Nagasaki Kunchi 2025: Japan's Festival of Culture, Color, and Celebration

Nagasaki Kunchi: A Vibrant Island Festival 400 Years in the Making

Every October, the historic port city of Nagasaki bursts into life with one of Japan’s most dynamic and unique festivals — Nagasaki Kunchi (長崎くんち). Held from October 7th to 9th, this centuries-old celebration honors the guardian deity of Suwa Shrine, blending Japanese Shinto tradition with vibrant Chinese and Dutch influences that reflect Nagasaki’s role as an international gateway during the Edo Period.

This is no ordinary matsuri — it's a rare mix of performance, pageantry, and wild energy that only comes around once every seven years for each neighborhood group. Whether you’re an island adventurer or a cultural explorer, Nagasaki Kunchi offers a front-row seat to Japan’s global island soul.

A Festival Rooted in Port City History

The roots of Nagasaki Kunchi date back to 1634, when two courtesans, Takao and Otoha, from Dayu-machi performed a noh song in dedication to Suwa Shrine. That same year, Nagasaki began construction on Dejima, the artificial island that became Japan’s only window to the outside world during its long period of isolation. Foreign traders — primarily Dutch and Chinese — helped influence Nagasaki’s cultural life, and these global threads still weave through the festival today.

The term "Kunchi" stems from the Chinese custom of celebrating the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, a tradition embraced and transformed by the people of Nagasaki.

Dance Towns & Performances: Once Every Seven Years

The heart of the festival lies in the performances by “Odori-cho” (踊町) or “Dance Towns.” Currently, 58 neighborhoods across Nagasaki are divided into seven groups. Each group rotates its appearance — meaning it takes seven years to see every town’s unique performance. That rarity makes every year feel new, even for seasoned festivalgoers.

Each dance town presents dazzling “Dashimono” (floats and performances) including:

• Traditional Japanese dances
• Dragon dances inspired by Chinese legends
• Massive floats shaped like trading ships, whales, and war vessels
• Katsugimono: large props carried — and sometimes tossed — by teams of energetic performers
• Kasaboko: towering, elaborately decorated umbrellas weighing up to 150 kg

You’ll hear the infectious beat of shagiri music, powered by flutes and taiko drums, and cheers like “Mottekoi!” urging an encore from the crowd. The air hums with history and adrenaline.

Main Venues: Where to Watch Nagasaki Kunchi

There are four main stages where the official Kunchi performances take place:

1. Suwa Shrine

The spiritual heart of the festival and the most traditional venue. Reserved seating is available via lottery or advanced purchase, and there’s limited free seating on the steps at Nagasaka.

• 📍 18-15 Kaminishiyama-machi, Nagasaki City
• 🎟️ Very limited availability. Box seats from ¥18,000–¥36,000

2. Otabisho

A lively location near Nagasaki Harbor, where portable shrines (mikoshi) rest. Surrounded by food stalls and easily accessible by bus or streetcar.

• 📍 10-4 Motofuna-machi, Nagasaki City
• 🎟️ Box seats available from ¥20,000–¥24,000

3. Yasaka Shrine

Known for its nostalgic Gion-style atmosphere. The bleachers are close to the action — great for feeling the energy up close.

• 📍 8-53 Kajiya-machi, Nagasaki City
• 🎟️ Box seats from ¥26,000–¥30,000

4. Chuo Koen (Central Park)

An accessible urban venue with individual ticket options — perfect for visitors who want to avoid the four-person box seat format.

• 📍 5-100 Nigiwai-machi, Nagasaki City
• 🎟️ Stand A seats from ¥4,500, ringside from ¥7,000

Insider Tip: Tickets sell out weeks in advance and typically require Japanese-language reservation systems. But don’t worry — there are still ways to catch the magic without a ticket.

Free Viewing Spots & Street Parades

Can’t snag a seat? Head to Kamome Hiroba in front of Nagasaki Station. It’s one of the few free locations where you can watch the performances up close. For 2025, plan your visit on:

• 📆 October 7: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
• 📆 October 9: 2:00 PM–4:00 PM

Another way to join the fun? Follow the Niwasakimawari, where dance towns parade through Nagasaki’s streets, offering pop-up performances at storefronts, homes, and offices — bringing blessings and joy citywide. This tradition makes the whole city a stage.

Grab a festival schedule map from the Nagasaki Station Tourist Info Center or your hotel lobby for the best viewing times and locations.

The Spirit of Kunchi: Not Just a Festival, a Way of Life

What makes Kunchi unforgettable isn’t just the dancing dragons or spinning floats — it’s the soul behind the spectacle. Every year, townspeople train for months, performing not just for entertainment but as a sacred dedication to Suwa Shrine.

You’ll also see the beauty of local customs like Makimono (gift towels tossed to the crowd), Teijyofuda (greeting placards), and the festive exchange of Ohana (donations) — all celebrating the spirit of community, generosity, and joy.

The cheering crowd shouting “Mottekoi!” isn’t just asking for an encore — they’re calling for another chance to connect with the island’s vibrant soul.

How to Get There

Nagasaki is accessible by train (via Hakata Station in Fukuoka), bus, and even ferry from other parts of Kyushu. The city's compact layout makes it easy to walk or take streetcars between venues. Base yourself near Nagasaki Station or Suwa Shrine for the best access.

Ready to Join the Celebration?

Whether you're chasing culture, craving energy, or simply want to experience an island-style matsuri like no other, Nagasaki Kunchi is your passport to another world. Just be sure to plan ahead, pack your enthusiasm, and come ready to cheer, spin, and dance with the people of Nagasaki.

Stay in rhythm with island traditions, hidden gems, and cultural discoveries at Isla Guru Magazine — where your next island adventure is always one dance away.‍