PlayInfoBox

Home /Education /Shichi-Go-San Explained: Japan's Children's Growth Celebration

Shichi-Go-San Explained: Japan's Children's Growth Celebration

Shichi-Go-San celebrates a child's growth β€” here are its origins and how the celebratory ages are determined.

What is Shichi-Go-San

A traditional Japanese observance in which families visit a shrine to give thanks for a child's healthy growth so far and pray for continued healthy growth.

The ages celebrated

Typically boys are celebrated at ages 3 and 5, and girls at ages 3 and 7. Practices vary by region and family β€” some celebrate boys only at 5, or girls only at 3 and 7.

Traditional age counting vs. actual age

Traditionally celebrated using the old East Asian age-counting system (where a person is age 1 at birth), but today many families use the child's actual (Western-style) age instead β€” either is considered acceptable.

Origins in Heian-era court rituals

Believed to originate from Heian-period court rituals marking children's growth milestones: the "kamioki" hair-growing ceremony at age 3, the "hakamagi" first-hakama ceremony at age 5, and the "obitoki" first-adult-sash ceremony at age 7.

Why November 15 became the set date

These rituals spread among commoners during the Edo period and became fixed as a November 15 observance; one theory traces the date to a celebration held for a child of the Tokugawa shogunate.

When families actually visit

Today, many families are not strict about November 15 and instead visit the shrine on a convenient weekend or holiday sometime in October or November.

The meaning of chitose-ame candy

A long, thin red-and-white candy symbolizing wishes for "long life" and for the child "to grow up tall and strong, steadily and long."

Clothing

Traditionally girls wear a kimono with a hifu overcoat, and boys wear a haori jacket with hakama trousers, though more families are opting for Western-style clothing as well.

Why the celebrated ages differ between boys and girls

The age-3 "kamioki" ritual was shared by both sexes, while the age-5 "hakamagi" ritual marked a boy's first time wearing hakama, and the age-7 "obitoki" ritual marked a girl's first time wearing an adult-style sash β€” a distinction believed to be the root of today's different celebrated ages by gender.

Traditional age counting or actual age β€” which is correct?

There is no fixed rule on which is correct; the choice is often made based on regional or family custom, or practical considerations like wanting to celebrate siblings together. Photo studios and shrines generally accommodate either.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Shichi-Go-San have to be observed on November 15?

No β€” today it is common to visit whenever is convenient for the family sometime in October or November, without being tied to November 15. Many families deliberately choose a different time to avoid crowds.

If siblings are different ages, can they be celebrated together?

Yes β€” it is not uncommon for families to celebrate siblings together by flexibly using traditional or actual age counting, or slightly adjusting the age criteria.

Is an offering fee required for the shrine visit?

When receiving a blessing ritual at a shrine, it is customary to offer a fee called "hatsuho-ryo." The amount is often set by the shrine, so it's reassuring to check in advance.

Can the photo shoot be done on a different day from the shrine visit?

Yes β€” many families split the photo shoot (done before or after the actual date) from the shrine visit itself, to reduce the burden of wearing formal kimono and avoid crowds.