People in Nagasaki are much fond of festivals. Many festivals are lively
events because the local community is actively involved. Festivals in Nagasaki,
therefore, bear that unique fingerprint of energy and spirit.
“Nagasaki Kunchi” is a festival with a rich international flavor which shows the
unique blend of cultures between Japan and overseas countries, especially China.
Festival music called “Shagiri” is played on traditional Chinese musical instruments
while the Chinese dragon dance also features prominently. “Nagasaki Lantern Festival”
celebrates the Chinese New Year or “Shunsetsusai (Lunar New Year Festival)”. The
streets of downtown Nagasaki around the China Town area, which is the center of
the celebrations, are illuminated by 12,000 lanterns at night.
Other festivals that exude a rich international flavor include "Tsushima
Arirang Festival" which evokes the procession of envoys from the ancient
Korean Lee Dynasty. Konaki-zumou (Sumo ceremony for newborn babies) is held in
Hirado as a tourist attraction.
Tsushima Arirang Festival
Konaki-zumou Festival
(Ceremony for newborn babies)
Kuromaru Dancing
Calendar of Festivals & Events
January
16th
Hetomato
Fukue City
2nd Sun
Marathon Competition in Iki Island
Ashibe Town
February
Chinese Lunar New Year
Nagasaki Lantern Festival
Nagasaki City
Early-Feb.
Konaki-zumo
Hirado City
March
1st ~ Late-Apr.
Huis Ten Bosch Tulip Festival
Sasebo City
Late-Mar.
Seeing a Current at Saikaibashi
Bridge
Sasebo City, Saikai Town
April
Early-Apr.
Obama Hot Spring Festival
Obama Town
1st Sat
Whole Kyushu Pyrotechnist Competition
Obama Town
1st Sun
Kite Flying Festival in Spring
Nagasaki City
Mid-Apr.
Nagushiyama Azalea Festival
Shikamachi Town
May
29th Apr. ~ 5th May
Hasami Pocelain Festival
Hasami Town
June
1st Sun
Triathlon in Narao
Narao Town
July
4th Sat • Sun
Nagasaki Bayside Festival •
Nagasaki Dragonboat Competition
