Yumachi Hotaru (Firefly) Park

This park is about a 20-minute drive from Shimobeonsen-Hayakawa Interchange on the Chubu-Odan Expressway. The park is located upstream the Shimobe River past Shimobe Onsen Resort. It is one only habitat in Japan where genji-botaru (Luciola cruciata) fireflies reproduce naturally. The clear water that flows through the park's brooks is a sign of the efforts that volunteers from the local hot spring district have made in order to preserve the firefly's habitat. The best time to see the fireflies is in mid-June. Many flowers bloom profusely around the park's waterways and the chirping of wild birds can also be heard in the park. Some of the park's attractions include a hill with a gazebo at the top and a grassy square. Visitors can also enjoy taking a stroll through the park during the daytime.