Local Guide
[2025 Edition] Highlights and How to Enjoy Nagasaki Kunchi, Nagasaki's Autumn Tradition

Photo courtesy of Nagasaki City

Nagasaki Kunchi is held for three days every year from October 7th to 9th. As the oldest and largest festival in Nagasaki, the local people show extraordinary passion for the festival. During the festival, the city is filled with the sounds of shagiri music and spirited shouts, and is filled with the atmosphere of the festival from morning to night.

We will introduce you to the key points to fully enjoy this energetic festival, including an introduction to each venue, a schedule of dance ceremonies in Odorimachi, tips for viewing the dances, and even things you can do around the town's gardens.

After the dedication dance, there will be a Yabusame ritual and a portable shrine procession to purify and restore the spiritual power of the gods.
After the dedication dance, there will be a Yabusame ritual and a portable shrine procession to purify and restore the spiritual power of the gods.

Nagasaki Kunchi is the autumn festival of Suwa Shrine, Nagasaki's chief deity. It is said to have begun in 1634 (Kan'ei 11) when two courtesans dedicated a Noh dance called "Komee" to the altar of Suwa Shrine, and is affectionately known locally as "Okunchi." The festival is held from October 7th to 9th, but there was a time when it was held on September 9th of the lunar calendar, and the most popular theory is that the 9th was corrupted to become "kunchi."

The dedication dance, which has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, has gradually developed into a more dazzling and extravagant performance, influenced by the support of the Nagasaki Magistrate and the exotic tastes that were introduced through Dejima. Currently, the 58 towns in the city are divided into seven groups, which take turns performing the dance each year. The towns in charge are called "dancing towns" (odocho or odoricho), and each performs its own unique dedication dance that has been passed down through the generations. The intense and powerful performances captivate the many spectators who come from all over the country.

The "Dragon Dance," which depicts a dragon trying to eat the moon, the source of eternal youth and longevity, is one of the most representative performances of Kunchi.
The "Dragon Dance," which depicts a dragon trying to eat the moon, the source of eternal youth and longevity, is one of the most representative performances of Kunchi.

The dedication dance is made up of a huge umbrella pole at the front as the town's symbol and a performance. Performances are the dances and floats that are performed at the festival. The performances, which are full of the traditional flavor of each dance town, are the highlight of the festival.

As befits Nagasaki, which once flourished around Dejima, the country's only overseas trading port, the design exudes the flavor of exotic countries such as Portugal, the Netherlands, and China.

Furthermore, the dances reflect the lifestyles, customs and social conditions of the townspeople, and are broadly divided into "dances," "pulled floats," "carried floats," and "passing floats." Among them, the most popular are the "Jaodori" (Dragon Dance), which was taught directly by a Chinese person living in the Tojin-yashiki (Chinese residence), the "Whale Spout," in which a whale-shaped float sprays water over 5 meters high, and the "Kokkodesho," in which a 1-ton oar is thrown into the air while moving.

Main performance.

*The performances change every year, so please check the official website

●Dance
The dances are very varied and include Japanese traditional dance known as Honodori, Shibui dances accompanied by poetry recitation, Oranda Manzai, which is associated with the Hanayagi school, as well as Karako-shishi dance, Shishi dance, Yagura Taiko drumming, and Kenbu (Sword Dance).

The Nagauta dance "Oranda Banzai," which is based on the theme of two Dutchmen who were cast ashore in Japan, is a popular piece with comical dialogue.
The Nagauta dance "Oranda Banzai," which is based on the theme of two Dutchmen who were cast ashore in Japan, is a popular piece with comical dialogue.

●Towing
The floats are mainly boat-shaped floats that represent the port city of Nagasaki, such as the river boat, Chinese boat, dragon boat, red seal boat, Dutch boat, treasure boat, and big catch celebration Ebisu boat, and the speed and strength of the floats are impressive. Other floats include a whale spout and a hikidanjiri.

This Goshuinbune recreates the wedding procession of a Nagasaki merchant and Vietnamese princess Princess Anniou. Weighing approximately 5 tons, it is the heaviest of the towing boats (photo courtesy of Nagasaki City).
This Goshuinbune recreates the wedding procession of a Nagasaki merchant and Vietnamese princess Princess Anniou. Weighing approximately 5 tons, it is the heaviest of the towing boats (photo courtesy of Nagasaki City).

