | Rhizophora mucronata (species of midge) | Genji Fireflies on Honshu |
|---|---|---|
| Where to See It | The Forests of Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island | Around a Beautiful River |
| period | Mid-March to around May (spring) | early summer |
| Size | About 2 to 4 mm | About 10 to 20 mm |
| How It Shines | Flickering rapidly close to the ground | Slowly Flickering |
Let's go see Japan's smallest fireflies!
▼Click here for firefly tours on Ishigaki Island▼
Places to See Fireflies on Ishigaki Island
The Yaeyama Princess Firefly lives in moist forests. On Ishigaki Island, in order to protect the fireflies,Location not disclosedIt is characterized by having many habitats.
While Banna Park is well-known, the forest is dark at night and the ground is uneven, so be sure to come well-prepared if you plan to go on your own.
Leave the search for a location to your guide!
▼Click here for firefly tours on Ishigaki Island▼
Bangna Park
Banna Park is a forest park located around Mount Banna, north of downtown Ishigaki City. Within the park, there is"Firefly Road"There is a road called [...].
One of its charms is that it's only about a 10-minute drive from downtown, but at night there are few streetlights and it gets pitch black. If you plan to go, check out the route while it's still light out, and make sure your lights are aimed only at the ground.
◆Directions: About a 20-minute drive from New Ishigaki Airport / About a 10-minute drive from downtown Ishigaki
◆Inquiries: Banna Park Management Office (0980-82-6993)
▼Learn More About Banna Park▼
Most of their habitats are deep in the forest and not open to the public.
Many of the places where you can see lots of fireflies are on private property or deep in the woods, and the locations areNot publishedThe following is a list of the most common problems with the
On the firefly tour, the guide selects viewing spots based on the conditions for that year and that day. Many participants have commented that they were “taken to places they wouldn’t have been able to find on their own.”
Things to Keep in Mind When You Go to See It Yourself
There are no streetlights in the forest at night, so it’s easy to get lost or slip on unfamiliar paths.
On Ishigaki Island, there are creatures that are active at nightSakishima HabuSince there are some there, avoid going into grassy areas or crouching in dark places.
It’s important not to enter private property or restricted areas, to avoid going alone, and to familiarize yourself with the route while it’s still light out.
How to Choose a Firefly Tour on Ishigaki Island
On a firefly tour, the guide takes you to the best viewing spots of the day, so you can make the most of the brief time when the fireflies are glowing.Don't miss it!The biggest advantage is that you can do it.
If you check the following points before applying, you'll be sure to avoid any mistakes.
With a shuttle service, you can rest easy even at night!
▼Click here for firefly tours on Ishigaki Island▼
5 Things to Check Before Making a Reservation
When choosing a firefly tour, be sure to check the tour dates, times, transportation, age restrictions, and what happens in case of rain.
| Things to Check | Things to Look For |
|---|---|
| Holding period | Do your travel dates fall within the tour's operating period (March–May)? |
| Time and Duration | Is it timed for sunset? Does it overlap with dinner time? |
| seeing off and meeting on return | Is my lodging within the shuttle service area? Can I get there without a rental car? |
| Age Requirements | Can young children and elderly family members participate? |
| Rainy Days and Cancellations | Will the event still take place even if it rains? Is there a backup plan in case it's canceled? |
Yaeyama Princess Firefly Viewing Tour Recommended by Local Staff
A popular attraction at Ishigaki Island Tours is,No. 318This is a tour to view the Yaeyama Princess Fireflies.57 reviews・It has a rating of 4.6 and is held only from March through May each year.
Since you arrive at the forest while it’s still light out and wait for the fireflies to start glowing, one of the appeals is that you’re unlikely to miss the glow. Hotels in the southern part of Ishigaki Island offer free shuttle service, so you can participate even without a rental car.
| (data) item | Contents of No. 318 |
|---|---|
| Holding period | March through the end of May |
| Hours. | 6:30 p.m. to around 8:30 p.m. (approx. 90 minutes) |
| seeing off and meeting on return | Hotels in the Southern Area · In front of the Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal |
| Age Range | 3-65 years old |
| rainy day | Held even in the rain (canceled if safety cannot be ensured). Starry Sky & Jungle Night TourNo. 316(Can be transferred to) |
| reservation | Until 4:00 p.m. on the day of the event (free cancellation until 6:00 p.m. the day before) |
A popular tour with 57 reviews and a 4.6 rating!
▼Click here for the Yaeyama Princess Firefly Viewing Tour▼
Click here for our seasonal firefly and sagaribana tours
Reviews from Firefly Tour Participants
Here are some reviews from people who have actually taken a firefly tour. Please take into account not only the positive reviews but also the comments from days when the number of fireflies was low due to the weather.
The tour arrives at the mountain while it's still a little light out. We change into the viper-proof boots provided and walk a few minutes to the viewing spot.
As it gradually grew dark, the children became engrossed in looking for fireflies, and it seems to have been a wonderful memory for them.
I really appreciate the hotel shuttle service!
It's definitely worth it because they'll take you to places you wouldn't be able to find on your own!
I think it was a good learning experience for the children.
Etiquette for Viewing Fireflies on Ishigaki Island
The light of fireflies serves as a signal for males and females to find each other. Since artificial light and noise can interfere with this,Watching over them quietly in the darknessis the basic principle.
Let’s follow these etiquette guidelines so we can continue to enjoy this same sight next year and beyond.
Our guides will carefully explain the etiquette!
