Nagasaki Kunchi Festival 2025

• Event date:
  October 7, 2025 at 3:06 am
• Event end:
  October 9, 2025 at 3:06 am

Experience Nagasaki’s Most Vibrant and Unique Festival!

The Nagasaki Kunchi Festival is one of Japan’s most exciting and culturally diverse festivals, boasting over 400 years of history. Held every year from October 7 to 9, it is a grand celebration of Nagasaki’s rich history as a port city, blending Japanese traditions with Chinese and Dutch influences.

The festival is centered around Suwa Shrine, where stunning dance performances, elaborate floats, and thrilling reenactments take place. The event is so highly anticipated that tickets sell out months in advance!

Spectacular Dance Performances & Cultural Displays

• Dramatic dragon dances inspired by Chinese culture
• Ornate Dutch ships (Oranda Bune) carried through the streets
• Lively samurai performances & traditional Japanese folk dances

Each year, different neighborhoods of Nagasaki (odori-cho) take turns presenting breathtaking performances, making every festival a unique experience.

The Festival’s Unique Dutch & Chinese Heritage

Nagasaki was Japan’s only open port during the Edo period, trading with the Dutch and Chinese. This global influence can still be seen in the festival’s:
Dutch-style floats & costumes
Chinese-inspired dragon dance (Ja Odori)
Western-style music blended with traditional Japanese instruments

Best Places to Enjoy the Festival

• Suwa Shrine – The festival’s main stage, where the best performances happen
• Otabisho (Temporary Sacred Site) – See the floats and dancers up close
• Chuo Koen Park – A great free viewing spot with festival stalls nearby

Must-Try Festival Foods

• Castella Cake – A fluffy sponge cake introduced by the Portuguese
• Champon Ramen – Nagasaki’s famous seafood noodle soup
• Sara Udon – Crispy noodles topped with stir-fried seafood and vegetables

Travel Tips for Visitors

• Book Tickets Early! – Paid seating at Suwa Shrine sells out fast.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes – The festival covers multiple locations in Nagasaki.
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning (for a good viewing spot) or evening (for the most vibrant atmosphere).
• Public Transport: Take a tram to Suwa Shrine stop, or walk from Nagasaki Station (15 mins).

City parking

Please visit “Tomuude.com”

Admission Fee

We Recommend These Must-Try Moments

1. Nagasaki Huis Ten Bosch Ticket
Step into a Dutch-themed wonderland with canals, windmills, and seasonal flower displays.
Enjoy attractions, 3D theaters, and light shows across the vast theme park.
A unique cultural fusion of Europe and Japan in Kyushu.

2. Battleship Island Cruise Experience in Nagasaki
Cruise to the haunting ruins of Gunkanjima, an abandoned island once bustling with coal miners.
See up-close the dramatic industrial remains from the sea.
A fascinating journey into Japan’s rapid modernization era.

3. Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum Admission Ticket
A solemn and informative museum chronicling the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.
Artifacts and personal stories tell of loss, resilience, and peace.
An emotional visit with a powerful message for humanity.

4. Kujukushima Sightseeing Cruise Ticket
Sail among the stunning “99 Islands” of Kujukushima, known for dramatic coastlines.
Relax on a scenic boat ride surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty.
Perfect for photographers, nature lovers, and families.

5. Glover Garden Admission Ticket in Nagasaki
Stroll through 19th-century Western-style mansions with panoramic harbor views.
Explore the former residence of Scottish merchant Thomas Glover.
A charming open-air museum blending history, culture, and gardens.

Don’t Miss This Dynamic & Historic Festival!

The Nagasaki Kunchi Festival 2025 is a must-see for history lovers and culture enthusiasts. With energetic performances, unique cultural fusions, and an electrifying atmosphere, it’s an experience that captures the true spirit of Nagasaki.

Come and witness the magic of Nagasaki Kunchi!

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