As of today, out of season, returns ~June. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
Each early summer, himebotaru fireflies (Luciola parvula) light up the damp valleys and forest floor around Orizumedake in Iwate Prefecture.
Unlike the river-dwelling Genji firefly, himebotaru are a land-living species, and their rapid, twinkling flashes fill the mountain woods for a few weeks, varying by elevation and rainfall.
Where to see it
A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.
| Viewing spots |
|---|
| Orizumedake Lower Valley Viewing Area |
| Orizumedake Mid-Elevation Trailhead |
| + 1 more spot, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app → |
This is the short version
This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.