Shichi-Go-San Calculator — Japanese Children's Festival Ages
Enter your child's birthday to find the exact years for their Shichi-Go-San (七五三) celebrations at ages 3, 5, and 7. Shows both traditional counting age (数え年) and modern age, plus the day of the week for November 15.
November 15 Day of Week (2024–2035)
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|
| 2024 | 11/15 | Friday |
| 2025 | 11/15 | Saturday |
| 2026 | 11/15 | Sunday |
| 2027 | 11/15 | Monday |
| 2028 | 11/15 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | 11/15 | Thursday |
| 2030 | 11/15 | Friday |
| 2031 | 11/15 | Saturday |
| 2032 | 11/15 | Monday |
| 2033 | 11/15 | Tuesday |
| 2034 | 11/15 | Wednesday |
| 2035 | 11/15 | Thursday |
What Is Shichi-Go-San? — History and Modern Practice
Shichi-Go-San (七五三, literally "7-5-3") is a traditional Japanese celebration for children at ages 3, 5, and 7. Dating back to the Heian period, each age marks a specific milestone: at 3, both boys and girls celebrate kami-oki (髪置き, "hair-growing"); at 5, boys wear hakama pants for the first time (袴着); and at 7, girls begin wearing adult-style obi sashes (帯解き). Families typically visit a Shinto shrine on or near November 15 to offer prayers for their children's health and growth. While the traditional date is November 15, most modern families visit on a convenient weekend between October and December. Children dress in traditional kimono — often rented from specialized studios that also offer professional photography packages. The holiday is one of Japan's most photographed family events, and understanding the age calculation (whether using traditional kazoe-doshi or modern Western age) is essential for planning. This tool calculates both, so expat families in Japan can participate with confidence.
Planning Shichi-Go-San — Costs, Timing, and Tips for Foreign Families
If you're living in Japan with young children, Shichi-Go-San is a wonderful cultural experience. Kimono rental packages typically cost ¥10,000–¥50,000 and include dressing service. Photography studios offer mae-dori (前撮り, pre-ceremony shoots) from April through September at lower prices. Shrine prayer fees (初穂料) range from ¥5,000–¥10,000. November weekends at popular shrines like Meiji Jingu can be extremely crowded — consider visiting on a weekday or in early November. Check the Japan Holiday Calendar for public holidays that might affect your plans. You can also use the Age Calculator and Kazoe-doshi Calculator for related age calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Shichi-Go-San celebrated?
Shichi-Go-San (七五三) is officially celebrated on November 15 each year. However, most families visit shrines on the nearest weekend, and celebrations from October through early December are common. Some shrines begin accepting prayer reservations as early as September.
Should I use traditional age (kazoe-doshi) or modern age?
Traditionally, Shichi-Go-San uses kazoe-doshi (数え年), where a child is considered 1 year old at birth and gains a year on New Year's Day. However, many modern families use the Western age system (満年齢). Both are acceptable. This tool shows both options so you can choose what works best for your family.
Do boys also celebrate at age 3?
Yes! The age 3 ceremony (髪置き / kami-oki) is traditionally for both boys and girls. The age 5 ceremony (袴着 / hakama-gi) is for boys only, and the age 7 ceremony (帯解き / obi-toki) is for girls only. Some regional traditions celebrate age 3 for girls only, but celebrating for both genders is widely accepted.
What is the origin of Shichi-Go-San?
Shichi-Go-San dates back to the Heian period (794-1185). At age 3, children began growing their hair (髪置き). At age 5, boys wore hakama pants for the first time (袴着). At age 7, girls began wearing obi sashes like adults (帯解き). The November 15 date is attributed to shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, who chose this day to pray for his son's health in the Edo period.
When should I start preparing for Shichi-Go-San?
Start preparations about 6 months in advance. Photography studios offer early-bird (前撮り) sessions from April to September with discounts and more outfit choices. Reserve kimono rental 3-4 months ahead, and book shrine prayers 1-2 months before. November weekends are extremely busy, so weekday visits can be more pleasant.