Daily Life Lessons · Shrines
When visiting a shrine for omiyamairi or shichi-go-san, know the usual timing, and be able to prepare by checking with the shrine how to apply for a prayer ritual, the hatsuhoryo offering and the rules on photography.
Omiyamairi (お宮参り, also called hatsumiyamode 初宮詣) is a baby's first visit to a shrine to pray for healthy growth. It is usually done about one month after birth, but the exact day differs by shrine and region (for example, some say the 31st or 32nd day for boys and the 32nd or 33rd day for girls). You do not need to stick to a particular date; you can decide with the baby's health as the top priority.
Shichi-go-san (七五三) is generally for boys aged 3 and 5 and girls aged 3 and 7, to give thanks for the child's growth and pray for the future. It centers around November 15, but many families go on a convenient day before or after, and more people now use the child's actual age instead of the traditional way of counting age (数え年, kazoedoshi).
To receive a prayer ritual (ご祈祷), apply at a place such as the shrine office (社務所) and offer the hatsuhoryo (初穂料). Whether you need a reservation, the amount, and whether you can take photos inside buildings differ by shrine, so check in advance.
子どもの 成長（せいちょう）を いのる 行事です。
■ お宮参り（おみやまいり） ・赤ちゃんが 生まれて、はじめて 神社に 行きます。 ・生まれて 1か月ぐらいが 目安です。何日目に 行くかは、神社や 地域に よって ちがいます。 ・赤ちゃんの 体調を いちばんに 考えて、日を 決めます。
■ 七五三（しちごさん） ・男の子は 3歳と 5歳、女の子は 3歳と 7歳が 多いです。 ・11月15日ごろが 中心ですが、ちがう 日でも いいです。
■ ご祈祷（ごきとう）を 受けるとき ・社務所（しゃむしょ）で 申し込み、初穂料（はつほりょう）を 納めます。 ・予約や 金額、写真の ルールは 神社に よって ちがいます。前に 聞きましょう。
When is omiyamairi usually done?
About one month after birth is the usual guideline. The number of days differs by shrine and region, and you decide with the baby's health as the top priority.
For shichi-go-san, at what ages do girls generally visit?
Generally, girls visit at 3 and 7, and boys at 3 and 5.
What is the central day for shichi-go-san?
It centers around November 15, but many families go on a convenient day before or after.
What do you do to receive a prayer ritual?
The Association of Shinto Shrines explains that you offer the hatsuhoryo at the shrine office or amulet counter and apply by filling in a form.
Can you take photos inside the buildings?
Even if photos are allowed in the grounds, some shrines prohibit photography inside buildings such as the shrine halls.
Q. Do we use the traditional age count or the actual age for shichi-go-san?
A. Traditionally it is celebrated by the traditional age count (数え年), but recently more people use the child's actual age. Some shrines say it is fine for the family to discuss and decide.
Q. Is a reservation needed?
A. It differs by shrine. Some shrines only accept same-day applications, and some require a reservation. Check the official website or call.
Q. Do we have to wear kimono?
A. Many families visit in kimono (晴れ着, formal wear), but some go in neat Western-style clothes. If you are wondering whether there is a dress code, check with the shrine. It is also important that the child and family can be comfortable.
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Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations.
Content checked on: 2026-10-03
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original