The fireflies in Yamaguchi-cho are at their best again this year.
They’re flying.There are three of them — can you spot them?
This is what they look like when they’re resting. They’re glowing pretty brightly.
Around 8 p.m., the area gets lively with people coming to see them.
How long will they be visible?
- Around May 25 to June 19, 2026
The best time to see them is around 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. after rain.
Where can you see them?
- Along the Arima River in Yamaguchi-cho
The number of fireflies is counted daily by Mitsunobu Honda, chair of the Yamaguchi-Funasaka School District Youth Protection Council, and posted on their website.
Here it is on the map ↓
Right near the Sakura Yamanami Bus / Hankyu Bus stops “Kinsenji-guchi,” “Kami-Yamaguchi,” “Yamaguchi Center-mae,” and “Shimo-Yamaguchi”
*You can get there on any Sakura Yamanami Bus route.
Are there any viewing manners to follow?
- Do not catch the fireflies.
- Do not shine flashlights at the fireflies.
- Do not use flash photography.
- Do not park on the street or talk loudly.
- From May 25 to June 19, between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m., the lights will be turned off, so please be careful not to fall or trip.
For details, please check the Yamaguchi-cho website.
It looks like the “Firefly Walk Rally” is ending
It looks like the annual “Firefly Walk Rally” will no longer be held going forward.Please note that there will also be no extra Sakura Yamanami Bus services.
In Closing
We’re able to see the fireflies in Yamaguchi and the fireflies in Shukugawa again this year because local residents take such good care of them. Please be mindful of the surrounding environment and enjoy viewing them!
