Japan Shichi-Go-San Guide 2025
November brings one of Japan's most photogenic traditions — children dressed in elaborate kimono and hakama visiting shrines for shichi-go-san, the seven-five-three ceremony marking growth milestones. Witnessing these celebrations at Meiji Jingu or Heian Jingu is a uniquely memorable glimpse into living Japanese cultural tradition.
Book Your November Tokyo Stay
November in Tokyo combines shichi-go-san at Meiji Jingu with autumn leaves — one of the year's most beautiful seasons to visit.
What Is Shichi-Go-San?
Shichi-Go-San (七五三, literally “Seven-Five-Three”) is a traditional Japanese rite of passage held on November 15 each year, celebrating the growth and health of young children at the ages of three, five, and seven. The occasion marks historically significant milestones: at age three, boys and girls were traditionally permitted to grow their hair; at five, boys wore hakama (formal trousers) for the first time; at seven, girls changed from simple cord-tied kimono to the full obi sash belt.
Who Participates
The ceremony involves visiting a shrine to pray for the child's continued health, growth, and happiness. Families typically dress children in traditional kimono and hakama, though Western formal clothing is now also common. Professional photography before the shrine visit has become an important part of the celebration — photo studios throughout Japan offer shichi-go-san packages from October.
Chitose Ame — the Thousand-Year Candy
A distinctive feature of shichi-go-san is chitose ame (千歳飴, “thousand-year candy”) — long, thin red and white candy sticks sold at shrine stalls during November. Children receive these stick candies in a decorative paper bag printed with cranes and turtles (symbols of longevity). The candy's length symbolizes a long, stretching life, and its red-and-white coloring corresponds to the festive colors of traditional ceremonies.
Chitose ame bags make excellent souvenirs — the illustrated paper bags with crane and turtle motifs are often more beautiful than the candy itself. During November, shrine stalls and nearby sweet shops sell them openly to visitors.
Best Places to Witness Shichi-Go-San
Meiji Jingu Shrine (Tokyo)
Best for PhotosThe wide forested approach (sando) of Meiji Jingu provides a beautiful, photogenic setting for shichi-go-san families. The contrast of children in elaborate kimono against the natural cedar forest is one of Tokyo's most striking November sights. Particularly busy the weekend closest to November 15.
Nikko Toshogu (Tochigi)
The elaborate gilded architecture of Nikko Toshogu Shrine provides a dramatic backdrop for shichi-go-san celebrations. Nikko's November autumn foliage season coincides perfectly — families combine autumn leaf viewing with the ceremony, creating particularly beautiful scenes.
Heian Jingu Shrine (Kyoto)
Kyoto's grand Chinese-style torii gate and the formal garden approach of Heian Jingu draw families from throughout Kansai for shichi-go-san ceremonies. The vermilion architecture paired with children in formal kimono is classically Kyoto. Particularly active on weekends from late October through mid-November.
Shichi-go-san is observed throughout October and November — not exclusively on November 15 — as families choose weekends convenient for grandparents to attend. The busiest weekends are those immediately before and after November 15. Photographing the ceremony is culturally accepted at shrines, but being respectful of the family's privacy is important — ask before photographing individual children at close range.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Shichi-Go-San in Japan?▼
Can I take photos of Shichi-Go-San celebrations at shrines?▼
What is the significance of the ages 3, 5, and 7?▼
Book Your Tokyo November Hotel
November is one of Japan's most popular travel months — autumn leaves, mild weather, and shichi-go-san make it an exceptional time to visit.