Spirit River
The unique Kiriko lanterns of Shimabara create a beautiful spirit river.
On August 15, at dusk, the spirit boats stationed in the town depart, adorned with Kiriko lanterns sent out from homes celebrating their first ancestral rites. They proceed while calling out 'Namido, Namido', swirling left and right at the first-bon homes and various squares. After circling the town, the boats are transported to the river site and set adrift in the Ariake Sea. The sight of the spirit boats with candles lit in the Kiriko lanterns floating on the dark Ariake Sea is both fantastical and beautiful.
Map & Location
Mogami Coast River Site, Minato Shinchi Coast River Site, and others
70 minutes via National Route 251 from the 'Isahaya' IC of the Nagasaki Expressway
Next to Mogami Shrine: 5-minute walk from Shimabara Railway 'Shimabara' Station
Details about Spirit River
- Date & Time
- 8/15(Fri)
- Note
- Held annually on August 15
- Venue
- Mogami Coast River Site, Minato Shinchi Coast River Site, and others
- Address
- Shimabara City, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Access
- 70 minutes via National Route 251 from the 'Isahaya' IC of the Nagasaki Expressway
- Access (Public)
- Next to Mogami Shrine: 5-minute walk from Shimabara Railway 'Shimabara' Station
- Contact
- 0957-63-1111 （Spirit River Event Execution Council (Shimabara City Hall Shimabara Tourism Division)）
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