▼Click here for firefly tours on Ishigaki Island▼
Light, Flash, Smartphone Screen Off
Shining flashlights or camera flashes at firefliesDon't point it there.That's right. Since smartphone screens are surprisingly bright, be sure to turn off your screen while watching.
When shining a light on the ground, it’s considered good manners to aim the light at the ground and use it only briefly. Rather than taking photos, please enjoy the sight of the light with your own eyes first.
Do not touch, do not enter the grassy areas, and do not make noise.
Please refrain from catching fireflies with your hands or stepping into the grass.Private PropertyPlease do not enter areas where access is prohibited.
Also, since fireflies are insects, you might want to use insect repellent spray or mosquito coilsDo not use this on-sitePlease be quiet and be sure to take your trash home with you.
What to Wear and What to Bring for Firefly Viewing
When viewing fireflies, you’ll take a short walk through the dark forest. While the nights on Ishigaki Island from March through May are pleasant,Insect Bitesandone's step (as in "watch your step")Let's make sure we take the necessary precautions.
We're open even on rainy days!
▼Click here for firefly tours on Ishigaki Island▼
Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and comfortable walking shoes
As for clothing,Long-sleeved shirts and long pantsThat's the basic rule. The less skin you expose, the less likely you are to get bitten by bugs.
Instead of sandals, wear non-slip sneakers. It’s a good idea to bring a pair of socks, just in case.
What to Bring and How to Prevent Insect Bites
It's a good idea to bring a drink, a towel, and a small flashlight.
Some reviews mention being "bitten by bugs," so insect repellent isBefore leaving the hotelWe recommend taking care of this beforehand. Please avoid using the spray near fireflies.
What to Wear on Rainy Days and Things to Keep in Mind
Firefly tours are often held even when it rains, but on rainy days, the ground gets muddy and slippery.
It leaves both hands free, unlike an umbrellaRainwearIt is safe to say that theNo. 318As you can see, some tours even provide rain boots on rainy days.
Night Tours on Ishigaki Island to Enjoy Alongside Fireflies
Since fireflies only glow for a short time, combining this tour with other nighttime activities will allow you to enjoy Ishigaki Island’s nights even more.
Even for those traveling outside of firefly season, there's something to enjoy all year roundstarry skyand ... andjungleI recommend the night tour.
It can be enjoyed all year round!
▼Click here for night tours on Ishigaki Island▼
Click here for popular Ishigaki Island night tour plans.
Starry sky tour
Ishigaki Island is part of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, which was designated as Japan’s first Dark Sky Reserve, and throughout the yearstarry skycan be enjoyed.
Since you can join even when fireflies aren't visible, if you're unsure which night tour to choose, I recommend the stargazing tour.
Professionals Take Photos with the Starry Sky!
▼Click here for stargazing tours on Ishigaki Island▼
Click here for popular Ishigaki Island starry sky tour plans.
Jungle Night Tour
In the forest at night,coconut crab (Birgus latro)You might even come across nocturnal creatures.
Since you'll be walking with a guide, it's a safe option even for first-timers to the nighttime forest or those traveling with children. There are also plans available as alternatives in case the firefly tour is canceled.
We also have plans that accept same-day reservations!
▼Click here for the Jungle Night Tour on Ishigaki Island▼
We recommend viewing the sagaribana flowers from June through August.
From June through August, after the firefly season has ended, they bloom at night and wither by morningflower petals fallen on water, resembling a spider flower (esp. Pelecanoides urinatrix)It's that time of year.
Since the firefly season and the sagaribana blooming season don't overlap, please choose your travel dates accordingly.
| (data) item | lightning bug | flower petals fallen on water, resembling a spider flower (esp. Pelecanoides urinatrix) |
|---|---|---|
| period | Mid-March through around May | June–August |
| Things to See | A tiny firefly glowing in the forest | Flowers that bloom at night and fall in the morning |
| time zone | About 30 minutes to 1 hour after sunset | Night to Early Morning |
A phantom flower that fades in a single night!
▼Click here for the Sagari-bana tour on Ishigaki Island▼
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Fireflies on Ishigaki Island
The Yaeyama Princess Fireflies on Ishigaki Island can be seen from mid-March through May; November through February is not the season for them. On winter nights, we recommend stargazing tours and jungle night tours, which are available year-round.
Although many firefly tours take place even when it rains, on days with bad weather, the number of fireflies may seem lower. Additionally, tours may be canceled on days when rain or wind makes it impossible to ensure safety.
You can participate. For example, the Yaeyama Firefly Viewing Tour offered by Ishigaki Island Tours (No. 318) Children ages 3 and up can participate, and shuttle service is available from hotels in the southern area. Since the tour involves a short walk through the woods, please wear comfortable walking shoes.
summary
You can see the fireflies of Ishigaki Island—the “Yaeyama Hime Firefly”—atMid-March through around May...They glow for only a short time—about 30 minutes to an hour after sunset.
Since many of the firefly habitats are not open to the public, if you want to be sure to see them, it’s best to choose a firefly tour that includes transportation. Please enjoy this unique springtime spectacle of light on Ishigaki Island while observing proper etiquette—turn off your lights and watch quietly.
Firefly Viewing—Only from March to May!
▼Click here for firefly tours on Ishigaki Island▼
▼Click here for articles to read in conjunction with this article.
![[Ishigaki Island / Approx. 2.5 hours] Same-day reservations accepted! SUP tour to the mystical “Blue Cave”★ A new experience in crystal-clear waters♪ Free photos](https://ishigaki-tours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/DB89F99F-C338-4E76-BC19-CEC4FDDE95AC-1-825x510.jpeg)