Carrying things
Along with the dragon dance, the Taikoyama (commonly known as Kokkodesho), a float piled high with large cushions, is one of the most iconic performances of Nagasaki Kunchi. There is also the Shachi Taiko, where a float decorated with a Shachi (lion) is thrown overhead.

With the shout of "Kokkodesho," a float weighing about 1 ton is thrown into the air and caught in one hand by the Taikoyama. The carriers are the town's strongest.
With the shout of "Kokkodesho," a float weighing about 1 ton is thrown into the air and caught in one hand by the Taikoyama. The carriers are the town's strongest.

●Street food
The Toorimono processions are characterized by their beautiful style. They are displayed in conjunction with the main floats, and include the Aniosan procession from Motoshikimachi, known for its Goshuinsen (red seal boat), the Yamabushi procession from Hachimanmachi, which makes an offering on the Hachiman Hachiman celebratory boat, and the large fleet of Oyajibune (old man boat), Hasashibune (feather boat), and Mossobune (held by the guardian deity) boats, led by Yorozuyamachi, which performs a whale spouting performance.

The Yamabushi Dochu (Travels of the Mountain Priests) depicts the procession of the mountain priests, guarded by a samurai general, as they enter Nagasaki Port to present a prayer to Suwa Shrine.
The Yamabushi Dochu (Travels of the Mountain Priests) depicts the procession of the mountain priests, guarded by a samurai general, as they enter Nagasaki Port to present a prayer to Suwa Shrine.

<Dancing Town and Performances in 2025>

・Shinbashicho: Honodori Oranda Manzai (Honodori Oranda Manzai)
・Suwa Town: Dragon Dance (Jaodori)
・Shindaikumachi: Shibu and Hikidanjiri
・Enozu Town: Riverboat
・Nishi-Furukawa Town: Yagura Taiko and Honodori (Railroad Drums and Honodori)
・Nigirimachi: Ebisu Boat, a boat celebrating a great catch

Learn more

The Nagasaka slope in the center of the photo is considered a passage for the gods, so there is no seating charge. Across the landing, you can also see the city of Nagasaki. (Photo provided by Nagasaki City)
The Nagasaka slope in the center of the photo is considered a passage for the gods, so there is no seating charge. Across the landing, you can also see the city of Nagasaki. (Photo provided by Nagasaki City)

If you want to enjoy the dedication dance at your own pace, we recommend one of the four paid viewing venues in Nagasaki City. Among them, Suwa Shrine, the sacred ground of this festival, is extremely popular. Most of the seats are reserved in advance, but one of the features of this venue is that they also sell standing tickets on the day.

There are also free seats on Nagasaka, the 73 stone steps leading up to the shrine, which are popular as special seats overlooking the dance hall where the offering dance is performed directly in front of you. However, there is a lottery system and the competition is quite high every year. In addition, there are many stalls lined up around the Otabisho, where the portable shrine that has been carried from Suwa Shrine stays, creating a festive atmosphere.

There is also Yasaka Shrine, where the dance floor and viewing seats are close together, allowing you to feel the power of the performances firsthand, and Central Park Kunchi Viewing Grounds, where there are seats covered in sand, so each venue has its own unique charm.

<2025 Nagasaki Kunchi Festival Ticket>


Tickets are sold and managed by each dance floor, so please check the official website or contact (by phone) for details.
https://nagasaki-kunchi.com/kanranken/
* Advance purchase required, ends when sold out

● Suwa Shrine
Dates: Tuesday, October 7th, 7:00am-10:00am, 4:00pm-7:00pm
October 9th (Thursday) 8:20am-11:20am
Price: S seats (4 seats per box) 36,000 yen, A seats 30,000 yen, B seats 24,000 yen, C seats 18,000 yen
Individually sold seats: B seat 6,000 yen, C seat 4,500 yen *There may be cases where you will be seated together
Standing room: 1,500 yen (sold on the day only)
Nagasaka numbered tickets are free (lottery based on postcard applications in July)
TEL：くんち踊馬場さじき運営委員会095-821-8596(諏訪神社内、平日9:30～15:00)

