Masses of fireflies with their soft intermittent light fly around some of the rivers in Misato Town. You can experience the fantastic sight of the pitch black night sky filled with a huge number of glowing fireflies, especially during their peak time. Some photographers visit Misato Town specifically to capture the starry night sky and glowing fireflies together when the weather conditions are right. The fireflies can only be seen for a few weeks between late May and mid-June. In mid-June (usually on the third Saturday), a “Firefly Festival” is held.

Fireflies are ephemeral creatures that only live for one to two weeks as adults and only near clean streams. Fireflies are sensitive to light. Do not shine light directly at the fireflies. If you need to use a light to illuminate your path, use a weak light.

[Prohibited activities]

• Capturing the fireflies
• Shining strong light at fireflies
• Entering rice paddies or vegetable fields (you may encounter dangerous snakes)
• Throwing away cigarette butts or trash
• Using bug repellent spray containing unnatural ingredients