Nagasaki Kunchi, held every year from 7–9 October, is the grand autumn festival of Suwa Shrine and one of Japan’s most spectacular and internationally flavoured festivals, listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Dating back nearly 400 years, it showcases the city’s unique cosmopolitan culture through dazzling performances (hono-odori) presented by the city’s neighbourhoods, which take turns each year. The most famous is the electrifying Dragon Dance (Ja Odori), of Chinese origin, in which a long serpentine dragon chases a golden ball to pounding drums, but the festival also features spectacular spinning floats — dashi and elaborate boat- and whale-shaped floats hauled and spun by teams — reflecting Dutch, Chinese and Japanese influences. Energetic, colourful and thrilling, Kunchi fills Suwa Shrine and the city streets with crowds; grandstand seats sell out, but performances also tour the town.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Suwa Shrine, Nagasaki City |
| Hours | 7–9 October (daytime) |
| Admission | Free to watch; paid grandstands |
| Time needed | Half day |
| Best time | 7–9 October (annual) |
What to See
- The electrifying Chinese-style Dragon Dance (Ja Odori).
- Spectacular spinning boat- and whale-shaped floats.
- Performances blending Chinese, Dutch and Japanese culture.
- A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage festival.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Sofukuji Temple and Chinese heritage.
- Pair with the Nagasaki night view .
- Read our Nagasaki overview .
Getting There
- By tram: to Suwa-jinja-mae for the shrine.
- On foot: performances tour venues across the city.
Tips
Come during 7–9 October and check which venues host performances each day, as the acts move around the city between Suwa Shrine and several plazas. Grandstand tickets sell out well in advance, but you can catch free performances (niwasaki-mawari) as troupes tour the streets, so arrive early for a good spot and don’t miss the Dragon Dance.