● Travel agency
Date: Tuesday, October 7th, 9:10am-12:10pm
October 9th (Thursday) 7:00am - 10:00am
Price: 1 box for 4 people (all seats include cushions) S seats 24,000 yen, A seats 22,000 yen, B seats 20,000 yen
TEL：お旅所さじき運営委員会095-823-9073(事務所開設日7月中旬、販売日以降は月・水・金13:00～16:00、祝日・お盆期間は休み)

●Yasaka Shrine
Date: (Wed) October 8th, 7:00-10:00
Price: 30,000 yen for S seats (4 seats per box), 28,000 yen for A seats, 26,000 yen for B seats
TEL：095-822-6750(八坂神社さじき運営委員会、平日9:00～16:00、事務所開設6月上旬)

● Central Park Kunchi Viewing Grounds
Date: Tuesday, October 7th, evening 17:10-20:10
October 8th (Wednesday) 8:00am-11:00am
Price: Sand chair seating 7,000 yen
Stand (bench seating) S seats: 6,500 yen, A seats: 4,500 yen, wheelchair seats (pair seats for two people including a caregiver): 14,000 yen
TEL：長崎伝統芸能振興会095-822-0111(長崎商工会議所業務部内)

The appeal of touring the gardens is that you can feel the unity between the town and the performers. It is popular with tourists as you can watch without making a reservation.
The appeal of touring the gardens is that you can feel the unity between the town and the performers. It is popular with tourists as you can watch without making a reservation.

If you want to Experience Okunchi more casually outside the venue, we recommend the "Niwasaki-mawari" (garden parade), which is open to everyone. Niwasaki-mawari is when each dance town pays tribute to businesses, shops, and private homes in the city, and performs performances in front of their stores and gates to share good fortune. The performances are kept short so they can be performed on narrow streets.

After the dedication dance at the venue, the dancers make their rounds in gardens all over the city every day from 9am to 8pm. You can enjoy the performances up close, so close you can hear the performers' breathing, and the intense movements of the umbrella poles and floats cutting through the air, as well as the lively sounds of the shagiri (musical accompaniment), are so powerful they seem to be right in front of you. The cheers from the crowd fill the air, giving it a truly lively feel.

The schedule for the garden tour is usually published on the official website around the end of September, and can also be found on the "Garden Tour Map" distributed at the tourist information center inside JR Nagasaki Station and Nagasaki Airport.

Street events tend to run behind schedule as they respond to encore requests. Check the progress on "Nagasaki Kunchi Navi"
Street events tend to run behind schedule as they respond to encore requests. Check the progress on "Nagasaki Kunchi Navi"

Nagasaki Kunchi has plenty to see not only within the festival grounds but also throughout the city. On the 7th, the portable shrine carrying the spirits of Suwa, Sumiyoshi, and Morisaki enshrined at Suwa Shrine takes place in the "Okudari" procession to the shrine, and on the 9th, it returns to Suwa Shrine in the "Oagari" procession. The highlight of the festival is the spirited "Morikomi" procession, where the portable shrine carriers race down the approach to the shrine. In addition, don't miss the procession of hundreds of people, including priests and children dressed in traditional costumes, and the parade of umbrella poles from each dancing town.

To efficiently tour these famous scenes and the gardens, we recommend using the NBC Nagasaki Broadcasting app "Nagasaki Kunchi Navi," which allows you to search for the location of the dancing towns and mikoshi in real time.

<2025 Nagasaki Kunchi Dance Town Event Schedule>

*Dates and times may be changed, or events may be suspended or canceled in the event of rain or bad weather. For details, please call the respective contact points or check the official website.

●<The day before> Tuesday, October 7th (Tue)

After the dedication dance is over, the participants go around the garden one by one.
11:30 Yabusame Ritual (Suwa Shrine)
13:00 Departure (Suwa Shrine → Otabisho)
Around 13:30 (after the procession) Umbrella parade (National Route 34, in front of Nagasaki City Sakuramachi Elementary School → in front of the former Nagasaki Prefectural Office. Along the way, there will be umbrella parades in front of the Nagasaki City Fire Department, TBM Nagasaki Building, and the former Prefectural Police Headquarters)

●<The day before> October 7th (Tue) evening

After the dedication dance is over, the participants go around the garden one by one.

