Chinzei Taisha Suwa Jinja (Chinzei Grand Shrine Suwa Shrine)

Overview

The enshrined deity (kami) is Suwa Daim<audio|> (Takeminakata-no-kami and Yasaka-no-mikoto), with Morisaki Daimjin (for matchmaking) and Sumiyoshi Daimjin (for maritime safety) enshrined as secondary deities. Re-established in 1625 CE (Kan'ei 2) and moved to the current site in 1648 CE (Keian 1), it serves as the guardian deity of Nagasaki. The annual festival, 'Nagasaki Kunchi' (October 7–9), is a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and ranks as one of the three major Kunchi festivals in Japan, alongside Hakata Okunchi and Karatsu Kunchi. It is famous for its dedicatory dances that reflect Nagasaki's unique foreign culture, including the Ryu-odori (Dragon Dance), whale spouting, and Nanban-sen (Western ships).

Highlights

• ・Nagasaki Kunchi (National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property)
• ・Matchmaking spot and Komainu (lion-dog) walking path
• ・Guardian deity of Nagasaki
• ・One of the three major Kunchi festivals in Japan, alongside Karatsu Kunchi and Hakata Okunchi