Firefly watching in Ishigaki Island! Enjoy the firefly night show only from March to June!
Table of Contents
- 1 If you go to Ishigaki Island from March to June, you are lucky! Let's go see Yaeyama fireflies!
- 2 Why do Yaeyama fireflies glow?
- 3 When are fireflies on Ishigaki Island?
- 4 Where to see Yaeyama fireflies?
- 5 What to look for when viewing fireflies
- 6 After seeing the stars on the ground, look at the stars in the night sky!
- 7 Firefly Spots on Ishigaki Island
- 8 For those who plan to visit remote islands around Ishigaki Island! Advance purchase of ferry tickets is a must!
- 9 Renting a car is essential on Ishigaki Island! Be careful as they get booked up quickly!
- 10 summary
Those who go to Ishigaki Island from March to June are lucky☆.
Let's go see Yaeyama fireflies!
Found only in the Yaeyama Islands including Ishigaki IslandRhizophora mucronata (species of midge)Do you know a firefly called
Yaeyama fireflies are 2.3mm long fireflies that can be seen on Ishigaki Island from March to June.The smallest firefly in JapanIt is.
Fireflies in Honshu have an image of the rainy season to summer, but here on Ishigaki Island they can be seen from March and are famous as the earliest fireflies in Japan.
Yaeyama fireflies areAbout the size of a grain of riceHowever, fireflies gather in clusters of hundreds or thousands in one place, making them look like Christmas lights.
Unlike other fireflies, they are sometimes referred to as "carpets of light" because of the way they crawl on the ground. When it gets dark in the forest, the sight of countless fireflies flitting about, emitting their beautiful light, is truly a mystery of nature.
In the darkness of the forest, "Yaeyama Fireflies" are surrounded by a fantastic dance of light, especiallyMarch to JuneYou can enjoy it during the
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Why do Yaeyama fireflies glow?
Why do Yaeyama fireflies glow?Male appeals for femalesThe male is the one that emits the light as it flies in search of the female's light.
The light intensity varies from firefly to firefly, with males having a weak light and females having a strong light. Yaeyama fireflies emit their light for only a few hours after sunset. Therefore, firefly tours are held to take advantage of the best time to see the fireflies.
When one fish begins to glow, it gradually glows in clusters. About 30 minutes after they begin to glow, the light gradually diminishes. The fact that the strong light diminishes probably means that they have found a good partner!
For this reason, the illumination of Yaeyama fireflies is sometimes called a "firefly wedding.
When are fireflies on Ishigaki Island?
Fireflies on Ishigaki Island are seen at temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius.Humid placeThe species prefers to inhabit the
On Ishigaki Island, you can see a total of nine different types of fireflies, and it is only on Ishigaki Island, which belongs to the subtropical zone, that you can see such a large number of fireflies.
Fireflies can be seen almost all year round, although the number of fireflies that can be seen changes: from March to June, the Yaeyama firefly is the most common, from April to November, the Kiiro-suji firefly, and from December to January, the Oshima-madoka firefly.
The way each firefly glows and moves is different, and each has its own charm.On the tour, you will hear detailed stories about each firefly from a local guide.
The most beautiful of them all.Rhizophora mucronata (species of midge)The first time you see the "carpet of light," you will be moved to tears. The first time you see the "carpet of light," you will be so moved that many people cry.
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Where to see Yaeyama fireflies?
There are several places (spots) on Ishigaki Island where you can see Yaeyama fireflies.
If you are near the city center, you can use the "Bangna ParkThe area around "Maesedake" and "Maesedake" can be seen beautifully. In a rare place, the 525-meter-high Maesedake, the tallest mountain in Okinawa Prefecture, can be seen.Mt. Omotodake（Fireflies can also be seen at "Omotodake" (Omotodake only).
Others are known only to the locals,Only those who participate in the tour can go there.Firefly SpotThere are also
The firefly tour will take you to the most beautiful spot from among the secret firefly spots, taking into consideration the weather and other factors on the day of the tour.
Renting a car and going on your own is fine, but why not see the best Yaeyama fireflies of the day on Ishigaki Island?
What to look for when viewing fireflies
Fireflies spend only a short time as adults, taking a year to mature and onlyIt shines for a week only.The life of the fish is ephemeral, living for a week without eating anything. It is a fleeting life, living for that one week without eating anything and ending its role after leaving offspring.
Therefore, be sure to pay attention to the following three points when viewing Yaeyama fireflies.
(not directly to the firefly)
■Go before dark and wait for the fireflies to glow.
■Take a tour as much as possible and follow the instructions of the local guide
After seeing the stars on the ground, look at the stars in the night sky!
Just as we were finishing watching the "carpet of light" of fireflies from sunset, the night skystarry skyis visible at the time of day.
Because Ishigaki Island has few jet streams and the sky is clear, the stars are large and clearly visible. Firefly habitat points have little artificial light and starry sky spots are often nearby.
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Popular Ishigaki Island Night Tours are here ↓↓.
Firefly Spots on Ishigaki Island
Banna Park Firefly Trail
Firefly Road is a spot where you can watch Yaeyama fireflies in Banna Park.Most abundant spotsIt is said.
Banna Park, where the Firefly Road is located, has many places to enjoy, including an observatory for viewing the emerald sea, a bird-watching observatory, and a zone with athletic facilities and attractions, so you may want to go see the carpet of lights after walking around during the day!
Address: 961-15 Ishigaki-city, Okinawa, Japan
Parking: None (use west exit parking lot)
Vending machine: None
Toilet; None
Firefly Spots on Ishigaki Island
Maese-dake (Maese-dake) forest road
Maesedake is home to the Ishigakijima Observatory, a popular tourist spot where you can learn about the starry sky of Ishigaki Island.
On the way to "Ishigakijima Observatory", there is a spot where fireflies are glowing. You may be able to find it because it is crowded with tourists during the time when fireflies are glowing.
However, it is said that the number of fireflies is decreasing every year, and seems much smaller than the number in Bangna Park.
Address: Shinkawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa
Free parking: None
Toilet: None
Firefly Spots on Ishigaki Island
Omotodake (Omotodake) Climbing Forest Road
Omotodake (Omotodake), reaching an elevation of about 520 meters.The highest mountain in Okinawa PrefectureIt is a The mountain is home to subtropical flora and fauna, and you can see crested serpent eagles and long-tailed pigeon, both of which are designated as national natural treasures.
Night tours are also recommended for those who wish to see the island's unique and rare creatures.
Location: Tonoshiro, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: about 30 minutes from Ishigaki Port Terminal
Parking: Available
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Firefly Spots in Iriomote Island
Old Shirahama Highway
There are firefly spots on Iriomote Island, which can be reached by ferry from Ishigaki Island.
The old Shirahama Road is another firefly spot on Iriomote Island, as is the river near Sonai Port,Late February - MayThe sunset finishes before 7:00 p.m., and about 30 minutes later the light begins to flash from the forest.
*Previously, individuals were able to visit for firefly viewing,About 10 years ago, a landslide occurred on the Shirahama Highway, making it impassable.
If you want to see the Yaeyama fireflies on the old Shirahama Highway, join a tour and visit.
Learn more about Iriomotejima Firefly Tour
Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island
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For those who plan to visit remote islands around Ishigaki Island!
Ferry tickets must be purchased in advance.
If you have come all the way to Ishigaki Island, you would like to visit each of the remote islands (Iriomote Island, Kohama Island, Kuroshima, Hatoma Island, and Taketomi Island)!
In the past, ferry tickets were paper-based, but now they are 3 dense avoidance andPre-purchase is the most common way to prevent infection.The first day of the cruise is now open. On the day of boarding, simply present the e-mail (QR code) received at the time of reservation.
☆★Total number of users exceeded 100,000 in 2023☆☆☆☆★Total number of users exceeded 100,000 in 2023
Advantages of pre-purchase are also presented!
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Ishigaki Island requires a rental car!
Be careful, as they book up quickly!
Ishigaki Island is a large island with few public transportation systems. If you have a rental car, you can go out to see the sunset or starry sky without worrying about transportation.
We recommend renting a car, especially for families with small children or those with a lot of luggage!
*Please note that car rental reservations fill up quickly.
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summary
How was it? If you visit Ishigaki Island from March to June, please be sure to see the night show of Yaeyama fireflies.
Hundreds and thousands of natural illuminations are impressive no matter how many times you see them. Other than that, June through August is called "The Phantom One Night Flower".Appreciation of Sagaribanaare also popular, so please join a tour if the time is right!
