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Shichi-Go-San (七五三): A Practical Guide for Ages 3, 5, 7

Shichi-Go-San (七五三) is Japan's November tradition where families visit a shrine to pray for a child's healthy growth—typically for ages 3/5/7. This guide explains who celebrates, when to go, what happens, what to wear, etiquette, costs, chitose-ame candy, and message templates.

Quick Cheat Sheet

Aspect Details
What it is A family milestone visit to pray for children’s healthy growth
Who Age 3 (boys & girls), age 5 (boys), age 7 (girls) — details vary
When Traditionally Nov 15, but many families go on a nearby weekend or throughout November
Key items Shrine/temple visit + photos + chitose-ame (“thousand-year candy”)

What is Shichi-Go-San?

Shichi-Go-San (七五三, しちごさん) literally means “seven–five–three.” It is a Japanese custom where families bring children to a shrine (and sometimes a temple) to give thanks and pray for their continued health and growth.

In practice today, it’s both:

  • A religious rite (often a Shinto prayer/blessing), and
  • A family milestone (photos, a special meal, visits with grandparents)

Why “3, 5, 7”? The Meaning Behind the Ages

Shichi-Go-San is often explained as a combination of older childhood milestones that marked changes in a child’s life and clothing:

Age Historical Meaning
3 Children were allowed to grow their hair (historically linked to a “hair-growing” milestone)
5 (boys) First wearing hakama (袴) in public
7 (girls) First wearing a formal obi (帯) sash

The tradition took shape historically over time and became common among the general public by the Edo–Meiji periods.

Who Celebrates?

Typical Pattern (Most Common)

Child Ages Celebrated Notes
Girls 3 and 7 Often two celebrations
Boys 3 and 5 (often 5 only in some families) Regional/family variation exists

You’ll also see different choices depending on the child’s personality, development, and scheduling.

When is Shichi-Go-San?

  • Traditional date: November 15
  • Modern reality: Many families schedule visits on a nearby weekend/holiday, and it’s common to observe it throughout November (sometimes earlier)

Tip: If you’re booking photos or a shrine prayer, aim for weekday mornings if you want fewer crowds.

What Actually Happens on the Day?

A common flow looks like this:

1. Dress Up

Many children wear kimono or hakama; Western formal wear is also common (especially for comfort).

2. Visit a Shrine (or Temple)

Families pray for the child’s healthy growth; some sit for a formal blessing/prayer, others do a simple visit and offering.

3. Photos

Many families do studio photos and/or shrine photos as the “main event.”

4. Chitose-ame (千歳飴)

Long candy sticks symbolizing long life; often in bags decorated with cranes/turtles and other longevity motifs.

Age Counting: Full Age vs Kazoedoshi

You may hear two systems:

System Description
Full age (birthday-based) Common modern “international” age counting
Kazoedoshi (数え年) Traditional system where age changes at New Year

In real life, many families choose whichever makes the day smoother (child readiness, siblings, school schedule). Some shrines explicitly state that either kazoedoshi or full age is acceptable, and what matters is visiting with gratitude.

Practical rule: If you’re unsure, ask the parents (or the shrine):

“Do you want to do Shichi-Go-San by full age or kazoedoshi?”

Shrine Etiquette (Simple, Safe Version)

Different shrines have slightly different customs, but this is a widely taught standard:

At the Offering Area

  1. Put coins in the box
  2. Bow twice
  3. Clap twice
  4. Bow once

If You’re Bringing a Child

  • Keep voices low
  • Walk (don’t run)
  • Follow staff instructions—especially in busy November

Costs, Reservations, and What You Receive

Shrines vary widely, but a common pattern for a formal Shichi-Go-San prayer is:

  • You sign in, give an offering (hatsuhoryō / 初穂料) and receive items afterward (amulet, chitose-ame, etc.)

Example (one shrine’s typical fee):

  • Minimum offering from ¥5,000, and items may include an amulet and special candy

Best practice: Check the shrine website for:

  • Reservation requirement
  • Accepted times
  • Suggested offering amounts
  • Photo rules inside the grounds

“I’m Invited as a Friend” — What Should I Do?

What to Wear

  • Smart casual is usually fine (think “nice lunch” level)
  • If you’ll be in photos: avoid large logos, bright white (if family is in formal wear), or anything that distracts

What to Bring (Safe Options)

  • A small gift for the child (picture book, simple toy, sweets the parents approve)
  • A “congratulations” card/message
  • If you’re close: offer to contribute to photos or the meal (only if culturally appropriate for that family)

What Not to Assume

Don’t assume it’s strictly religious or strictly casual—it can be either depending on the family.

Copy-Ready Message Templates

English (Friendly)

“Congratulations on Shichi-Go-San! Wishing you a happy day and continued healthy growth.”

“Hope you have a wonderful shrine visit and a great photo day.”

English (More Formal, for Colleagues/Clients)

“Warm congratulations on your child’s Shichi-Go-San. Wishing your family continued health and happiness.”

Japanese (Safe and Polite)

「七五三おめでとうございます。お子さまの健やかなご成長をお祈りします。」

Glossary

Term Reading Meaning
七五三 しちごさん (shichi-go-san) “Seven–Five–Three” child growth celebration
千歳飴 ちとせあめ (chitose-ame) “Thousand-year candy,” a Shichi-Go-San sweet symbolizing longevity
神社 じんじゃ (jinja) Shinto shrine
お参り おまいり (omairi) Shrine visit
袴 はかま (hakama) Traditional formal pants/skirt worn by boys at age 5
帯 おび (obi) Formal sash worn by girls at age 7
初穂料 はつほりょう (hatsuhoryō) Shrine offering/fee
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