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What preparations are necessary for Shichi-Go-San? When do we do it?
What is the "counted age" regarding the age of intercession?
Counting years is a method of age counting used in old Japan.
The concept is that a child is "one year old" at the time of birth, and his or her age is increased with each new year's day. For example, a child born in December is counted as "2 years old" on January 1 of the following year. In the Edo period (1603-1867), when Shichigosan became popular, it was common to celebrate the festival using this "counted age" system.
What is the mainstream today?
Today, most families celebrate Shichigosan at full age (the common way of counting birthdays, adding one year to the age at each birthday). Many families celebrate Shichigosan at 3, 5, and 7 years of age, as it is easier to accommodate kindergarten, nursery school, and elementary school schedules. Families are also free to decide to celebrate a year earlier or later, depending on the ages of their siblings.
However, there are regional and family traditions, and some people still celebrate in counted years, so "either way" is acceptable.
Preparation for the day of Shichi-Go-San
Determination of dates
Originally, November 15 is the day of Shichi-Go-San, but in recent years, many families visit on weekends and holidays in October and November to avoid crowds. If grandparents are also participating, please arrange a date that is convenient for everyone to gather.
dress
Consider purchasing or renting a child's costume
Boys (3 and 5 years old): Haori Hakama or suit
Girls (3 and 7 years old): Some choose to wear a kimono with a habu or obi knot, or a dress.
For family members, visiting kimonos and tsukegames are appropriate for kimono, and ceremonial suits are elegant for Western-style attire.
Shrine Prayer Reservations
Reservations for prayer: Popular shrines often require advance reservations, so please check with them.
Hatsuho ryori (tamagushi-ryori): Prepare a white envelope with a value of about 5,000 to 10,000 yen. (The notation should read "Hatsuho ryori" or "tamagushi-ryori.
Consideration of pre-shooting
Recently, the most common style is to have the pre-shoot at a studio, etc., and have a visit to the shrine and a dinner on the day of the wedding.
Location shooting at shrines and ryotei (Japanese-style restaurants) is also popular. It is a good idea to make arrangements so that your child does not get tired.
Celebration Dinner
After the visit to the shrine, it is traditional to gather around a celebratory meal for Shichi-Go-San.
At ryotei (Japanese-style restaurants), "festive meals" are prepared to wish for the healthy growth of your child, and include such auspicious dishes as sea bream with a tail and sekihan (red rice). Choosing a restaurant that offers children's meals can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Prepare souvenirs
If you are inviting grandparents or relatives, they will be pleased to receive sweets or good luck gifts as souvenirs on their way home.
Since Shichigosan often receives congratulations, it is important to prepare "Uchi-shukui" at a later date.
Approximate timing of Shichi-Go-San reservations
(1) Prayer at the shrine
Reservations: Reservations are accepted as early as summer (July-August). Peak: Popular dates (Oyasu and weekends) can fill up quickly from September to October, so if you have a specific shrine you wish to visit, it is recommended to confirm after the summer vacation.
(2) Photography (before and on the day of shooting)
Advance shooting: Popular from May to September (before the Shichi-Go-San season, when you can take pictures in a relaxed atmosphere).
Same-day shooting: Because weekends and holidays in November are very crowded, reservations should be made 3-4 months in advance.
(3) Dining (ryotei and restaurants)
Weekends and holidays in October-November are concentrated for celebratory use. Private rooms and restaurants with gardens are especially popular, so it is recommended to make reservations at least two to three months in advance (around August to September).Reservations for Shichi-Go-San dinner at Tsukiji Jisaku can be made after August 1.
It is recommended that you also confirm the contents of the meal and whether or not there will be a celebration meal for children to make the day go smoothly.
The Shichi-Go-San process generally consists of "shrine prayers," "commemorative photo shoot," and "dinner. Since all of these events coincide with the popular fall season, it is recommended that reservations be made in late summer or early fall (August to September).
Please visit Tsukiji Jisaku in Ginza, Tokyo, to celebrate the important milestone of Shichi-Go-San.
In addition to preparing a gorgeous festive meal using seasonal ingredients, we also have a temple in the building where you can hold a prayer service as it is. We will guide you to a special moment where you can spend a relaxing time with your family, praying for the healthy growth of your child.