Children's Day
こどもの日
A national holiday wishing for children’s health and happiness, famous for carp streamers.
- This year
- May 5 (Tue)
- May 5
History
May 5 was traditionally Tango no Sekku, the Boys’ Festival. In 1948 it became Kodomo no Hi, celebrating all children. Families display koinobori (carp streamers), kabuto helmets, and warrior dolls; eat kashiwa-mochi; and take baths with iris leaves (shōbu) for protection — wordplay linking iris with “victory.”
How it is observed
Carp streamers fly over homes and parks. Aquariums, zoos, and family attractions run special programs. Golden Week usually ends here (unless weekends extend it).
Travel tips
Return travel peaks on May 5–6. If you must move cities, travel mid-morning or very late. Photograph koinobori along rivers — Asakusa and many regional towns put up large displays.
Related shrines & temples
Places often visited around this day — open a shrine page or search the directory.