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Nagasaki
Nagasaki Kunchi Festival

A large group of people in traditional Japanese clothing perform on an outdoor stage with red and white decorations, a large banner with kanji, and an audience watching the event at night.

Close-up of an ornate, colorful Chinese dragon head with gold, red, and green details, black mane, and sharp teeth against a clear blue sky. The dragon is part of a traditional costume or parade figure.

Close-up of an ornate, colorful Chinese dragon head with gold, red, and green details, black mane, and sharp teeth against a clear blue sky. The dragon is part of a traditional costume or parade figure.

A group of people in traditional Japanese clothing carry a colorful festival float with red decorations and lanterns, while a crowd watches the lively scene outdoors.

A group of people in traditional Japanese clothing carry a colorful festival float with red decorations and lanterns, while a crowd watches the lively scene outdoors.

A group of people in traditional Japanese clothing dance energetically in front of a large decorated float inside a shopping arcade, watched by a crowd of onlookers. Colorful flags and lanterns adorn the float.

A group of people in traditional Japanese clothing dance energetically in front of a large decorated float inside a shopping arcade, watched by a crowd of onlookers. Colorful flags and lanterns adorn the float.

A large group of people in traditional Japanese clothing perform on an outdoor stage with red and white decorations, a large banner with kanji, and an audience watching the event at night.

A large group of people in traditional Japanese clothing perform on an outdoor stage with red and white decorations, a large banner with kanji, and an audience watching the event at night.

Performers carry a long, colorful dragon puppet on poles during a festival parade, with a crowd of people watching in the background. The event takes place outdoors in an urban setting.

Performers carry a long, colorful dragon puppet on poles during a festival parade, with a crowd of people watching in the background. The event takes place outdoors in an urban setting.

Nagasaki Kunchi Festival

LocalityPolitical

The Nagasaki Kunchi Festival is a vibrant, colorful celebration that brings the city of Nagasaki to life every October. This festival, with a history stretching over 400 years, is not just a local event but a spectacular showcase of Nagasaki's unique cultural blend, combining Japanese, Chinese, and Dutch influences.

At the heart of the Kunchi Festival are the dazzling performances and parades. Local communities, known as "Nagasaki's districts," prepare all year to present traditional dances, music, and elaborate floats. One of the most famous performances is the "Dragon Dance," originally from China, which has been a part of the festival for centuries. Another highlight is the "Dutch Ship Float," a nod to Nagasaki's history as a port open to the Netherlands during Japan's period of isolation.

The festival takes place at various locations around Nagasaki, including the historic Suwa Shrine. Here, performers in vivid costumes dance and play music, turning the city into a living tapestry of history and festivity.

The area

Address

Nagasaki, Japan

Top ways to experience Nagasaki Kunchi Festival

Nagasaki Peace Park

Full Day Nagasaki Private Walking Tour With A Local Guide

From $312 /person

Chureito Pagoda

7 days / 14 days / 21 days

Ultimate JR Pass – Travel All of Japan Freely

From $194 /person

Nagasaki Peace Park

Self-Guided Audio Tour of Nagasaki

From $17 /person

Nearby attractions to see

A stone building with a sign reading “Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture” stands beside a quiet street under a blue sky. A few people walk along the sidewalk near the entrance.

Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture

A large blue Peace Statue sits on a stone pedestal in a park, with a monument adorned with colorful paper cranes nearby. Trees and a blue sky with scattered clouds are in the background.

Nagasaki Peace Park (Heiwa Koen)

Two penguins with identification bands on their flippers stand on a beach, with the ocean water blurred in the background. The penguin in the foreground appears to be looking slightly to the right.

Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium

Nearby attractions to see

A stone building with a sign reading “Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture” stands beside a quiet street under a blue sky. A few people walk along the sidewalk near the entrance.

Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture

A large blue Peace Statue sits on a stone pedestal in a park, with a monument adorned with colorful paper cranes nearby. Trees and a blue sky with scattered clouds are in the background.

Nagasaki Peace Park (Heiwa Koen)

Two penguins with identification bands on their flippers stand on a beach, with the ocean water blurred in the background. The penguin in the foreground appears to be looking slightly to the right.

Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium

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Nagasaki Prefecture

Why Nagasaki Should Be on Your Travel List: Essential Experiences for First-Time Travelers

February 15, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

The festival takes place annually from October 7th to 9th.

The festival is primarily held at Suwa Shrine in Nagasaki, with various events occurring throughout the city.

Attendees can expect to witness a series of traditional and dynamic performances, including dragon dances, theatrical reenactments, and processions that reflect the fusion of Japanese and foreign cultures unique to Nagasaki.

Yes, the festival has been designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, highlighting its cultural significance in Japan.