Nagasaki Kunchi

Nagasaki Kunchi is one of the city’s biggest events, held every year from October 7th to 9th. With a history dating back to the Edo period, it began as the autumn festival of Suwa Shrine, Nagasaki’s guardian deity. The festival features colorful floats and traditional performances parading through the city center.

I remember seeing Kunchi several times as a child. Back then, some students were allowed to take time off school to participate in the performances, and I wasn’t one of them—so I felt quite disappointed. Of course, children were happy to have the chance to skip school!

The performances at Kunchi are diverse and spectacular. The most popular is the Dragon Dance (Jya Odori), where a magnificent dragon moves through the streets in a performance symbolizing longevity and strength. Another famous performance is Kokkodesho, a dynamic act from Kabashima town featuring a large drum float carried by young men, accompanied by powerful drumming and chants. These traditional shows are highlights of the festival and crowd favorites.

Nowadays, Nagasaki Kunchi is extremely popular with foreign tourists, and reserved seating (sajiki) prices have skyrocketed, making them almost unaffordable for regular visitors. Interestingly, the festival is held on weekdays, so most students and working people cannot attend, yet the city is always packed. These crowds are mostly tourists.

During the festival, city center streets are closed to traffic as floats and performances move through, creating a festive and lively atmosphere. Nagasaki Kunchi is a symbol of the city, a major cultural event, and a must-see autumn festival that attracts visitors from both Japan and around the world.