Shichi-Go-San is a celebration of a child's healthy growth.
Many families in Tokyo consider Meiji Jingu as the shrine for their Shichi-Go-San visit.
Located in Harajuku, Meiji Jingu is surrounded by rich greenery despite being in the heart of the city. Shichi-Go-San blessings are held there, and it's a popular place for families to mark this important milestone in kimono.
In this article, we'll walk you through the visit flow, attire, the blessing ceremony, and kimono rental for families planning Shichi-Go-San at Meiji Jingu.
Visiting Meiji Jingu for Shichi-Go-San
Shichi-Go-San is a traditional Japanese celebration held at the growth milestones of ages 3, 5, and 7, giving thanks for a child's safe growth so far and praying for continued healthy growth.
Meiji Jingu also offers Shichi-Go-San blessings.
According to Meiji Jingu, it's now common to celebrate boys at age 5, and girls at ages 3 and 7, though in some regions boys are also celebrated at age 3. Families aren't bound to the traditional age-counting method either — celebrating at each child's actual age, or celebrating siblings together, are both perfectly fine.
It's best to choose a timing that works naturally with your family's schedule and your child's growth.
Do You Need a Reservation for Shichi-Go-San at Meiji Jingu?
For an individual Shichi-Go-San blessing, no advance reservation is needed — you simply register on the day.
Reception is at the Kagura-den, to the right (east side) as you face the main hall. Note that the reception location may change during the Shichi-Go-San season.
Current reception hours are approximately 9:00 AM to 4:20 PM, with blessing ceremonies held roughly every 30 minutes from around 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
You're asked to complete registration at least 10 minutes before your desired ceremony time.
The Shichi-Go-San season (October–November) in particular can get crowded, so we recommend building in extra time for dressing and travel as well.
*Reception hours and on-the-day guidance are subject to change. Please check Meiji Jingu's latest information before your visit.
See Meiji Jingu's official guide for worshippers seeking a blessing.
The Flow of a Shichi-Go-San Blessing at Meiji Jingu
On the day, you'll fill out an application form at the entrance to the Kagura-den and pay the blessing offering (hatsuho-ryo) at reception.
You'll then wait in the designated waiting area before the blessing ceremony begins. Meiji Jingu holds blessings, including Shichi-Go-San visits, at the Kagura-den.
Factoring in kimono rental and dressing, a smooth schedule generally looks like:
Choosing kimono & preparation → Dressing & hair styling → Travel to Meiji Jingu → Reception → Blessing & worship → Family photos → Returning the kimono
Building your schedule around this flow makes for a smoother day.
Since children aren't used to walking in kimono and zori sandals, it's a good idea to allow more time than you would for an adults-only visit.
What Kind of Kimono Do Children Wear for Shichi-Go-San?
Shichi-Go-San attire differs depending on your child's age.
At age 3, the classic style is a "hifu" vest worn over the kimono.
Boys at age 5 wear a dignified combination of haori jacket and hakama.
Girls at age 7 wear a more gorgeous style, tying an obi similar to an adult kimono.
These styles trace back to Shichi-Go-San's roots in three separate coming-of-age rituals: kamioki at age 3, hakamagi at age 5, and obitoki at age 7.
Since it's a day that will live on in photographs, choosing colors and patterns that suit your child is one of the joys of Shichi-Go-San.
What Should Moms Wear for Shichi-Go-San?
More and more families are choosing for moms to wear kimono too during the Shichi-Go-San visit, not just the children.
An elegant, gorgeous houmongi is a wonderful choice of kimono for moms at Shichi-Go-San.
Gentle tones like soft pink, beige, cream, and wisteria pair easily with your child's kimono and blend naturally into family photos.
Since your child is the star of the day, choosing a look that's elegant but balanced with your child's outfit helps the whole family feel pulled together.
Wearing Kimono to Meiji Jingu: Comfortable Walking Matters, Too
Meiji Jingu has expansive grounds, and it's said to take about 10 minutes on foot from each entrance to the main shrine building.
Because of this, it's important for Shichi-Go-San that your child can walk comfortably, not just look the part.
For 3-year-olds especially, we recommend allowing extra time so your child can rest if they get tired.
Also, in November the closing time changes from day to day, so if you're planning an afternoon visit, it's worth checking in advance. Meiji Jingu's opening and closing times change month by month in line with sunrise and sunset.
Get Dressed in Harajuku, Then Head Straight to Meiji Jingu
HARAJUKU KIMONO HOUSE is a kimono rental and dressing salon in the Harajuku & Omotesando area.
For Shichi-Go-San, we offer kimono rental for children ages 3, 5, and 7, along with dressing, hair styling, and makeup.
We also offer houmongi for moms, so you and your child can get dressed in kimono together.
Meiji Jingu is about a 12-minute walk from our shop.
You can choose your kimono, get dressed, and have your hair styled at our shop, then head straight to Meiji Jingu in your kimono.
Since there's no need to carry kimono from home or travel a long distance from a dressing location to the shrine, it's especially convenient for families with young children.
HARAJUKU KIMONO HOUSE's Shichi-Go-San Plans
We offer plans for children's Shichi-Go-San that include kimono rental, dressing, hair styling, and makeup.
Houmongi for moms are also available, so please feel free to ask about coordinating kimono as a family.
For more details, please see: https://harajukukimonohouse.com/shichigosan.html
Celebrate Your Family's Shichi-Go-San at Meiji Jingu
Shichi-Go-San is a precious milestone for the whole family to celebrate a child's growth together and pray for continued good health.
A visit to the lush greenery of Meiji Jingu, dressed in kimono for the occasion.
Beyond the photos from that day, the time spent choosing kimono together and walking the approach as a family will surely become treasured memories too.
If you're looking for Shichi-Go-San kimono rental or dressing in the Harajuku & Omotesando area, please feel free to reach out to HARAJUKU KIMONO HOUSE.
From your child's kimono to mom's houmongi, we're here to help prepare your family for this special day.