Shichi-Go-San is a special day when the whole family celebrates a child's growth.
Because it's such a meaningful occasion, many families want to do more than just visit a shrine in kimono — taking family photos, enjoying a meal together, and spending the whole day at a relaxed pace.
The Omotesando and Harajuku area makes it easy to plan everything in one place: getting dressed in kimono, the shrine visit, photos, and a family meal.
In this article, we introduce tips on choosing kimono and spending the day for families celebrating Shichi-Go-San in Omotesando.
Enjoying Shichi-Go-San in Omotesando
Omotesando may be best known for shopping and cafés, but Harajuku and Meiji Jingu Shrine are just a short walk away, making it a convenient area to spend your Shichi-Go-San day.
Get dressed in kimono, visit the shrine, then enjoy a family meal or take commemorative photos.
Keeping travel to a minimum helps reduce the burden on little ones while you enjoy the celebration.
Three-year-olds in particular can get tired wearing unfamiliar kimono and zori sandals.
We recommend not packing too much into the day and keeping your schedule relaxed.
Does Shichi-Go-San Kimono Differ by Age?
Yes — the typical kimono style for Shichi-Go-San differs by age.
Age 3 | Hifu
At age 3, the classic style is a kimono worn with a hifu, a sleeveless padded vest, over the top.
It's less constricting than a tied obi and shows off the sweetness of a little child.
Age 5 | Haori & Hakama
For 5-year-old boys, the classic look is a dignified haori jacket paired with hakama.
Dressed so differently from usual, your child may feel how special the day is, too.
Age 7 | Kimono with a Tied Obi
At age 7, girls wear a vibrant look that's close to adult kimono.
Coordinating not just the kimono but also the obi, obijime cord, and hair ornaments is part of the fun.
At HARAJUKU KIMONO HOUSE, we offer pre-tied obi as well as more authentic hand-tied obi.
Mom in Kimono, Too
For Shichi-Go-San, we recommend that mothers also wear a homongi alongside their child.
Since the child wears a vibrant kimono, a homongi in elegant tones for mom gives the whole family a beautifully balanced look.
Homongi in pale pink, beige, cream, blue, or wisteria purple pair easily with Shichi-Go-San outfits and blend naturally into family photos.
We've also had new homongi arrive for mothers at HARAJUKU KIMONO HOUSE.
We're happy to help you coordinate, including matching colors with your child's kimono.
Get Ready in Omotesando, Then Head to the Shrine
On the day of Shichi-Go-San, we recommend a relaxed schedule.
For example:
Arrive at the shop & choose kimono
↓
Dressing & hair styling
↓
Travel to the shrine & visit
↓
Family photos
↓
Family meal
↓
Return the kimono
Shrines and the surrounding area can get crowded during the October–November Shichi-Go-San season, so allow extra time for getting around.
Visiting Meiji Jingu for Shichi-Go-San
For families planning Shichi-Go-San in Omotesando or Harajuku, Meiji Jingu Shrine is one option for your visit.
Meiji Jingu is about a 12-minute walk from HARAJUKU KIMONO HOUSE.
Once your child and mom are dressed at our shop, you can head straight to the shrine in kimono.
We cover Shichi-Go-San prayers at Meiji Jingu and the flow of the day in detail in a separate article.
→ "Shichi-Go-San at Meiji Jingu: Visit Flow, Attire & Kimono Rental Guide"
Family Photos Make Precious Memories
For Shichi-Go-San, we encourage you to take photos of the whole family, not just your child.
When child and mom both wear kimono, family photos have a lovely sense of unity.
Beyond formal portraits, natural moments — strolling through Omotesando and Harajuku, or your child holding hands with mom and dad — are precious shots you can only capture at that age.
We hope your Shichi-Go-San becomes a day that, when you look back at the photos years later, reminds you not only of the kimono but of how your family spent the day together.
Shichi-Go-San at HARAJUKU KIMONO HOUSE
HARAJUKU KIMONO HOUSE offers Shichi-Go-San kimono for children aged 3, 5 and 7.
Along with preparing your child, we can also provide homongi rental, dressing, and hair styling for mom.
If your family has its own kimono, please ask us about dressing for kimono you bring.
A Memorable Shichi-Go-San in Omotesando & Harajuku
Shichi-Go-San is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone for both your child and your family.
Rather than rushing through the shrine visit, why not enjoy every moment — choosing kimono, walking together as a family, and taking photos?
At HARAJUKU KIMONO HOUSE, we can help with everything from Shichi-Go-San kimono rental and dressing in Omotesando and Harajuku to homongi for mom.
We'll take great care in helping make your family's special day wonderful.
See our Shichi-Go-San plans & prices: