Celebrate Growth: Discover Japan's Charming Shichi-Go-San Tradition

Shichi-Go-San (literally meaning “Seven-Five-Three”) is a traditional Japanese event celebrating the healthy growth and milestones of children at the ages of 3, 5, and 7. While the official date for Shichi-Go-San is November 15th, it often falls on a weekday. As a result, many families choose to visit shrines on weekends between October and December instead.

When my daughter celebrated her Shichi-Go-San, we visited Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. It was such a memorable day! She dressed in a beautiful kimono, and we took lots of photos, enjoyed traditional "Chitose Ame" (a candy symbolizing long life), and prayed for her continued growth and well-being. After the shrine visit, we went to a photo studio, where professional photographers captured stunning portraits of her in traditional attire. Preserving these moments through photographs is a cherished part of Shichi-Go-San, allowing families to treasure the memories for years to come.

Shichi-Go-San is not just about prayers at the shrine. It’s also a day for children to wear traditional outfits, enjoy festive treats, and create lasting memories with their families. The combination of colorful kimono, heartfelt celebrations, and professional family portraits highlights the beauty of this tradition.

If you’re visiting Japan between October and December, you might have the chance to see this unique celebration. Watching children dressed in vibrant kimono and experiencing the joyful atmosphere of families at shrines or photo studios offers a fascinating glimpse into Japanese culture.