Recommended for foreigners! Kanto Carp Streamer Festival 2025 Travel Guide

Not familiar to foreigners! Carp Streamers Adorn Children’s Day in Japan

Every year on May 5, Japan celebrates Children’s Day.
On this day, people celebrate the day of children, The custom of decorating carp streamers at home and in the community to wish for the healthy growth of children has been continued for a long time.

Connection between “Children’s Day” and “carp streamers

May 5 was originally called “Tango-no-Sekku,” a day to wish for the health and success of boys, and was celebrated by decorating samurai families with helmets and streamers. Eventually, this culture spread to the common people, and the image of a powerful carp climbing a river came to be loved as a symbol of “children’s success and growth”.

Then, in 1948, it was changed to Children’s Day is a day to respect children’s character, to promote their happiness, and to give thanks to their mothers. Tango-no Sekku” became a national holiday called “Children’s Day” as a day to “respect the character of children, promote their happiness, and thank their mothers.

How did the carp become a symbol?

Do you know the famous legend of “Koi no Takijimon (Carp Climbing up the Waterfall)”?

It is said that one day, a carp climbed up the dragon gate against the violent waterfall, transformed into a dragon, and ascended to the restaurant. From this story, it has been believed that the carp is a strong being that grows up against all odds.

This spirit has spread to Japan, The wish of parents for their children to grow up strong and healthy in any environment This is the wish of the parents.

(Reference: HoiClue, All About)

I want foreigners to know! What are the types and sizes of Koinobori and what do they mean?

Koinobori, or carp streamers that sway in the blue sky, are not only gorgeous and beautiful to look at, but are also “flags of wishes” that carry meaning in their color, shape, and size.
Let’s take a look at the feelings for family and nature that are hidden in Koinobori.

The shape of “family” in the color of carp

Koinobori, commonly seen in Japanese homes, are a basic set of three colors: black, red, and blue.
Each color has a, symbolize a family. Each color has a meaning symbolizing a family.

• Black Koi: Father (Maki-Koi) = Mainstay
• Red carp: mother (scarlet carp) = life
• Blue: children = youth and future growth
  (colorful green, pink, purple, etc.)

Recently, more and more families are adding new colored Koi, such as green and orange, and decorating them according to the number of children, making them more meaningful as a “sign of family”.

The streamers and arrow carts are amulets to “ward off evil” and “wish for growth

The “blowing streamer” flutters in the wind at the top of the Koinobori and the “arrow wheel” spins noisily, important talisman to protect the safety and growth of children. They are important talismans to protect children’s safety and growth.

The five-color streamers (blue, red, yellow, white, and black) are derived from the yin-yang theory of the five elements and symbolize the energies of the natural world: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. It is a sign of healthy growth and harmony with nature.

And the arrow wheel is a sign of protection, spinning in the wind to make a sound to ward off evil and keep misfortune away. It is an important part that has been handed down from generation to generation as a presence that protects and guides the entire Koinobori.

The order of size is also meaningful.

The size of the Koinobori also has a meaning.

The large carp are arranged in the order of the father, then the mother, and the small carp are the children, symbolizing “family growth” and “mutual support.

Recently, mini Koinobori are also popular, in sizes for small apartment balconies and for decorating rooms. More and more people are enjoying Koinobori in a way that suits their lifestyles. Koinobori are not only “fun to look at, but also a cultural expression of the importance of family and gratitude to nature that Japanese people have long cherished. and gratitude to nature, which the Japanese people cherish.

(Reference: Masumura Doll Store and Dolls of Azuma Tamagawa )

Even foreigners can enjoy the festival! 10 recommended spots for carp streamer festivals in the Kanto area

Koinobori, or carp streamers, are the color of spring in Japan. In 2025, you will have another chance to experience their dynamic appearance at events throughout the Kanto region!

We have carefully selected popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo that are easy for foreigners to visit, as well as local spots surrounded by nature, that are photo-worthy, easily accessible, and offer a great cultural experience. From spots that you can stop by during your trip, to spots that are perfect for a day trip, we will introduce you to the best places to visit. You are sure to have a “special travel memory”.

Tokyo Skytree Town Carp Streamer Festival 2025 (Sumida-ku, Tokyo / April 11 – May 6, 2025)

About 1,000 carp streamers are lined up at the foot of the Sky Tree, the new symbol of Tokyo!
The fantastic sight of the carp streamers swimming in the blue sky during the day and illuminated at night is an experience that will make you feel both “spring in Japan” and “the city of the future. The view from the observatory is also excellent!

With the cooperation of the SUMIDA AQUARIUM, we will be able to see Koinobori (carp streamers) of the unparalleled “Chinago”, “Nishikianago”, and “White-spotted Garden Eel”.

