What are Yaeyama fireflies? A fantastic sight that can be seen only in spring on Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island

Iriomote and Ishigaki Islands in Okinawa Prefecture offer beautiful scenery that can only be seen during limited times of the year.

The smallest fireflies in Japan, called "Yaeyama fireflies," appear from late February to late April.

This fantastic sight of fireflies can be seen by taking an "activity tour.

The beautiful and fantastic sight created by the "Yaeyama fireflies" has become popular through SNS and word of mouth, and many tourists visit Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island during this season, with tours filling up quickly during peak season.

In this article, I, a resident of Iriomote Island, will introduce the beauty of Yaeyama fireflies and the reasons for their popularity!

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The dancing Yaeyama fireflies are like an illumination!

The Yaeyama firefly is the smallest firefly in Japan, measuring 2 to 4 mm in length, and is found on Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands in Okinawa Prefecture.

In Japan, fireflies are usually seen from May to late June, but on Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands with warmer climates, they can be seen from late February to late April.

The peak season for Yaeyama fireflies varies from year to year, but is mainly from mid-March to late March, when many tourists visit the area to "see for themselves.

Yaeyama fireflies begin to glow at sunset and disappear after only about 30 minutes.

The time of year and time of day when they can be seen is really limited.

And the fireflies glowing in that short time are very fantastic.

There is a beauty that cannot be conveyed in videos or photos, so if you are planning to visit Okinawa during this time of year, you should definitely consider signing up for an activity tour.

Ecology of the Yaeyama firefly

The "Yaeyama firefly" is the smallest firefly in Japan, measuring 2 to 4 mm in length.

It takes one year for the larvae to mature into adults. The life span of an adult is only 5 to 7 days, and in this short period of time, they find a partner and mate.

One of the reasons fireflies glow is because females and males find each other partners.

Females have no wings and cannot fly, so they glow on the ground. They emit a stronger light than the males so that they can be easily spotted by the males.

The lights we see dancing in the air like illuminations are male.

Yaeyama fireflies flicker quickly in 0.3 to 0.5 second cycles.

This is why you see a line of short broken lights when you take a picture.

Habitat of the Yaeyama Himebotaru

When you think of firefly habitats, you may imagine clean waterside areas, but Yaeyama fireflies live in mountainous areas with moderate humidity, fallen leaves, and decaying soil.

Conditions for the appearance of Yaeyama fireflies

The Yaeyama firefly can be seen every day during the season, but this is not always the case.

It can be seen "only on days when all the conditions, including temperature and weather, are right.

Yaeyama fireflies prefer temperatures of 20°C or higher. Even during the season, fireflies may not appear on days when the temperature is too low.

On days when it is raining or too windy, fireflies cannot dance in the sky.

However, it prefers a humid climate, so some rain is necessary.

Thus, the viewing conditions for Yaeyama fireflies are very delicate.

Even though we humans make predictions according to these conditions, some days there are more fireflies than expected, while other days there are very few.

If you can see it, you are lucky!

Points to keep in mind when going to see Yaeyama fireflies

Please observe the following precautions when you go to see the "Yaeyama firefly" because they are very precious and delicate fireflies.

Caution 1. do not shine light on fireflies

When you go out to see fireflies, not only the "Yaeyama fireflies," but also other fireflies, never shine your light on them.

As mentioned earlier, fireflies glow to find partners.

When it senses a light stronger than its own, it tries to glow more strongly and is quite physically drained, so it weakens quickly.

The sun sets and it is dark at the time of day when we go to see fireflies.

You may need a car headlight or flashlight, but it is taboo to carry anything that emits a strong light.

Get to the site when it is still light, let your eyes adjust, and try to avoid the need for lights.

Camera LCDs are also strong light for fireflies, so if you are taking pictures, try to cover the LCD with a towel or something similar.

Note 2: Make sure to take measures against hubs.

The Yaeyama fireflies begin to glow after sunset.

As mentioned earlier, light is strictly prohibited where fireflies are, so the area becomes pitch black when it is time to view them.

It is important to note that Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands are inhabited by a "poisonous snake" called the "Saxima habu.

You may step on them without realizing they are at your feet and they may bite you.

Since the firefly habitat is in the mountains, it is dangerous to go there in sandals or other shoes that do not cover your feet, as you will be walking in total darkness and on poor footing.

In addition to taking precautions to avoid being bitten by the hub, we should wear shoes that protect our feet well in advance and thick long pants to protect our feet.

Yaeyama firefly viewing is,Tour participation is recommended.

You can go see the Yaeyama fireflies on your own, but unless you have a good reason to go, it is recommended that you join a tour.

There are several firefly viewing spots on the island, and if you join a tour, you will be guided to the spot where you are most likely to see fireflies, depending on the conditions of the day.

You can go to places that are difficult to visit on your own, if you are accompanied by a tour guide.

After viewing fireflies, the area is pitch black. If you are with a tour guide who is familiar with the area, there is no need to worry about getting lost, and he or she will warn you about the bad footholds.

You can also rent boots and a special flashlight for the tour, included in the tour price.

Above all, you can hear about the ecology of Yaeyama fireflies, the island, and recommended sightseeing spots, so if you are going to Ishigakijima or Iriomotejima, you should sign up for the tour in advance.

＞ Click here for ACTIVITY JAPAN "Yaeyama Firefly Appreciation Tour

＞ Click here for Hoshino Resort "Yaeyama Firefly Appreciation Tour

＞ Click here for "Yaeyama Firefly Appreciation Tour" on Asobu

Appreciate the sky before and after sunset!

Thus, the "Yaeyama firefly" is a rare and precious species that can be seen on Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands in Okinawa Prefecture.

The tours are held at night to coincide with the appearance of the Yaeyama fireflies, but if the weather is fine, visitors can enjoy a beautiful sunset before the fireflies appear and a star-filled sky after the fireflies have disappeared.

The fantastic sight of fireflies is beautiful, but the changing skies of Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands, surrounded by rich nature, are also very beautiful, so please enjoy them as well!