Over the years it has become common to celebrate Kodomo No Hi by hanging carp windsock called koi-nobori and displaying samurai dolls and helmets (kabuto).   It is said that because the carp can swim upstream in heavy currents it represents strength and the courage needed to overcome hardships in life while the samurai represents a warrior spirit needed to thrive and prosper.

Colorful koi-noburi made from lightweight fabric sway in the breeze from residential balconies and businesses while larger ones can be found in public parks. Multiple koi windsocks hang from a tall bamboo pole topped with a pair of gilded pinwheels and long red & white ribbons.   The number of koi corresponds to the number of boys in the family with the uppermost and largest koi representing the father and smaller koi for each son.

The ukiyo-e print to the left is part of Hiroshige’s 100 Views of Edo and represents  a view of Suidobashi (Suido Bridge) and Suidodai (Suido Hill) in Tokyo in the mid 1800’s with a close-up of a single koi-noburi and many more in the distance.

The sounds of children playing on a warm spring day under wind blown koi-nobori symbolize this holiday and the the hopes and dreams that we have for the next generation.  I for one will cheer them on with a hearty ganbatte (do your best)!

Image Credit:  Wikimedia, File:48 – Suido Bridge and Surugadai

The term “Golden Week” is a variation “Golden Time”, a term used by Japanese radio to identify the period with the highest listener ratings.  In 1951, the managing director of Daiei Films coined the term when he noticed that during this period of national holidays in early May the attendance at movie theaters spiked.  Participation and revenue resulting from other leisure activities also rose dramatically during this timeframe and the moniker “Golden Week” stuck.

So what if you are in Japan during Golden Week and find yourself with time on your hands?  Blue Lotus has some great suggestions for Tokyoites in her article 7 Things to do During Golden Week.

Not in Tokyo?  Use the article to inspire you wherever you may be in Japan.  Take a walk in a local park, go fishing or fruit picking or browse through a local flea market.  There are lot’s of fun things do so get creative and make the most of Golden Week in Japan.

For more suggetions look be sure to peruse our regional travel resources series where we look at things to do and see in all of the regions of Japan from Hokkiado to Okinawa.

Japanese National Holidays During Golden Week:

April 29th – Showa Day (Showa no hi)
The birthday of former Emperor Showa who died in 1989.
May 3rd – Constitution Day (Kenpo kinenbi)
On this day in 1947, the new post war constitution was put into effect.
May 4th – Greenery Day (Midori no hi)
The day is dedicated to the environment and nature and was formerly celebrated in combination with Showa Day due to the Emperor’s love of plants and nature.
May 5th – Children’s Day (Kodomo no hi)
Formerly Boy’s Day, this is the day when families pray for the health and future success of their children.

Image Credit:  Personal Collection