Koinobori GALLERY (Minato-ku, Tokyo / April 25-May 11, 2025)

An art event to be enjoyed at Roppongi Hills. The garden will be decorated with 101 well-designed carp streamers created by artists from Japan and abroad. The event is popular as a spot where you can experience “tradition and modernity.

It is especially recommended for foreign tourists who love art! You will find a space here that will make you want to take pictures.

Tokyo Tower 333 carp streamers (Minato-ku, Tokyo / March 25, 2025 – May 6, 2025)

The collaboration of Tokyo Tower and colorful carp streamers is a truly “Tokyo-like” scene.
The 333 carp will swim in the sky in reference to the 333-meter height of Tokyo Tower. swim in the sky. The 6-meter-long “Sanma-nobori” is also a must-see!

Also a must-see for “Golden Kamui” fans! From April 26 (Saturday) to May 6 (Tuesday, national holiday), a collaborative carp streamer with the popular TV anime “Golden Kamui” will also be on display.

It is a recommended spot where you can easily stop by while sightseeing and enjoy Japanese culture and city attractions together.

YAESU BIG HOLIDAY 2025 (Chuo-ku, Tokyo / April 26 – May 6, 2025)

This stylish and accessible event will be held in the Yaesu area, directly connected to Tokyo Station.

Here, you can enjoy the one-of-a-kind “BIG HOLIDAY Koi Nobori-Kuguri. (May 2 – May 6 *Canceled in case of stormy weather)
This is a rare spot where you can experience the extraordinary experience of passing through a large carp streamer, not a carp streamer swimming in the sky, but a 25-meter-long carp streamer. If you go through the carp streamers with excitement, you may discover a different view!
Note: The event will be held from April 26 to May 6, 2025, though, BIG HOLIDAY Koi Noboriguri” will be held only from May 2 to May 6. will be held only from May 2 to May 6. In case of stormy weather, the event will be cancelled.

Suzukawa Carp Streamer Festival (Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture / May 4-5, 2025)

A relaxed, local festival with beautiful carp streamers swaying along the riverside.

Recommended for those who want to avoid the crowds and experience a quiet Japanese spring. This festival started as an environmental protection activity by Hiratsuka citizens, when each household let their unwanted carp streamers swim in the sky.

Visitors can enjoy a peaceful festive scene with booths and other booths.

The 37th Morinosato Koinobori Festival (Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture / May 3, 2025)

The combination of the rich nature of the satoyama landscape and the carp streamers is like something out of a picture book.

There will also be events by local children, providing a valuable experience of local Japanese culture. You can also see carp streamers swimming in front of supermarkets, which is not easy to see anywhere else. We also recommend enjoying a picnic under the carp streamers swimming in the sky at Wakamiya Park!

*The festival is only on May 3, 2025, but the carp streamers will be displayed from April 19 to May 6 at 15:00.

Iki Iki Yamada Koinobori Festival (Katori City, Chiba Prefecture / April 25-May 7, 2025)

Koinobori (carp streamers) swimming in the countryside have a simple beauty that cannot be experienced in the city. This is the perfect place for those who want to feel the everyday life of Japan, rather than a tourist attraction.

On May 3, a carp streamer festival will be held The festival will also feature a stage event and water sports experience. In addition, a must-see for Gundam fans! Gundam Manfall Project will be held from 11:30 a.m.

The 34th Kokubun River Carp Streamer Festival (Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture / April 29-May 5, 2025)

Approximately 400 carp streamers strung across the river make for a spectacular event. It is an attractive place to spend a day relaxing while enjoying a picnic. It is a recommended spot for foreign families with children to relax and have fun.

A ceremony will be held on May 4. The ceremony will be held on May 4, and children’s events and booths will be set up.

Yokose Carp Streamer Festival (Yokose Town, Saitama Prefecture / April 12 – May 6, 2025)

With the mountains of Chichibu in the background, this is a spot where the contrast between nature and carp streamers is simply stunning!
It is easily accessible from central Tokyo and just the right distance for a day trip. It is also recommended as a springtime hiking trip.

Approximately 180 carp streamers, which were donated by local residents, are swimming energetically in the sky. During the festival, a free shuttle bus will be available from Yokoze Station There is also a hot spring nearby. There are also hot springs nearby, so you can experience good old Japan with carp streamers and hot springs!

Kazo Citizen’s Peace Festival, Jumbo Carp Streamer Swimming (Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture / May 3, 2025)

The super oversized Koinobori (carp streamers), more than 100 meters long, swimming in the sky are a powerful sight to behold, and although only available for one day (May 3, 2025), their sense of scale is one of the best in Japan!

I want to see it at least once in my life!”and a memorable experience awaits you.
A flea market, classic car festival, and children’s attractions will also be held, making this a fun event for the whole family.

