A complete guide to Shichi-Go-San | A comprehensive guide from praying to choosing your outfit and taking photos

Shichi-Go-San is a traditional Japanese event that celebrates the growth of children, and is held at the turning points of three, five, and seven years old .

The history of this event dates back to the Heian period, and its roots are said to be in the "Kamiokinogi" (hair-keeping ceremony) and "Hakama-ginogi" (hakama-wearing ceremony) that were performed among aristocrats at the time.

Especially during the Edo period, it spread among samurai families and took on its present-day form.
Nowadays, November 15th is celebrated as Shichi-Go-San Day, and it is customary for families to visit a shrine and pray for the health and growth of their children .

Recently, commemorative photos have been taken at a photo studio, and the event has become an important family event. This event, which combines Japanese tradition and modern culture, is still treasured in many households today.

The most well-known day for the Shichigosan celebration is November 15th. This day is called "Oniyado-bi" in the old calendar, and has been considered a good day for events other than weddings.

When choosing a shrine, it is common to first choose a local shrine where the family's guardian deity is enshrined , but there are also many families who wish to pray at a famous shrine.
Especially in urban areas, prayers at historically important shrines such as Meiji Shrine and Sensoji Temple are popular .

However, these shrines can get very busy, so advance reservations are often required, and planning ahead is important. On the day, you can spend time with your family celebrating your child's growth in a solemn atmosphere, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

At the Shichi-Go-San ceremony, the choice of clothing between parents and children is very important, and it is expected that the attire will be appropriate for the occasion. Children often wear traditional kimono, with boys wearing haori and hakama, and girls wearing kimono with haori and obi .

As for the parents, it is common for mothers to choose a formal kimono or a chic, elegant dress , while a dark suit is recommended for fathers.
It is especially important to pay attention to the colors not being too flashy and to keeping them in balance with the child's outfit .

Matching the parents' outfits with the children's will not only create a beautiful family photo overall, but will also make a good impression when you visit the shrine. The key to success is to successfully combine tradition with modern elegance.

The Shichi-Go-San photo shoot is an important event for families to record special moments.
Studio shoots are done in perfect lighting and backgrounds prepared by professional photographers, so you can expect high quality photos .

On the other hand, the appeal of on-site photography is that you can capture relaxed expressions in natural environments such as your home, a park, or a shrine.

When choosing, it is important to first check the word-of-mouth and reviews and choose a trustworthy photographer and studio.
You may also want to consider package plans that include costume rental and makeup services.

The key to success is to book early and plan your preparations for the day so you can choose the photography method that best suits your family's style and preferences.

The hairstyle and makeup for Shichi-Go-San are important elements in bringing out the cuteness of your child to the fullest.

For girls, traditional Japanese hairstyles and gorgeous updos are popular, with hair accessories being a key element in enhancing the style .

Recently, there has been an increase in casual hairstyles that go well with Western clothing, and accessories such as flower crowns can be used to create a cute look .

For boys, stylish hairstyles that are lightly set using hair styling products are the norm, but simple, subdued hairstyles that match Japanese clothing are also popular.

As for makeup, natural makeup is recommended for girls,
Keep lip and blush subtle to bring out your child's pure cuteness.
If you are going to hire a professional, it is important to clearly communicate in advance what style you would like.
Rehearse and plan your day so that preparations go smoothly.

When choosing a costume for Shichi-Go-San, many people struggle with the decision of whether to rent or buy.
The advantage of renting is that you can easily try out the latest designs and kimonos from popular brands .
They also eliminate the hassle of cleaning and storage, making them convenient for busy families.

On the other hand, the advantage of buying it is that you can keep it as a family memento .
Buying can be an economical option, especially if it can be shared between siblings later on, or worn again on special occasions.

In terms of cost, renting is often cheaper than buying, but when you consider the satisfaction you would get from buying one and the value it would have as a family memento, it all depends on your family's needs. It's important to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each and make the best choice.

When choosing a gift for the Shichi-Go-San celebration, it can be difficult to decide how much money or what to give. For relatives, the most common amount is around 5,000 to 10,000 yen.

Also, as gifts, toys and books that children enjoy are popular, but what they are surprisingly happy with are commemorative photo albums and original picture books . Personalized items will be especially special for children.

Also, since Shichi-Go-San is an event that the whole family celebrates, it is a good idea to support the cost of taking family photos . When choosing a gift or congratulatory money, it is a good idea to think of something that the child will enjoy and that will be memorable.

The Shichi-Go-San prayer ceremony is an important ritual in which children are thanked to God for their growth and are prayed for their future health and happiness.

First, when choosing a shrine to receive prayers at, it is most common to choose a shrine that enshrines the local guardian deity , but many families also choose popular, well-known shrines.
Depending on the shrine, there may be times when prayers are offered or reservations may be required, so it is important to check in advance .

When offering a prayer service, it is considered good manners to present a letter of thanks or a thank you note, but letters of thanks in particular come across as more polite when written by hand and with sincerity.

After the prayer, we recommend taking photos and having a meal together as a family to create happy memories . Preparations for the prayer will go smoothly if the whole family plans it out together and prepares for the day.

Chitose-ame is a symbolic sweet for Shichi-Go-San, and its long, thin shape represents prayers for children's longevity and good health .

The candy comes in bright red and white wrappers and is often distributed to children after prayers at the shrine.
Children who receive Chitose-ame will understand its historical background and will remember the celebration as an even more special day.

Additionally, traditional costumes such as kimono and haori hakama are also essential items for Shichi-Go-San.
By wearing these costumes, children can experience Japanese traditions first-hand and share the culture with the whole family.

As a way to enjoy Shichi-Go-San, the combination of Chitose-ame and traditional costumes provides a special experience that is unique to Shichi-Go-San and creates a memorable day .

The Shichi-Go-San dinner party is an important event where the whole family can celebrate the children's growth and have a fun time together.

When choosing a venue for a meal, restaurants that are safe for children and places that serve Japanese food are popular. In particular, restaurants that offer private rooms are recommended so that you can relax and enjoy your meal with just your family .

Also, when choosing a menu, a combination of both children's favorites and authentic Japanese cuisine that adults can enjoy will ensure that everyone is satisfied.

The key to a successful meal is to let the restaurant know in advance the number of children and their preferences so they can prepare a special menu. This will ensure everyone has a good time and the Shichi-Go-San meal will be a wonderful memory.

Shichi-Go-San is a traditional Japanese event that has been passed down since ancient times, fusing its historical background with modern culture. This event is not only a way to celebrate children's growth, but also a valuable opportunity for families to come together and pass on Japanese culture to the next generation .

Although the format and celebration of Shichi-Go-San is changing in modern society, its essential meaning remains the same. In particular, Shichi-Go-San will continue to survive by respecting local traditions and finding new ways to celebrate that suit the lifestyle of each family.

This event is also becoming increasingly important for children as an opportunity to learn about their roots and feel their traditions.

Through Shichi-Go-San, we are expected to play an important role in passing on Japan's rich culture to the next generation and connecting it to the future .

Shichi-Go-San is not just an event to celebrate children's growth.
It plays an important role in passing on Japanese history and culture to future generations .

Through this article, we hope you have gained a deeper understanding of the overall picture of Shichi-Go-San, including its origins, history, and how it is celebrated in modern times.

We also provided information on specific preparations, such as choosing a shrine, what parents and children should wear, taking photos, and planning the meal.

Through Shichi-Go-San, families can have a precious opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture and pass it on to the next generation . Please use this article as a reference and have a wonderful Shichi-Go-San day.