You may be acquainted with Mother's Day, Father’s Day, or Grandparents Day, but did you know that Japan also has a special day that is dedicated to children?
During Golden Week, each May 5, people celebrate Children’s Day. Known as “Kodomo no Hi” in Japanese, this is a day honoring the health, happiness, and individuality of children, and also giving appreciation toward mothers.
History: From Samurai to Boys’ Day
This holiday was not always known as Children’s Day.
Originally celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth moon in the Chinese lunar calendar, the celebration used to be known as Boys’ Day, or ‘Tango no Sekku’, and was strongly linked to samurai culture. There is also a “Girls’ Day” on March 3, which is still celebrated to this day.
On Boys’ Day, families would raise carp streamers known as ‘koinobori,’ in honor of the legend of the carp that swims upstream to become a dragon.
It was also customary to display a Kintaro doll. Kintaro is the name that legendary samurai Minamoto no Yorimitsu went by as a boy.
He was known for his incredible strength, even as a child, when he is said to have ridden a bear. Kabuto, the name for a samurai helmet, is another symbol representing Tango no Sekku.
“Kodomo no Hi” is Born
In 1948, the Japanese government declared May 5 as an official national holiday, to be known as Kodomo no Hi. Many of the traditions that began as Boys’ Day carried over to Children’s Day, such as the flying of carp and Kintaro imagery.
A special bath called ‘shobu-yu’ may also be prepared, using the leaves and roots of an iris, which are said to be shaped like the sword of a samurai (fitting in with the original concept of Boys’ Day), and believed to ward off illness.
Children’s Day in Modern Japan
There are also certain traditional foods that are eaten on this day. Kashiwa mochi is one such sweet: a pounded rice cake filled with red bean paste and wrapped in an oak (‘kashiwa’) leaf.
Another Children’s Day food, Chimaki, which is said to have originated in China, consists of a long, sticky rice cake wrapped in a bamboo leaf. (Note: neither of the leaves wrapping these rice cakes are intended to be eaten.)
Children’s Day continues to be enjoyed even today. It’s a day not only celebrated in the homes of Japanese families, but also in the children’s schools, who incorporate the holiday into fun activities, keeping this old tradition as lively as ever, even in the 21st century.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Limited time offer: 10% discount coupons available now!
Recommended places for you
-
Menu
ISHIDAYA Hanare
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Jukuseiniku-to Namamottsuarera Nikubaru Italian Nikutaria Sannomiya
Izakaya
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Appealing
Rukku and Uohei
Izakaya
Sapporo / Chitose
-
Kamesushi Sohonten
Sushi
Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi
-
Senso-ji Temple
Temples
Asakusa
-
Goods
Yoshida Gennojo-Roho Kyoto Buddhist Altars
Gift Shops
Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace
-
Professional Photos Even Beginners Can Shoot! 10 Tips for Taking Stunning Cherry Blossom Photos
-
Step Into the Story: Inside Immersive Fort Tokyo
-
15 Must-Try Sushi Restaurants in Tokyo (+5 Trending Areas to Explore for Foodies)
-
Where to Eat in Yokohama: 10 Must-Try Restaurants for Yakiniku, Izakayas, Unique Dining & More
-
Best Things to Do in Tokyo in April 2024: Events, Festivals & More
-
Where to Eat in Shibuya: 14 Must-Try Restaurants for Yakiniku, Sushi, Izakayas, Cafes and More
-
Essential Tokyo: The Complete Guide to Ikebukuro Station
-
Enjoy teamLab in Osaka! Inside the Innovative 'Digitized Nature' Outdoor Exhibition
-
9 Things to Do in Aomori in Winter - Japan’s Deep Snow Country
-
20 Best Things to Do in Fukushima Prefecture (Sightseeing Attractions, Local Foods & Activities)
-
10 Best Hotels Near Kyoto Station: Budget-friendly, Perfect for Kyoto Sightseeing
-
Takahan Ryokan: Enjoy Spectacular Hot Spring Views at Yuzawa's Premier Traditional Inn!
- #best sushi japan
- #what to do in odaiba
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best ramen japan
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #japanese nail trends
- #things to do japan
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best coffee japan
- #best japanese soft drinks
- #best yakiniku japan
- #japanese fashion culture
- #japanese convenience store snacks