What Is Shichi-Go-San? A Japanese Tradition That Celebrates Children's Growth
Shichi-Go-San is a traditional Japanese custom that celebrates the healthy growth and happiness of children at the ages of seven, five, and three.
Usually observed in November, families visit shrines and temples to pray for their children's well-being and to mark important milestones in their growth.
The name comes directly from the numbers seven, five, and three.
Even today, it remains a cherished autumn tradition for many Japanese families.
For international travelers, seeing children dressed in colorful kimono during this season can become a memorable part of experiencing Japanese culture.
Why Is Shichi-Go-San Celebrated? Meaning and Origins
Shichi-Go-San began as a way for families to celebrate a child's healthy development and pray for their future happiness.
In times when child mortality was much higher than it is today, reaching ages three, five, and seven held special meaning.
Over time, this became established as a family custom, especially among samurai and noble households, and later spread more widely.
Today, although the practice is most often associated with Shinto shrines, some families visit Buddhist temples as well.
What matters most is celebrating the child's growth and sharing the milestone as a family.
If you come across a Shichi-Go-San visit during your trip, keep an eye on the signage and mood inside the grounds and behave quietly.
On these days, you'll notice more families and more people taking commemorative photos than usual.
Why November 15?
There are several theories about why November 15 became Shichi-Go-San day.
One theory links it to Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the fifth shogun of the Edo period, who is said to have prayed for the health of his son Tokumatsu on November 15.
Another reason is that November 15 on the old lunar calendar was considered "Kishuku-nichi," one of the 28 lunar mansions, believed to be an auspicious day when demons do not roam.
Today, families no longer stick strictly to this date, and it's common to visit on a convenient day between October and November.
What Ages Are Celebrated? The Meaning of Seven, Five, and Three and the Gender Differences
As the name suggests, Shichi-Go-San marks the ages of seven, five, and three as key milestones in a child's growth.
Traditionally, age three is celebrated for both boys and girls, age five for boys, and age seven for girls.
While this breakdown is widely known, interpretations can vary slightly depending on the region or family.
Recently, some families celebrate based on the child's current age (man-nenrei) rather than the traditional "counted age" (kazoe-doshi), and siblings are sometimes celebrated together on the same day.
As a traveler, it's best not to assume there's one "correct" way, and instead to view it simply as one form of Japanese family tradition.
Why Ages Three, Five, and Seven?
In old Japan, a child's healthy growth was an even greater joy than it is today.
Age three corresponds to "Kamioki," a ceremony marking when children, whose hair had been kept shaved, were allowed to grow it out; age five marks "Hakamagi," when boys wear the hakama (traditional pleated trousers) for the first time; and age seven marks "Obitoki," when girls tie an adult-style obi (kimono sash) for the first time.
The custom of celebrating each of these growth milestones has been passed down and preserved to this day as Shichi-Go-San.
In modern times, the event is often celebrated more as "a day for families to celebrate a child's growth" than strictly in accordance with its original meaning.
It's a tradition where heritage and family memory-making come together beautifully.
Shichi-Go-San Day: What a Typical Visit Looks Like
On the day of Shichi-Go-San, families typically go to a shrine or temple together, pay their respects, and take commemorative photos.
Many also enjoy a meal before or after the visit, or meet up with grandparents.
The day's flow varies between families, ranging from a simple visit to a full schedule that includes a formal prayer ritual and professional photos.
A Typical Shichi-Go-San Visit
In many cases, families spend the day like this:
- Changing into kimono or formal wear at home or at a photo studio, then traveling together
- Paying respects at the shrine or temple, and receiving a formal blessing (gokitō) if desired
- Taking commemorative photos on the grounds or at a photo studio
- Enjoying a meal with family members and grandparents
Some families do everything in one day, while others split the photo session and the visit across different days with a "maedori" (pre-shoot) or "atodori" (post-shoot).
As a traveler, the parts you're most likely to witness are the shrine visit and the photo taking.
Formal Blessings Vary by Shrine and Temple
Some families request a formal Shinto or Buddhist blessing (gokitō) as part of Shichi-Go-San.
The offering fee (hatsuhoryō), reception process, flow, and whether reservations are required differ from one site to another.
Depending on the season, shrines can become crowded.
