Nagasaki Suwa Shrine (Suwa Jinja Shrine) is a famous old Shinto shrine. It is located on the slopes of Mount Tamazono in Nagasaki. The shrine is famous for its stunning 277-step stone staircase, where the vibrant Nagasaki Kunchi Festival takes place every year from October 7 to 9.
Brief History:
Nagasaki Suwa Shrine was established in Nagasaki during the early Edo period. It was built to counteract the spread of Christianity under Japan’s isolationist policy. It is a symbol of Shinto resilience and cultural identity amidst significant religious and cultural shifts.
The shrine became a focal point of local tradition, especially with the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival, which began in the late 16th century and celebrates the kami enshrined there.
Over the centuries, Suwa Shrine has remained a spiritual and cultural hub, preserving its historic role while adapting to modern times as a center of community life and Shinto worship.
Why Visit Suwa Shrine?
People visit Nagasaki Suwa Shrine not just for its serene beauty and rich history but also for its deep spiritual significance.
Visitors get a unique experience here. They can enjoy a perfect mix of breathtaking views, traditional architecture, and a tranquil atmosphere.
In fact, it is a spiritual place. People feel it is a meaningful place to visit while they are in Nagasaki. We know that Nagasaki faced a big trauma in the Second World War.
So visitors come here for reflection, prayer, and blessings and to feel a deeper connection to Japanese tradition.
Attractions of the Shrine:
Nagasaki Suwa Shrine (Suwa Jinja Shrine) has very good harmony with nature. Visitors can enjoy its traditional wooden architecture, lush greenery, peaceful and timeless charm.
More than that, visitors love to step on its picturesque long staircase, take photos of its iconic gates, and feel a deep connection with sacred spaces.
Festival:
The main festival of the Suwa Shrine of Nagasaki is the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival. It is held from October 7 to 9 every year.
The Kunchi Festival attracts thousands of local and international visitors. The vibrant celebrations, colorful processions, traditional dances, and the rhythmic beat of taiko drums touch people’s hearts.
The festival is one of the most famous festivals in Nagasaki City. The whole of Nagasaki is filled with tourists during this festival.
Surroundings:
The surroundings of the Nagasaki Suwa Shrine are charming. You can visit Nagasaki Park, which has a small pond with golden koi near Udon Noddle restaurant.
The park also has a small zoo and kids’ slides. Kids can pay 100 yen coins and buy food for monkeys and goats.
Besides, if you go by food, you will find the Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture before arriving at Suwa Shrine. The museum has a good reputation. Most of the time, the museum holds live cultural shows. If you are lucky, you can see it.
At the same time, the Nature Trails on Mount Tamazono are perfect for connecting with nature.
Yes, do not forget to visit the charming local cafe and Udon Noddle’s restaurant on the top of Mount Tamazono near Suwa Shrine. You can find it when you arrive on top of the shrine.
How to Access it?
Nearest Tram Station is Suwa Jinja Shrine.
Nagasaki is a compact city. It is not crowded like Tokyo, and it is easy to move from one place to another by tram.
You can take a Nagasaki Electric Tramway Line 3 from Nagasakiekimae to Station to Suwa-Jinja Shrine, then step up the 227-stone staircase.
Actually, walking is fun. I walked, and it took me only 13 minutes.
Tips: Where to eat in Nagasaki Station?
Opening time:
Admission fee: Free
Address:
Suwa Shrine
18-15 Kaminishiyama-cho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 850-0006, Japan
Official site: