Nagasaki Kunchi：A Multicultural Autumn Festival of Dance and Spirit

Picture a majestic dragon weaving through narrow streets, vibrant music filling the air, and colorfully dressed performers dancing in perfect harmony—all set against the backdrop of a city shaped by centuries of international exchange.

Welcome to Nagasaki Kunchi, one of Japan’s most dazzling and culturally rich festivals, held every October in Nagasaki City. This extraordinary celebration blends Shinto rituals, Chinese pageantry, and European flair into a truly unique spectacle. Drawing over 300,000 visitors each year, it offers a rare glimpse into the multicultural soul of Japan’s most cosmopolitan port city.

Origins and History: A Blend of Cultures

Nagasaki Kunchi dates back to the 17th century and was originally a religious celebration to honor the Suwa Shrine and ensure a good harvest. The festival’s diverse traditions are rooted in the history of Nagasaki, a city that was influenced by Chinese, Portuguese, and Dutch cultures during Japan’s period of isolation. Over time, these influences merged into a unique festival combining elements from both Shinto and foreign customs.

The Festival Highlights: Colorful Parades and Spiritual Ceremonies

The Grand Procession of Floats

One of the festival's most impressive features is the procession of massive, ornate floats that move through the streets of Nagasaki. These floats, often in the shape of dragons, phoenixes, or animals, are carried by hundreds of people and accompanied by traditional music played on shamisen, drums, and flutes. The floats are decorated with brilliant colors and intricate details, making the parade a stunning visual spectacle.

Traditional Dances and Rituals

The “Hono-mono” dances and “Kagura” dances* performed during the festival reflect the spiritual side of Nagasaki Kunchi. These performances, which involve colorful costumes and coordinated movements, are part of the rituals to honor the gods. The dances celebrate both local deities and foreign influences, with some dances tracing their roots back to Chinese celebrations.

Unique Features: Chinese and European Influences

What sets Nagasaki Kunchi apart from other festivals is its international flair. Chinese influence is particularly visible in the dragon dances, lion dances, and other cultural performances that have been part of the festival since the early 1600s, when Nagasaki was Japan’s only open port for trade with China. Portuguese influences also appear in the festival’s use of European-style floats and some of the dances that reflect the eclectic mix of cultures that shaped Nagasaki.

A Community Celebration: Involving Locals and Visitors

Nagasaki Kunchi is a community-centered festival, with residents actively participating in the festival preparations and events. Local neighborhoods, known as machi, compete to create the most elaborate floats, dances, and performances, fostering a strong sense of community pride and unity. Visitors are welcome to join in the excitement and cheer for their favorite floats and performances.

Why You Should Visit: A Cultural and Historical Experience

Witness the cultural diversity of Nagasaki with its fusion of Shinto, Chinese, and Portuguese traditions
Enjoy the vibrant parades and colorful floats, showcasing the city's rich history
Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, where locals and visitors come together to celebrate
Conveniently located in Nagasaki, with easy access from the city center and local attractions

How to Experience Nagasaki Kunchi: Access and Travel Tips

If you're planning to witness Nagasaki Kunchi in person, here’s what you need to know to enjoy the festival to the fullest:

Festival Location

Nagasaki Kunchi takes place primarily at:

Suwa Shrine (Suwa Jinja) – the spiritual heart of the festival
Otabisho – a temporary resting place for the shrine’s portable mikoshi
Various stages across the city, including public squares and streets around Nagasaki Station, Nakamachi, and Shinchi Chinatown

The performances rotate between these key sites, with different machi (neighborhood teams) taking turns to present their dances and floats.

How to Get to Nagasaki

From Tokyo: Take the Shinkansen to Hakata Station (Fukuoka), then transfer to the Nagasaki Line via Limited Express Kamome (approx. 5.5 hours total).
From Osaka: Fly directly from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Nagasaki Airport (approx. 1.5 hours), then take the airport limousine bus (about 45 minutes) to Nagasaki Station.
From Fukuoka: Take the Limited Express Kamome from Hakata to Nagasaki Station (approx. 2 hours).

Tickets and Viewing Tips

Some performances (especially at Suwa Shrine and main stages) require advance ticket reservations, especially for seated viewing areas.
Other events, such as street processions and neighborhood dances, are free and open to the public—arrive early to grab a good viewing spot.
Ticket info is often available (in Japanese and sometimes English) via Nagasaki City's tourism website.

Accommodation Advice

Book hotels or guesthouses in central Nagasaki City months in advance, as the festival attracts large crowds.
Areas around Nagasaki Station, Hamano-machi, or Chinatown offer convenient walking access to most venues.

Travel Tips

Wear comfortable shoes—many venues require walking and standing.
Bring a raincoat or umbrella—October weather can be unpredictable.
Some performances happen early in the morning or late into the night, so plan your day accordingly.
Be respectful when taking photos, especially during religious rituals or in crowded areas.

When to Go

The festival is held annually from October 7 to 9, but some rehearsals and preparations are open to the public in the days leading up to the event. If you arrive early, you might catch behind-the-scenes practices by the performers.

A Timeless Celebration of Culture and Connection

Nagasaki Kunchi is more than a visual feast—it's a deeply rooted cultural event that welcomes everyone to celebrate the rich, layered history of this international port city. Whether you’re watching from a shrine staircase or cheering in the streets, it’s a moment of shared joy you’ll never forget.