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October 7, 2026 at 7:18 pm
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October 9, 2026 at 7:19 pm
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Experience Nagasaki’s Most Vibrant and Unique Festival!
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Contact Jasumo Now →The Nagasaki Kunchi Festival shines as one of Japan’s most exhilarating multicultural extravaganzas, steeped in over 400 years of dynamic history. From October 7 to 9, this three-day spectacle ignites the streets of Nagasaki—Japan’s historic port city—fusing Japanese, Chinese, and Dutch traditions into a whirlwind of color, rhythm, and heritage. Centered at Suwa Shrine, it features mesmerizing dances, towering floats, and high-energy reenactments that draw massive crowds, with prime tickets vanishing months ahead.
Festival Overview
- Dates: October 7th – October 9th, 2026
- Location: Around central Nagasaki City (Suwa Shrine, Otabisho, Yasaka Shrine, Chuo Koen Park)
- Access: Tram to Suwa Shrine-mae stop (~15 mins from Nagasaki Station); or a brisk walk from the station
Spectacular Dance Performances & Cultural Displays
Neighborhood groups (odori-cho) rotate annually, ensuring each Kunchi feels fresh and electric:
- Dramatic Dragon Dances – Sinuous jaodori routines channeling Chinese flair, with performers weaving through crowds like mythical beasts.
- Ornate Dutch Ships (Oranda Bune) – Elaborate boat floats paraded with seafaring pomp, evoking Edo-era trade voyages.
- Lively Samurai Performances & Folk Dances – Sword-wielding warriors clash amid kagura rituals and upbeat bon odori steps.
The Festival’s Unique Dutch & Chinese Heritage
As Japan’s sole open port during the isolationist Edo period, Nagasaki absorbed global flavors that pulse through Kunchi:
- Dutch-style floats & costumes – Replica ships and Western hats nodding to Dejima traders.
- Chinese-inspired dragon dance (Ja Odori) – A fiery fusion of lion dances and acrobatics.
- Western-style music blended with traditional instruments – Brass horns mingle with taiko drums and flutes for a hybrid symphony.
Best Places to Enjoy the Festival
- Suwa Shrine – The spiritual epicenter, hosting the grandest stages and mikoshi processions.
- Otabisho (Temporary Sacred Site) – Intimate close-ups of floats and dancers amid buzzing energy.
- Chuo Koen Park – A laid-back, free vantage with nearby stalls for snacks and souvenirs.
Must-Try Festival Foods
Fuel the festivities with Nagasaki’s fusion flavors:
- Castella Cake – Portuguese-rooted sponge cake, light and subtly sweet.
- Champon Ramen – Hearty seafood noodle soup, a Chinese-Japanese invention.
- Sara Udon – Crunchy stir-fried noodles piled high with veggies and prawns.
Dates: Oct 7th – Oct 9th 2026
City parking
Please visit “Tomuude.com”
Admission Fee
| Sand covered chairs | ￥7,000 / person |
|---|---|
| Stand S seats | ￥6,500 / person |
| Stand A seats | ￥4,500 / person |
| Wheelchair seating | ￥7,000 / person |
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.
Travel Tips for Visitors
- Book Tickets Early! – Paid seats at Suwa Shrine evaporate fast—grab them via official sites by summer.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes – Multi-site hopping demands sturdy walkers for hilly streets.
- Best Time to Visit: Dawn for prime spots or dusk for illuminated magic.
- Public Transport: Trams are festival-friendly; avoid cars in the throng.
What to Expect?
- Multicultural Mayhem – Over 59 neighborhood groups unleashing dragons, ships, and dances.
- Street Carnival Vibes – Lanterns, chants, and spontaneous cheers everywhere.
- Intangible Cultural Treasure – A UNESCO-recognized folk gem bursting with pride.
Don’t miss this dynamic & historic festival at the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival 2026—where energetic performances, unique cultural fusions, and an electrifying atmosphere capture Nagasaki’s indomitable spirit! Come and witness the magic of Nagasaki Kunchi!
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