With over 400 years of history, Suwa Shrine is the central Shinto Shrine of Nagasaki. Built in 1614 during the same year the Tokugawa Shogunate changed its policy on Christianity, the shrine was established as a rallying point of Shintoism in the heavily christian Nagasaki. It is home to many festivals, including the lively “Kunchi” held in October.

Next to the shrine you will find a small animal park, as well as a koi pond and cafe. Enjoy some hand made mochi, specific to the neighborhood, and enjoy the picturesque koi fish, and feed the many animals of the park!

Suwa Shrine is home to a beautiful landscape and Japanese garden, with many Komainu living there. Komainu are statues of dogs that hold many meanings in the Shinto religion, they can be found all over the city!

Suwa has many of Japan’s iconic Torii Gates, one of the quintessential symbols of Shinto. These gates can be found at every shrine and symbolize passing from reality, into a sacred and spiritual realm. At Suwa you will find them on the path to the Tamazono Inari Shrine.

Goshuincho is a stamp book used to collect Goshuin, a red stamp and letter in calligraphy given at a temple or shrine as a proof of your visit. If desired, the Goshuincho can be purchased at Suwa shrine, and stamped as well!

Established in 1620, Kofukuji Temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Nagasaki. Exhibiting the unique Chinese architecture that makes Nagasaki so special, the shrine was initially used to pray for the Chinese merchants as they traveled the rough trade routes.

At Kofukuji we will participate in a traditional Matcha tea ceremony, which is typically accompanied by a delicious Mochi snack. The matcha tea ceremony has been an integral part of Japanese culture for centuries, and is a spiritual experience meant to bring you peace, harmony and happiness. Green tea has long been exported from Nagasaki to the rest of the world, so please enjoy this experience!

Meganebashi, or “Spectacles Bridge” is considered the oldest arch bridge in all of Japan. The chinese monk Mokusunyoujo built this bridge over the Nakashima River in 1634, and it has endured many floods and storms since. The banks of the bridge are home to many heart shaped rocks, where it is tradition to wish for eternal love.

An option for lovers of literature. Visit the childhood home of Novelist, Nobel Prize Winner, and Booker Prize Winner, Kazuo Ishiguro.