Hiyotsuma Firefly Festival
The Hyomatsu fireflies are fireflies that are so named because they breed along the banks of the Iwamuro Haraigawa River, which is fed by the pure waters of the Hiyotsuma and Seijin springs. This source of this river is the foothill of Mt. Taho, which is near to Iwamuro. From the middle of June to the beginning of July it is possible to observe many fireflies in areas ranging from the low marshy areas around the river to the tops of the tall cedars. The sight of the glow of the fireflies on the leaves of the cedars resembles flowers of light blooming in the jet black darkness. A number of festivals and concerts are held in the spa town during this period.