The Kunchi procession has set out from here since 1634, always on 7–9 October, for 391 years.
Founded in 1555 and rebuilt in 1625 after being razed to the ground during the period of Christian dominance in the city, it is Nagasaki's guardian shrine: every year since 1634 the danced procession of the Kunchi has set out from here, with seven city neighbourhoods taking turns to perform on a seven-year rotation.
Dedicated to three Shinto deities brought together in a single shrine at the wish of the authorities who, in the seventeenth century, were trying to counter the spread of Christianity in the city. The ritual dances of the Nagasaki Kunchi are recognised as an intangible cultural property of national importance.
ℹ️ The shrine grounds are always open, free of charge. The Kunchi is held every year on 7–9 October.
🚉 Suwajinja Shrine · 6 min walk
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