Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Island Hotel, which aims to be Japan's first "ecotourism resort," is holding the "Yaeyama Firefly Viewing Tour" until April 4th.

The smallest fireflies in Japan, they are the earliest to light up, and when they gather in groups of several thousand to tens of thousands, they create a magical sight known as "forest illumination." The attraction of this tour is being able to immerse yourself in such a space.

Yaeyama Himebotaru, which only lives on Iriomote Island and Ishigaki Island, is the smallest firefly in Japan and the earliest to start glowing. The sight of thousands to tens of thousands of them shining in groups is called "forest illumination," and creates a fantastical scene. The appeal of this tour is being able to immerse yourself in such a space and watch the fantastical scene created by the Yaeyama Himebotaru.

There is also a "Private Firefly Tour" available, limited to one group per day, where a nature guide will take you to a viewing spot that is rarely visited by other tour guests. On this tour, you can enjoy the Yaeyama fireflies at your leisure with a cup of coffee in a private space.

The Yaeyama fireflies, which only glow for about an hour after sunset, do not fly high, but fly slowly close to the ground. At the firefly lecture held at the hotel, you can learn about the characteristics of how Yaeyama fireflies glow, which should deepen your understanding of the Yaeyama fireflies.

The Yaeyama fireflies can only be seen for a limited period between February and April. We hope you will burn the sight of them dancing wildly with bright lights shining from their small bodies into your memory.

◆ "Yaeyama Hime Firefly Viewing Tour"
[Period] Currently being held - May 2025, 4 (Thursday)
[Time] Approximately 18 hours between 25:20 and 30:1 (may vary depending on the season)
[Price] 3,850 yen (ages 13-70) 3,300 yen (ages 3-12)
[Reservation] Reservations must be made by 18:XNUMX p.m. the day before on the Iriomote Island Hotel official website.
Eligible: Hotel guests aged 3 to 70
Note: May be canceled due to weather conditions
When participating in the tour, the use of cameras, mobile phones, flashlights, and other light-emitting devices is prohibited.

◆ "Private Firefly Tour"
[Period] Now through May 2025, 5 (Tuesday, national holiday)
[Time] 18:30-20:30 (Tour times may vary slightly depending on the season)
[Price] 1 yen per person (tax included)
[Capacity] 1 groups per day (up to 1 people per group)
[Eligible] Hotel guests aged 10 and over
[Reservation] Reservations must be made by 18:XNUMX p.m. the day before on the Iriomote Island Hotel official website.