Highlights

  • Dragon dance (Ja Odori)
  • Spinning umbrella floats (kasaboko)
  • Multicultural Chinese & Dutch influences

Background & story

Began in 1634 as the autumn festival of Suwa Shrine, reflecting Nagasaki's history as Japan's only open port during sakoku.

Good to know for visitors

Getting there
Tram to Suwa Jinja-mae stop　Open directions in Google Maps ↗
Booking & entry
Free to attend — details on the official page (button above).
Language
Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
Good for
culture seekers, families, art lovers

Good to know

Free crowds gather at Chuo Park and the plaza by Nagasaki Station if you miss the paid seats.

Getting there

Suwa Shrine and central Nagasaki venues — 18-15 Kaminishiyama-machi, Nagasaki

View & book on Original ↗
Japan-Event Editorial
  • Japan-based editorial team
  • Primary sources, cited
  • Variable facts dated

The Japan-Event editorial desk. We work from primary sources and date every claim that can change.