Aug 15, 2025 / 5:00 PM 〜 10:00 PM
Nagasaki’s Spirit Boat Procession, also known as the Shoro-Nagashi (精霊流し), takes place on 15 August each year during the Bon Festival celebrations to welcome back ancestors from the spirit world. It is famous for the “spirit boats” (called shōrōbune, 精霊船) which, adorned with glowing lanterns, move through the city to the sound of firecrackers to ward off evil spirits, gongs, drums, and the clamour of the crowds. The festivities begin around 5pm and continue into the night. The main area for the procession is Kenchozaka Dori.