There’s a Milky Way on the grass too — Japan’s six most dreamy firefly-viewing spots

Text by / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team

On hot midsummer nights, people often yearn for the rural scene described by writer Yang Huan in his poem “Summer Night”: “Following lantern-bearing fireflies, joyfully traveling through the beautiful summer night.” But with environmental changes, the global firefly population has been decreasing year by year, and the places where you can see these “Milky Ways on the grass” are becoming fewer. In Japan, however, people can still witness swarms of fireflies in many areas with clean water sources. Friends in Taiwan might want to seize the opportunity to experience this magical summer evening of chasing fireflies in the countryside.

• Tōbun Trout Spring (Miyagi Prefecture)

Observation period: Late June to early July, around 9:00 PM

Observation location: Trout Spring area, Tōbun, Tome City, Miyagi Prefecture

The Trout Spring area is a natural habitat for Genji fireflies and has been designated as a national nature reserve. Visitors can see flocks of Genji fireflies dancing in the air, along with their reflections sparkling on the clear streams and the waters of the Trout Spring River, creating a stunning light show of thousands of tiny lights flickering by.

• Shinshu Tatsuno Town (Nagano Prefecture))

Observation period: Early to late June

Observation location: Tatsuno Town, Kamiina District, Nagano Prefecture

At Japan’s foremost firefly attraction, the “Firefly Nursery Rhyme Park,” when firefly numbers are high, you might even see up to ten thousand Genji fireflies dotting the starry sky in a single day — a romantic and otherworldly scene that feels like being in a galactic Milky Way. During the Shinshu Tatsuno Firefly Festival, there are also various traditional stalls, dance performances, and cultural activities in the area.

• Asuka River (Gifu Prefecture)

Observation period: Early to late June

Observation location: Yahagi Shrine Field, Tagiri, Ibi Town, Ibi District, Gifu Prefecture

In the Yahagi River area of Ibigawa Town, Gifu Prefecture — particularly in the Yokura district of Kuromura and along the Asuka River — you can witness a fantastical green-light pathway. Poetic fireflies drift across the grass carried by the summer breeze, leaving visitors entranced. Other great viewing spots include the Hanbara River, Katsura River, and areas near Kamigamo Shrine in the northern part of the region, as well as the Ibi River countryside in Ueno.

• Tori River Firefly Village (Aichi Prefecture)

Observation period: Late May to late June, around 8:00–9:00 PM

Observation location: “Tori River Firefly Village,” Tori River District, Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture

Along the banks of the “Tori River Firefly Village Spring,” listed among Japan’s Top 100 Famous Waters, lies a 2-kilometer stretch that is home to numerous wild Genji fireflies. At peak times, about 500 to 1,400 fireflies flutter through the air.