- Japanese Giant Salamander and
Dancing Fireflies - Gifu , Japan
- Appreciating Japan's Unique "Living Fossils": The World's Largest Amphibian and The Japanese Fireflies
- Price
- from JPY 100,000
- Duration
- 2nights 3days
- Season
- May to September
Highlights
- Underwater Observation of the Japanese Giant Salamander, Designated as a National Special Natural Monument
The Wara River flows through a lush mountain village between Hida and Mino, in Gifu Prefecture. Many Giant Salamanders, endemic to Japan and named a National Special Natural Monument, are found in this area. A professional guide will take you snorkeling to look for them in the wild. You will also observe the other creatures that live in the same mountain stream. - Watching fireflies only found in Japan (Only in June and July)
In Mid-June, watch the "Genji-Botaru Fireflies" (Luciola cruciata) as they dance along the Ontani River, a branch of the Wara River. In the mountains, see another species, the "Hime-Botaru" (Luciola parvula) as they glitter in the forest. Each species has a different timing for coming out at night and emit light in different patterns. You can also participate in a special lecture on getting good photos of the fireflies. - Limited to only 4 people! Enjoy local Japanese dishes at a peaceful inn.
This tour is for small groups only, minimum 2 people and maximum 4 only. Stay in a guest house tucked away in the remote forest, enjoying meals of local river fish such as wild Japanese Wara Ayu and char, as well as other local flavors expertly prepared with fresh, natural, and seasonal ingredients harvested locally.
Accompanying Guide: Yoshihiro Ito
Born in Gifu Prefecture in 1959. Underwater photographer and diving instructor. Discovered the joy of diving in Iriomote Island and obtained his instructor qualification in 2009. While diving in the seas and rivers around the world, he was fascinated by the rich ecosystem of the rivers in Gifu. He was the first to offer guided tours in the area, establishing the "Ito Diving Project." He runs these river observation tours, while also pursuing his underwater photography of river creatures. He conducts a wide range of studies and observations on the Japanese Giant Salamander on the Wara River, including individual identification, ecological observations, and habitat parameters.
"The Living Fossils"
The World's largest amphibian, the Japanese Giant Salamander
Inhabiting the upper reaches of rivers from Gifu Prefecture to Oita, at an altitude of 400 to 600m. The upstream area of the Wara river in Gifu has a relatively high water temperature, is abundant in limestone and other minerals at the headwaters. A moderate flow of the river and pooling areas mean there are lots of aquatic insects and fish that feed on algae. This makes a very suitable environment for the Giant Salamanders, which are at the top of the river's food chain. These nocturnal creatures often spend the day together with other salamanders under the grass or between rocks on the riverbank or they stay still all alone. This behavior makes them easy to find if you know where to look. Having not changed its appearance since 30 million years ago, these Salamanders are often called a "living fossil."
Watch the fireflies dance in a fantastical world
among the infinite number of lights (Only in June and July)
There are 50 types of fireflies in Japan, and only three species of those are found along rivers: Luciola cruciata, Luciola lateralis, and Luciola owadai. The rest of them are terrestrial fireflies that live on land. The Genji-Botaru fireflies (Luciola cruciata) which are often seen on the Ontani River, a branch of the Wara River, have an adult period of about one week and fly while emitting a curved light and sparkling illuminations that reflect on the river surface. The "forest firefly" (Hime- Botaru) Luciola parvula fireflies, which are terrestrial and widely distributed from the plains to the mountains in Gifu. They are most easily observed from Mid-May to Mid-July. They flash and glow twice in one second. The Genji-Botaru fireflies are most active around 8PM, and the forest fireflies peak at 11PM, so you can observe both species in one day (at different observation points).
Itinerary
| City | Summary | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifu-Hashima Wara-cho Hida-Kanayama |
9 AM Meet at Gifu-Hashima Station. Take a private car to Wara-cho (about 2 hours). Look for the Japanese giant salamanders while snorkeling in the Wara and Ontani rivers. After that, go to hotel and rest at the inn. After dinner, the guide will take the group to view the nightime activities of the Genji-botaru and Hime-Botaru fireflies.
Accom: Shichifukuyama or similary | Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner |
| 2 | Hida-Kanayama |
Enjoy a full day of observing rich mountain stream ecosystems. Observe rare aquatic creatures such as the Japanese fire belly newt (Cynops pyrrhogaster) and the Japanese clawed salamander (Onychodactylus japonicus). In the evening, guided excursions to view the Genji-botaru fireflies and Hime-Botaru fireflies again.
Accom: Shichifukuyama or similary
| All Meals Included |
| 3 | Hida-Kanayama Gifu-Hashima |
Enjoy observing the Japanese giant salamander in the morning. Rare creatures such as the Japanese pond turtle (Japanese pond turtle, Mauremys japonica) may also be seen. After lunch, we will drive back to Gifu-Hashima Station by a private car. Tour ends upon arrival at around 4PM.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch |
| City | Summary | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifu-Hashima Wara-cho Hida-Kanayama |
Meet at Gifu-Hashima Station at 9 AM. Take a private car to Wara-cho (about 2 hours). Look for the Japanese giant salamanders while snorkeling in the Wara and Ontani rivers. After that, go to hotel and rest at the inn. The guide again picks you up from your hotel after dinner and take you for night tour. Night tour: Spot the Japanese giant flying squirrel OR Spot the Japanese giant salamanders from land. Accom: Shichifukuyama or similary | Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner |
| 2 | Hida-Kanayama |
Enjoy a full day of observing rich mountain stream ecosystems. Observe rare aquatic creatures such as the Japanese clawed salamander (Onychodactylus japonicus), etc. After that, go to hotel at around 4PM and rest. The guide again picks you up from your hotel after dinner and take you for night tour. Night tour: Spot the Japanese giant flying squirrel OR Spot the Japanese giant salamanders from land. Accom: Shichifukuyama or similary
| All Meals Included |
| 3 | Hida-Kanayama Gifu-Hashima |
Enjoy observing the Japanese giant salamander in the morning. Rare creatures such as the Japanese pond turtle (Japanese pond turtle, Mauremys japonica) may also be seen. After lunch, we will drive back to Gifu-Hashima Station by a private car. Tour ends upon arrival at around 4PM. Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch |
Price
| Price per person | |
|---|---|
| Tour cost Season: May to September |
JPY 110,000 2 participants |
| JPY 110,000 3 participants |
|
| JPY 100,000 4 participants |
Including :
Accommodations as per above | A local guide | A private vehicle with driver as per itinerary above | Meals (2 x breakfast, 3x lunch, 2x dinner) | All activities participation fees as per aboveExclusive of :
Transportation to/from Japan | Domestic flights and train in Japan | Travel & medical Insurance | Additional Snacks | Personal expenses personal expenses (Souvenirs and alcoholic beverages, etc.) | Rental equipment: dry suit, snorkel, mask* Rental equipment is available, so please inform ahead of time regarding these options: Dry suit: 11,000yen, Mask & Snorkel 3,000yen.
Fitness Level: 1 out of 5
Suitable for people of all ages with general good health and fitness
Climate
The mountain stream has a water temperature of 16-18℃
Clothes
Underwater observation requires a dry suit, snorkel, and a mask. Fins are not necessary. Comfortable clothes such as sweatshirts can be worn, but despite the dry suit, you may get wet, so please bring extra clothes just in case. Since there are many mosquitoes and other insects while watching fireflies at night, bring long sleeves, warmer layers, and boots to avoid getting bitten by leeches. In the case of rain, full top & bottom raingear are a must.
Accommodation
Japanese-style economy room with shared bathroom and shared toilet.
Luggage
As we use private van, and luggage space is limited, we allow everyone to bring up to one suitcase per person. If there is not enough space in the trunk for the backpack with photo equipment, you may need to keep it on your lap as we drive.
Important Note
*In case that you have heavy rains in local area a day or two before the day of your tour, we may have to cancel this tour.
*Please refrain from photographs while on private land (the guide will specify when photography is allowed), even when taking scenes of nature or the rivers. Stroboscopic/flash photography is strictly prohibited. In order to reduce unnatural sources of light, please turn off screens and autoplay back after shooting options and refrain from adjusting camera settings or using a flashlight in the firefly areas, as much as possible. Please be considerate of others there, not only other photographers, but also other tourists who are looking forward to enjoying the natural light show. Insect repellent spray is strictly prohibited in the natural areas but can be used at the accommodations.
*The purpose of this tour is to observe nature and for wildlife photography. According to weather reports and local information we will adjust the schedule as needed; based on recent sightings. However, these are wild animals and there is no guarantee of being able to see everything listed.
Customize Your Tour?
If you wish to extend your stay or make additional arrangements, contact us to start discussing your custom tour! We'll listen to you and create an itinerary based on your budget, your choice of destinations, accommodations, and focus it on your interests. There might be customized itinerary design fees and estimate fees involved.
Contact us about this tour
3rd floor, Kyodo Bldg. Jimbocho, 2-2, Kanda-Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan ｜Travel Agency Registration No. 607
