Fukumaki Firefly Country

Fukumaki Firefly Country
Photo／
Fukumaki Firefly Country

Fireflies, nature, flowers

＜If you are coming from Hiroshima or Okayama or Yonago(Tottori), please use this tours.＞
◆ Arrival and departure from Hiroshima Station
◆ Arrival and departure from Okayama and Kurashiki station
◆ Arrival and departure from Yonago(Tottori) station

Fukumaki Firefly Country: One of the leading scenic spots in the country.

In the town of Nichinan, there is a place called "Fukumaki," meaning "A myriad of fortunes will come." The name suggests that one may feel happiness just by visiting this place.
All of the fireflies in Fukumaki are wild fireflies. They may just bring you happiness if you catch sight of the approximately 20,000 Himebotaru fireflies, as well as the array of light from the Genji fireflies that live here, as they gracefully dance on the river. Please take a visit to Fukumaki Firefly Country, one of the leading scenic spots not only in Nichinan, but in the country.

Himebotaru fireflies fill the mountain surface, while Genji fireflies dancing elegantly in the sky produce a feast of sound.

Fukumaki is a rare firefly viewing site in Japan where both Himebotaru and Genji fireflies can be seen simultaneously and on a large scale.
Himebotaru are characterized by a light that flashes twice a second. The females remain on the ground, and the male flies 1-2 meters from the ground while emitting light.
Genji fireflies are characterized by a light emission time of a few seconds longer than that of the Himebotaru. Females stay on surfaces such as leaves, and males fly in the upper skies near the waterside while emitting light.
In Fukumaki, the Himebotaru and Genjibotaru viewing areas are located opposite each other, and the peak time for each type of firefly may overlap once every few years. It is no exaggeration to say that this overwhelming scale and beauty is unmatched in Japan.

"Fukumaki Firefly Country" Related Products

○ "Fukumaki Firefly Country Shop" Sales Location
At the Fukumaki Firefly Country shuttle bus arrival and departure area, T-shirts, postcards, and various soft drinks to enjoy after watching the fireflies are for sale. Boot rental is also available here for those who are concerned about foot comfort.

○ "Nichinan Hinogawa no Sato Rest Stop" Sales Location
In accordance with the operating season of Fukumaki Firefly Country, an area offering firefly goods with items such as T-shirts and postcards is expressly set up. Business hours extend until the final shuttle bus returns to the rest stop from Fukumaki Firefly Country, so you can use the rest stop to relax after watching the fireflies, etc.

◆Access

Please utilize the shuttle bus to and from "Michi-no-Eki Nichinan Hinogawa-no-Sato."
Shuttle buses run between "Michi-no-Eki Nichinan Hinokawa-no-Sato" and "Fukumaki Hotaru-no-Kuni" to reduce the environmental impact of exhaust from automobiles in the vicinity of Fukumaki Hotaru-no-Kuni. Please park your car at Michi-no Eki and take the shuttle bus to get to Fukumaki Hotaru-no-Kuni.

Once confirmed, the shuttle bus schedule will be posted to this homepage, as well as the Nichinan Tourism Facebook page「ossanshouo」.

If using public transportation, please alight at [JR Shoyama Station]. As of 2019, a new shuttle bus connecting the station to Michi-no-Eki Nichinan Hinokawa-no-Sato will run according to the JR Shoyama Station train arrival timings (approximately 5 minutes travel time).
We will post the bus timetable once it is been finalized. The bus will allow you to catch the last trains bound for Yonago Station and Niimi Station, so please make use of public transport.

◆Peak Season Information

The peak season at Fukumaki Hotaru-no-Kuni is usually from the end of June to the middle of July. Genji-botaru start flying at the end of June, and Hime-botaru start glowing in July. At around the time Genji-botaru reach their peak and begin to decline, Hime-botaru will enter their prime. The Tanabata festival on July 7th every year is said to be the peak period for Hime-botaru. The best time to see fireflies is from 8pm to 9pm.

[Peak Season Information] Peak firefly season information below
①"Yamagami Community Development Association"
*This is run by members of local conservation organizations who are most familiar with Fukumaki Hotaru-no-Kuni.

②Facebook page「ossanshouo」
*Nichinan Tourism Association provides information on sightseeing and events in Nichinan.

