From October 7 to 9, the Nagasaki Kunchi took place again Nagasaki city. Kunchi are traditional harvest festivals in Kyushu.
As all the Kunchi (see also Karatsu Kunchi and Hakata Okunchi), this festival is celebrated to thank the gods for the good harvest. In case of Nagasaki, this festival was also set as the famous Suwa Shrine was establishes in 1642. Till then the shrine was not very popular, so the festival helped to attract people to the shrine, where even today many performances and dances take place. The performances can not only be seen at Suwa Shrine, but also at other places in Nagasaki city. A highlight is the dragon dance, which was originally performed by the Chinese residents on New Year. Another custom is the so-called garden viewing (庭見せ), where neighbourhoods open their homes to the public.
Moreover, portable shrines are carried around the city on those three days. Food stands, especially around the bay area, provide you with enough drinks and snacks.
There is no official entrance fee, but there is the possibility to watch the performance on special seats you have to reserve in advance, which can cost you up until 30,000 Yen for the most expensive.
Anyway, the festival is the biggest festival in Nagasaki prefecture and worth watching!
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