Fireflies at Their Peak in the Ishidatami Area, Uchiko, Ehime (May 31, 2026)

Every year during firefly season, we visit the Ishidatami area of Uchiko, Ehime, to enjoy watching them. The firefly season usually runs from late May to early June, so today--Saturday, May 31, 2026--was right in the middle of it. We hadn't checked in advance how many fireflies were flying this year, but my wife and I decided to go anyway... and we ended up seeing quite a lot.

As in previous years, we watched the fireflies around the Fumoto River, which flows along Prefectural Route 243 in front of Ishidatami Elementary School.

Two fireflies were resting on the safety fence near the river. One of them took off, glowing beautifully as it flew away.

According to my wife, who came with me, the fireflies in the Ishidatami area are quite friendly. One even walked along her arm. Watching a glowing firefly wander across her arm was adorable and surprisingly soothing.

Even though the firefly on her arm seemed friendly, it must have gotten bored or wanted to explore somewhere else. Without any warning, it gently lifted off and flew away, leaving a faint, magical trail of light behind.

After crossing the bridge over the Fumoto River and looking along Prefectural Route 243, I couldn't capture them well on camera, but I could see more than five fireflies at once in my field of view. Looking around, I'd say over twenty were flying.

I can't say for sure whether there were more fireflies than usual--since I don't come every day--but personally, it felt about the same as in previous years.

Location of the Fumoto River (Ishidatami Area, Uchiko, Ehime)

Address

Near 4631 Ishidatami, Uchiko, Kita District, Ehime

*The fireflies appear over a wide area, so the address of Ishidatami Elementary School is listed as a reference. Fireflies can be seen along the river that flows beside the road in front of the school.

Google Maps

Google Street View

After enjoying the fireflies along the Fumoto River, we drove to Ishidatami Seiryu-en, where the watermill hut is located.

Only a couple of fireflies were flying above the small stream near the watermill. As in previous years, there are fewer fireflies here compared to the Fumoto River near the school--perhaps because of timing. Still, unlike the area near the school, there are no bright streetlights here, so it's easier to see the fireflies glowing in the darkness. Although, since tonight was a full moon, it may have been brighter than usual.

Location of Ishidatami Seiryu-en (Ishidatami Area, Uchiko, Ehime)

Address

Ishidatami, Uchiko, Kita District, Ehime

Google Maps

Google Street View

I'm glad we were able to see the fireflies in the Ishidatami area again in 2026. With Typhoon No. 6 approaching, it was nice to catch them before the weather changed. I hope we can come again next year.

Notes and Safety Tips

The roads around the Ishidatami area can be narrow, and passing oncoming cars can be tricky in some spots, though most of the route is two lanes and easy to drive. At night, visibility is lower, especially around curves, so extra caution is needed when visiting by car.

In areas without streetlights, it can be difficult to notice people watching fireflies from behind guardrails. The wider the road, the easier it is to let your guard down, so be careful not to accidentally get too close to pedestrians.

On the way to the watermill, wild animals such as rabbits sometimes appear on the road. Be careful not to hit them. I didn't see any this time, but my wife said she saw the backside of something running away.

As we were leaving the Ishidatami area, we saw a stray cat--probably a kitten--walking slowly along the road. It ran off when our car approached. We meet a few stray cats here every year. We already have Yukio, our former stray (now a beloved house cat), so we can't take in any more. I hope this little one grows up safely and is doing well next year.

Please drive carefully when visiting the Ishidatami area for firefly viewing, and watch out for wild animals and stray cats.