●<Chunichi> Wednesday, October 8th (Wed)

After the dedication dance is over, the participants go around the garden one by one.

●<Later> October 9th (Thu) morning

After the dedication dance is over, the participants go around the garden one by one.
13:00 Head up (Otabisho → Suwa Shrine)

The kasahoko mawashi, where a single person spins a kasahoko weighing 130-150 kg, is greeted by cheers of "Futomaware (Spin big)" from the roadside.
The kasahoko mawashi, where a single person spins a kasahoko weighing 130-150 kg, is greeted by cheers of "Futomaware (Spin big)" from the roadside.

Memorizing the unique calls will make watching the Okunchi festival that much more enjoyable. For example, "Mottekoi" means an encore or "Come out quickly." It is mainly used for the floats pulled or carried, and if you want to see the main dance again, you can call out "Shomoyare (we want it, do it one more time)." On the other hand, "Yoi-yaa" is common to all the performances. It is called out with the feeling of "Well done!" when an umbrella pole is swung with great force or when a performance skill is performed well.

Also, on the Nagasaka slope of Suwa Shrine, there is a group of people wearing white happi coats called "White Toppo" who liven up the venue by instructing the audience on how to shout out their wishes. Be sure to join in and cheer on the performers, and enjoy the thrill that only Okunchi can offer.

In each dance town, the lattices of houses and shops will be removed to open the inside of the buildings, and a garden display will be held. The schedule will be announced around the end of September.
In each dance town, the lattices of houses and shops will be removed to open the inside of the buildings, and a garden display will be held. The schedule will be announced around the end of September.

There is more to enjoy than just watching the festival.

One of them is "makimono." Originally, it referred to gifts given in return for flowers (congratulatory gifts), but at Okunchi, performers have the custom of scattering them among the visitors at the spectator venue. Most are Japanese tenugui towels with designs related to the town seal or the performance, and each dance town prepares an original design for each performance. They are considered lucky charms, and when they start to be thrown into the stands, the entire audience stands up and begins fighting for them. Some performers are even able to collect several different types in one day.

In addition, prior to the festival, from the evening of the 3rd, there is a "Niwamise" (garden display) where each dance town displays festival paraphernalia such as umbrella poles, floats, musical instruments, costumes, and even celebratory items in their shops and homes. Visitors can take their time to appreciate the dazzling items.

Nagasaki Kunchi Festival
  • 住所There are four paid venues in Nagasaki City (Suwa Shrine, Otabisho, Yasaka Shrine, and Central Park Kunchi Viewing Area), and the garden fairs and garden tours are held at various locations in central Nagasaki City.
  • 営業時間Dates and times: Main place (Dedication Dance) and Garden Tour October 7th (Tue)- 9th (Thu) 2025, 9:00-20:00 each day (varies depending on venue and dance town)
    Niwamise: (Fri), October 3rd, 5pm to 10pm (varies depending on the dance town)
    *Dates and times may be changed, suspended, or canceled in the event of bad weather.
  • TEL長崎伝統芸能振興会095-822-0111 (長崎商工会議所業務部内)
  • メモTraffic restrictions will be in place during the festival. Details will be released on the official website and the Nagasaki Prefectural Police website around early October.
KAI Signature Rooms "Wakaran no Ma" has Guest room attached Outdoor hot spring
KAI Signature Rooms "Wakaran no Ma" has Guest room attached Outdoor hot spring

After enjoying the excitement and excitement of the Nagasaki Kunchi festival, drive about an hour to Hoshino Resorts KAI Unzen, nestled in Unzen hot spring. The hotel, which is imbued with Nagasaki's unique aesthetic sense, blending Japanese, floral, and orchid motifs, offers an exotic atmosphere that resonates with the splendor of the Nagasaki Kunchi festival.

Why not spend some luxurious time immersed in the culture and festivals of Nagasaki while soothed in the famous hot springs that originate from Unzen Jigoku?

*The contents listed are current as of the date of article update. They may be subject to change, so please check before using.