Early-summer Genji fireflies dancing above the clear waters of the Daianji River
Daianji River Firefly Festival
The 2026 edition of Daianji River Firefly Festival has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/05/30 〜 2026/06/14Ended
- Season / frequency
- Usually from early to late June / Every year
- Location
- Daianji River Firefly Village
- Area
- Gifu Prefecture・Kakamigahara City(From Tokyo: approx. 2 h–2 h 30 min · bullet train + connecting train)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Features
- Participation / viewing
- Open to public participation / spectators welcome
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
This festival is held to watch Genji fireflies dancing on early-summer nights along the upper reaches of the Daianji River in Kakamigahara City.
About Daianji River Firefly Festival
The Daianji River Firefly Festival is held to view Genji fireflies along the upper reaches of the Daianji River in eastern Kakamigahara City.
The firefly habitat includes a biotope developed as “Daianji River Firefly Village.”
From dusk in early summer, fireflies dance along the river, offering a chance to experience the natural environment up close.
During the festival, you can also hear explanations from guides with the firefly group.
Festival highlights
The main highlight is watching Genji fireflies glow softly as they dance along the Daianji River after dark.
The period around 8:30 p.m. is recommended as a particularly good time for viewing.
In the biotope at Firefly Village, you can see their flickering lights among the riverside grass and around the waterways.
Beneath the overpass on National Route 21, members of the firefly group can tell you about the fireflies’ ecology.
Source: 大安寺川ホタル祭り｜各務原市公式ウェブサイト
Early-summer Genji fireflies dancing above the clear waters of the Daianji River
What to expect
Visitors can quietly watch Genji fireflies as they walk through the biotope at Daianji River Firefly Village and along the river.
There is no time limit for viewing, and the fireflies are at their best after dusk, from around 8 p.m. onward.
Beneath the overpass on National Route 21, guides from the firefly group answer questions.
stalls and bazaars are held in some years, offering a chance to enjoy both nature observation and local festivities.
Source: 大安寺川ホタル祭り(岐阜県)の詳細データ｜ウォーカープラス / 大安寺川ホタル祭り - Wikipedia
How to take part
General visitors can visit Firefly Village to view the fireflies.
The festival focuses on observing Genji fireflies, and during the event you can also ask questions of guides from the Daianji River Firefly-Raising Association.
Check the event information to find out whether volunteers or participants for activities are being recruited.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Daianji River Firefly Village (Unuma Daianji-cho, Kakamigahara, Gifu Prefecture).
- Train and bus
About 25 minutes on foot from JR Unuma Station and about 25 minutes on foot from Meitetsu Unumajuku Station.
Kakamigahara City also lists the Tsutsujigaoka Park stop on the morning and evening services of the Fureai Bus East-West Line and the Unuma Line.
- By car
There is no parking near the venue.
Fireflies are sensitive to bright lights such as headlights, so visitors are encouraged to use public transportation.
- Parking
There is no parking.
Address Unuma Daianji-cho, Kakamigahara, Gifu Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 Festival Information (The listed dates have passed)
In 2026, the festival was held from May 30 (Saturday) to June 14 (Sunday).
In most years, the festival is held from early to late June, depending on firefly activity.
The festival dates vary from year to year and depend on firefly activity.
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Gifu Prefecture / Kakamigahara City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
Fireflies are sensitive to bright light, so please be considerate when using headlights or strong lighting at the venue.
The viewing season is said to begin around 8 p.m.
As viewing involves walking along the river, watch your step in the dark; arriving by public transport is recommended.
If donations are being collected, you can also contribute to the upkeep of the Firefly Village.
Nearby attractions
Nearby places of interest include Nihon Rhine Unuma Forest, Nakasendo Unuma-juku, Hinode Fudoson, and Kakamigahara Prefectural Park.
Kakamigano Forest of Nature and Culture is also mentioned as a place to enjoy nature.
For those interested in history and temples or shrines, Teishoji Temple, Hasama Fudoson, and the former Kawakami Family villa, Banshoen, are also options nearby.
アクア・トトぎふ
岐阜県各務原市にある水族館
オアシスパーク
河川環境楽園の岐阜県営公園のゾーン
中山道鵜沼宿町屋館
日本の岐阜県各務原市にある博物館
内藤記念くすり博物館
岐阜県各務原市にある博物館
各務原市歴史民俗資料館
岐阜県各務原市にある博物館
岐阜かかみがはら航空宇宙博物館
岐阜県各務原市にある博物館
Origins and History of Daianji River Firefly Festival
The Daianji River Firefly Festival has been held as part of efforts to protect the Genji fireflies in the Daianji River and give the local community a chance to enjoy watching them.
The festival has been held since 1984 (Showa 59) by the Daianji River Firefly Preservation Society.
One of the festival’s distinctive features is that its timing and duration vary depending on firefly activity.
Today, viewing and guided activities take place mainly in Firefly Village, which has been developed as a biotope.
Official information
The website of the Daianji River Firefly Preservation Society is listed as an official source of information.
Information about the venue, transportation, and viewing precautions is also available from Kakamigahara City and the official Gifu Prefecture tourism website.
Source: 祭・イベント｜各務原市公式ウェブサイト
Daianji River Firefly Festival at a Glance
The Daianji River Firefly Festival is an early-summer festival where visitors watch Genji fireflies glow in Firefly Village, which has been developed along the upper reaches of the Daianji River in Kakamigahara City.
In 2026, the festival was held from May 30 to June 14, with viewing recommended from around 8 p.m.
Avoid bright lights and use public transportation to quietly enjoy the riverside nature and dancing fireflies.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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