◆Group tour

For guests who are planning to visit Fukumaki Hotaru-no-Kuni on a bus tour.
As there is limited parking space for buses at Fukumaki Hotaru-no-Kuni, please refrain from parking or entering directly in your bus without letting us know in advance, as doing so will significantly disrupt the traffic in the area. If you are planning to see the fireflies on a bus tour, please contact us in advance at the number below.
We will reserve a parking space for you and work with you to coordinate the details of your visit. In addition, we will also do our best to make arrangement for your meals and lodging in town, as well as provide general support for sightseeing in Fukumaki Hotaru-no-Kuni.
Contact：Nichinan Town Tourism Association（E-mail：info@nichinan-trip.jp）

◆Protection activities

The fireflies found in Fukumaki are protected by the "Yamagami Community Development Association" based in the Yamagami district of Nichinan. Members of this association work in the area to preserve the fireflies' ecosystem while making the surroundings comfortable for guests to view fireflies. To achieve this, they are involved in clearing and mowing the observation routes to create the ideal environment for fireflies to thrive, switching off lights that pass outside buildings during the fireflies’ active hours, and notifying the local police to suspend vehicle traffic along the observation routes (prefectural roads) to prevent car lights from disrupting the fireflies.

In view of the efforts that have been taken to protect the fireflies, please take note of the following points when you are enjoying the fireflies at Fukumaki Hotaru-no-Kuni.

Rules to keep in mind when viewing the fireflies
1. Please do not use artificial lights such as flashlights, car lights, strobes, as they may lower the reproduction rate of fireflies.
2. Fireflies are also sensitive to sound. Please observe them quietly and avoid making loud noises.
3. Fireflies are sensitive to environmental changes. Do not attempt to catch them.
4. Fireflies are insects. Please do not apply insect repellent sprays or use anti-mosquito incense as these items are harmful to fireflies.
5. Organisms that may be harmful to humans can be found in the habitat of Hime-botaru. Since insect repellent spray should not be used, please minimize skin exposure as much as possible by wearing high boots or covered shoes.
6. Hime-botaru are terrestrial insects and their females cannot fly as their wings have degenerated. To avoid stepping on them, please do not go beyond the designated viewing areas.

Notes

Please do not use light from cell phones, car lights, camera strobes, flashlights, etc.
Fireflies' eyes have developed to take care of their offspring. Even a small amount of light can cause them to mistake mating partners, which will reduce their life span.
Please refrain from using loud voices or making loud noise.
As with light, fireflies are also sensitive to loud noises, which can shorten their lifespan.
Please do not use insect repellent sprays or mosquito coils.
This weakens the fireflies. If you are sensitive to insect bites, please adjust the length of your shirt sleeves.
Catching fireflies is prohibited.
Fireflies are very short-lived and delicate creatures that cannot cope with changing habitats.
Please listen to instructions from the staff on site.
In order to preserve the chance for everyone to safely view fireflies next year and for years after, please be sure to follow to the staff's instructions.

Entry
fee

In 2018, an entrance fee (preservation fee) of 500 yen was established.: These funds help us work to create an environment that everyone can appreciate, while protecting fireflies. (Free admission for students under high school age)

Firefly map

Fukuwari Hotarunokuni is a journey of approximately 1.5 km in length. I will explain each point.

KagoOkiba parking lot
You can park about 10 cars. There is no parking nearby. Please use the shuttle bus to reduce traffic congestion and protect the environment.
Starting point
Genji firefly begins to fly from among the cedars in a place where you can feel that you have visited the Fukunari Firefly Country. If you find the first fireflies, it will be natural and exciting.
Kuhesangan
It is a spot to see Himebotaru first from the start point. The number has been increasing rapidly in recent years.
KagoOkiba inside the castle Shop・toilet
The bus is roundabout and shuttle and tourist buses can be reached here. There are also stalls, toilets, and entry ticket counters. Wheelchair rental service is also available.
Firefly observation tree (680m)
When the white flowers of the chestnut tree planted on the roadside are in full bloom, the Genji firefly will also be at its best. Hundreds of Genji firebugs dance in spots called Genji mansion on the other side.
Firefly Corridor entrance (700m)
The so-called "Firefly Corridor" where fireflies begin to show bustle. Genji firefly on the river, Hime firefly on the mountain. The figure that Himebotaru and Genjibotaru fly in front of you will be able to sense the prosperity of the Fukuwari firefly country.
Princess Palace (870m)
The Fukuwari Hotarunokuni began to prosper based here. The image of the "Firefly Communication" blog, where the "Yamakami Community Development Committee", which has long been engaged in firefly protection activities, is also taken here.
Noro Yamaguchi (950m)
The whole view of the firefly corridor will become clear if you look at the top and bottom of the well-being firefly no country from the popular name "Noro Yamaguchi". On the other side of the river, Himebotaru is increasing rapidly, but because it is a private path and dangerous creatures such as a viper lurking, please look from a distance.
Otohara Pass Observation Road (1060m)
The valley narrows sharply, and the firefly and the firefly approach quickly. Himebotaru glowing in the dark is like looking at the stars of the universe up close. Genji fire flies elegantly over the sky far above the head and melts into the sky of a full moon. Enjoy the spectacular view as if you had gone on a space trip! !
South Otemon (1350m)
It is finally close to the end of the event. The voice of the wolf and the serpent of the river heal your ears. Himebotaru, who travels between the left and right forests, can see people walking in the dark as part of the forest or crossing the front of people.

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