Introducing sightseeing plans for foreigners to enjoy the Koinobori Festival.

It would make your trip even more special if you could experience Koinobori as a memory of your trip, rather than just “seeing” them. Here are some recommended sightseeing plans that incorporate Koinobori to help you enjoy Japan’s spring culture more deeply.

Choose according to your travel style, from a one-day plan during your stay in Tokyo to a day trip or a customized trip.

Koinobori viewing plan combined with Tokyo sightseeing

Time is limited, but I still want to enjoy the Koinobori!
For those who have limited time, we recommend a plan that combines sightseeing in Tokyo with enjoying Koinobori.

Visit the Koinobori Festival at Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower. The event is conveniently and efficiently accessible, as it is held close to tourist attractions.

This plan allows you to enjoy both urban attractions and traditional Japanese culture in one day.

One-day Trip Plan to Tokyo and Suburbs: Koinobori Spot Tour

I want to feel a relaxing Japan in nature.”
For those who want to make such a trip, a one-day Koinobori trip from Tokyo is perfect.

Travelers can leave Tokyo in the morning, enjoy Koinobori viewing, picnicking, and local gourmet food in the area, and return to Tokyo in the evening.

I want foreigners to experience it! Koinobori x Japanese Culture Experience” for Adults

Enjoying a picnic under the carp streamers is great, but why not experience Japanese culture at the same time? The Japanese culture you will experience in collaboration with the limited-time carp streamers will be a special time of year that you can only experience at this time of year!

Experience Example 1: Making Koinobori (carp streamers)

“Make memories of your trip with your own hands.” Such an experience can be had at the Koinobori making experience. The experience varies from place to place, but you can make your own Koinobori (carp streamer) as a souvenir.

This experience is a rare opportunity to enjoy arts, crafts, and Japanese culture all at once.

As a well-balanced “sightseeing + experience” program, it is especially popular among families, couples, and independent travelers seeking cultural experiences.

Experience Example 2: Home cooking to enjoy the spring season x Koinobori culture

A memorable experience that combines “tasting” and “feeling” spring in Japan We will introduce you to a memorable experience that combines “tasting” and “feeling” Japanese spring.
How about an experience that combines the appreciation of Koinobori (carp streamers) and seasonal spring dishes that have been enjoyed in Japanese homes?

This experience is a special time to feel “the warmth of Japanese home culture and people, which can only be encountered in a travel destination. It is perfect for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a while and enjoy both the taste of spring and traditional culture with all five senses.

For those who like to drink, a marriage of food and sake is also recommended.

Experience Example 3: Koinobori Carp Streamer x Japanese Tea Ceremony

Under the carp streamers swimming in the sky, we have a quiet cup of tea.In such a moment, the beauty of Japan’s unique seasons and culture is packed into a single moment.

How about experiencing a tea ceremony in a special location that blends into the spring scenery, such as outdoors with dancing Koinobori (carp streamers) or in a Japanese-style garden?

The tea ceremony is more than just drinking tea, Japanese traditional culture that values hospitality, courtesy, and respect for nature. The tea ceremony is a traditional Japanese culture that emphasizes hospitality, courtesy, and respect for nature. Enjoy a leisurely cup of tea while eating sweets in the shape of carp streamers. This is a luxurious cultural experience that combines the Japanese sense of beauty and the gentle scenery of spring. Why don’t you experience the “heart” of Japan in a quiet time?

I want foreigners to experience! Japanese Spring Culture “Children’s Day

Koinobori (carp streamers) swimming in the blue sky.
It is a symbolic scene of spring in Japan, and a heartwarming culture that wishes for the healthy growth of children and the happiness of families. It is a heartwarming culture that wishes for the healthy growth of children and the happiness of the family.

Children’s Day may seem like an event for children, but in fact, it contains a deep meaning, including Japanese values, history, and respect for nature.

For foreign visitors, it is not only about “seeing” Koinobori, but also about “enjoying” them,

• Making an Origami Kabuto
  
• Enjoy the taste of the season by eating Kashiwa Mochi
  
• Interacting with locals through local festivals
  

This is a special opportunity to This is a special chance to “experience life itself It is also a special chance to experience “living itself.

For adults as well, encountering a new culture may be a peaceful and enriching time to reflect on one’s own origins. We invite you to pause for a moment in the Japanese spring and paint a warm landscape in your mind as well as in your heart with Koinobori dancing in the sky.

In addition, Motenas Japan can propose a plan that combines “Koinobori” and “Japanese cultural experience.

We can also arrange interpreters and consult with you on venues. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to have a “Koi Nobori & Children’s Day Experience” that you cannot find anywhere else, or if you would like to recommend us to your foreign customers.