Shichi-Go-San in Asakusa: Children’s Kimono Rental and How to Plan the Shoot

The star of Shichi-Go-San is the child, and the biggest variable is the child’s mood. The right approach is to keep the plan short and undemanding.

Rental and photos in one place

At HANAYAKA, Shichi-Go-San kimono for girls and boys are ¥8,800 (tax included) including children’s hair styling. The Shichi-Go-San photo plan (¥35,000, tax included) covers dressing, hair and make-up, an hour of shooting and at least 100 images in one go. The less moving around, the more smiles you keep.

If the parents want to wear kimono too

For the whole family in traditional Japanese dress, the family commemorative photo plan (¥44,000, tax included) is the convenient option. It covers the child’s kimono, a komon (casual patterned kimono) for the mother and a haori (kimono jacket) for the father. For siblings, please ask in the remarks field of the online booking.

A realistic strategy for three, five and seven

Age 3: they run out of energy. Plan on 30 minutes of shooting at most and always bring things to keep them happy, snacks and a quiet toy. The hifu vest is light, so few children object to it. Age 5 (boys): hakama plus a sword prop and they feel like a hero. Just say “do a cool pose” and the shoot moves along. Age 7: a proper outfit with an obi (sash). Respect the fact that they want to choose, pick the kimono together, and their cooperation on the day is on a different level.

Shrine visit or photos first?

Photos first is the right answer. The reason is simple: a child’s energy and how well the kimono holds both run down with time. Get the photos while everything is at its best, straight after they are dressed, then go and pray. Even if they tire out along the way, the mission is complete.

Sensoji has plenty of history behind it as a place to visit for Shichi-Go-San. If you want a blessing, check Sensoji’s reception hours in advance. We are about five minutes on foot from the temple, so you can come back to the shop for a break if anyone gets tired.

Getting the parents’ outfits right

You want to be less prominent than the star but not look shabby in the photos. The best answer to that balance is a homongi (semi-formal kimono) or komon in a restrained colour for the mother, and a haori kimono or a sober suit for the father. The family commemorative photo plan (¥44,000) covers outfits for parents and child plus the shoot, so our staff handle the balance for you.