Suwa Shrine

The complex of building and gardens comprising Suwa Shrine nestles on a shaded stretch of

hillside overlooking the heart of Nagasaki-city. The shrine was founded in the wake of ban

of Christianity in the early 17th century, and during the Edo Period it soon grew into a spiritual

and cultural hub for the citizens of Nagasaki. During Meiji and Taisho Periods, it was not only

Nagasaki’s foremost Shinto shrine but also this city’s most popular destination for foreign tourist

who came seeking a glimpse into heart of Japan.

Held from October 7 to 9 every year and is considered one of the three major festivals of

Japan, being designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Asset.