Suwa Shrine

Suwa Shrine is revered as the guardian shrine (sōujigami) of Nagasaki, enshrining three deities—Suwa, Morisaki, and Sumiyoshi—and is worshipped for warding off evil, matchmaking, and protection at sea. Because the shrine sits on a hill reached by climbing more than 70 steps, it is also popular as a New Year’s Day sunrise viewing spot. Every year from October 7 to October 9, the grand festival “Nagasaki Kunchi” is held here. This autumn festival was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan in 1979, and due to its solemn procession and internationally flavored dedication dances, it is counted among Japan’s three great “kunchi” festivals along with Karatsu Kunchi (Karatsu City, Saga) and Fukuoka Okunchi (Fukuoka City, Fukuoka). Within the shrine grounds, you can also see the “Sazare-ishi” sacred stone referenced in Japan’s national anthem “Kimigayo,” which is worth seeing. There is also a camphor tree that has grown naturally here since around the founding of Tamazono Inari Shrine; it is said that hugging this tree can give you power, making it a popular spot. Access by car: about 10 minutes from “Nagasaki Mangatsuka / Dejima IC.” By public transportation, take the tram from JR Nagasaki Station and get off at “Suwa Shrine” stop; using the underground passage leads you to the approach road.