If you'd like to take part during your trip, checking the official information for your destination in advance is the safest option.
Don't make your own judgment on site, and always follow the rules of each location.
Chitose-Ame: A Well-Known Lucky Charm of Shichi-Go-San
At Shichi-Go-San, you'll often see children holding chitose-ame (literally "thousand-year candy").
Chitose-ame is a long, thin red-and-white candy symbolizing a child's healthy growth and long life, and it has been a beloved lucky charm since the Edo period.
It usually comes in a bag decorated with auspicious motifs such as cranes, turtles, pine, bamboo, and plum, and it often appears as a prop in commemorative photos.
If you see one during your trip, remembering it as a signature sight of Shichi-Go-San will deepen your appreciation for this Japanese tradition.
What to Wear for Shichi-Go-San: Kimono, Hakama, and Western Outfits
For Shichi-Go-San, children celebrate in kimono, hakama, or Western-style outfits such as dresses.
Three-year-old girls traditionally wear a hifu vest over their kimono, while seven-year-old girls wear a fully formal kimono tied with an adult-style obi.
Five-year-old boys often wear haori hakama (a formal jacket and pleated trousers), and their elegant outfits tend to draw attention.
Still, it's not a rule that everyone must wear traditional clothing.
Some families focus on coordinating the overall look for family photos.
For this reason, it's common for parents and siblings to dress in suits, dresses, or other slightly formal outfits to match.
Manners to Know When You See Children in Kimono
For travelers, the sight of children in kimono at Shichi-Go-San is truly charming.
But no matter how adorable they look, please avoid getting too close or taking photos without permission.
Children may be tired from long travel or from wearing unfamiliar formal clothes.
Remember that this is a precious family occasion, and the best thing you can do is watch quietly from a respectful distance.
Shichi-Go-San Shrine Etiquette and Photo Manners
During Shichi-Go-San season, tourists and worshippers share the same space at shrines and temples.
Because of this, calm and respectful behavior is even more important than usual.
Don't Block Paths or Photo Spots While Visiting
Within the grounds, families take turns posing for photos and lining up for prayers.
Standing in front of the torii gate, in the center of the approach, or near the main hall for too long can disrupt the flow of people.
The center of the sandō (shrine approach) is called "seichū" and is considered the path of the gods, so walking along the side is considered proper etiquette.
When taking photos, avoid prioritizing your own shot and instead keep sessions short while watching the flow around you.
If you might end up in the background of a family's commemorative photo, waiting a moment for them shows thoughtfulness and leaves a good impression.
Don't Photograph Children or Families Without Permission
Shichi-Go-San scenes are beautiful and feel like a signature Japanese seasonal moment.
Even so, the focus of the day isn't tourism but the families celebrating this milestone.
When taking photos where individuals are clearly identifiable, it's essential to avoid shooting without permission.
In particular, avoid taking close-up photos of children.
If you really want to take a photo, asking a parent or guardian for permission first is proper etiquette.
Check Each Site's Photo Rules
Some areas within shrine or temple grounds have rules about photography or the use of tripods.
Photography may be prohibited inside buildings, in the main hall, or during formal blessings.
Because these rules differ from place to place, check the posted signs and official guidance on site.
If you're not sure, don't guess on your own; ask the shrine or temple office staff to be on the safe side.
How to Avoid Crowds and Get Around During Shichi-Go-San Season
On weekends in November, especially the Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays around November 15, famous shrines tend to be crowded with families celebrating Shichi-Go-San.
If you want to avoid crowds, visiting on a weekday morning or outside of November is a good option.
Also, facilities and multilingual signage vary from one shrine to another.
If you're planning to visit a shrine in Japan, checking the official website in advance for access, accessibility, and English-language support will help you feel more confident on the day.
Summary: Shichi-Go-San Reveals Japan's Family Culture and Traditions
Shichi-Go-San is a Japanese tradition that celebrates a child's growth and marks important milestones together as a family.
Through shrine and temple visits, formal clothing, chitose-ame, and commemorative photos, you can sense Japan's family culture and seasonal customs.
If you encounter a Shichi-Go-San scene during your trip, look beyond the beauty of the outfits and try to feel the love and hopes the family carries with them.
By observing manners and watching quietly, you can engage with Japanese culture in a way that feels natural and respectful to everyone.
