A Water Tour of Kansai Nurturing Natural Treasures SHIGA Prefecture Santo Town River of Genji Fireflies Early on summer evenings, Santo Town is brightly decorated by Genji fireflies dancing on the wind. From early to mid June each year, fantastic light shows produced by multitudes of Genji fireflies can be seen on the riverbanks of Santo Town. A protected species designated by the national government, the fireflies grow in the Amano River, one of the clearest streams in the prefecture. To protect the fireflies, the town enacted the Firefly Protection Ordinance in 1972 and amended it in 1997. Genji Fireflies originate on the Amano River,part of the Amano River system. The town's rivers and waterways have been designated as firefly reserves, and the catching of firefly larvae and melanian snails, food for the larvae, is prohibited. River dredging operations are required to exercise special care to protect animals and plants, by preserving the shoals and reedy banks, for example, so that river improvements also preserve the ecosystem. The entire town is working to protect the water for Genji fireflies. Planning and Promotion Section, Santo Town Office TEL 0749-55-2040 BACK NEXT All images Copyright. 1999 Kansai International Public Relations Promotion Office. All Rights Reserved.