At Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Osaka, children's growth is celebrated with kimonos.

In the crisp November air, we were able to celebrate my son's Shichi-Go-San (a traditional Japanese rite of passage for children) by renting a kimono from VASARA Osaka Umeda store.

This time, we'll share our experience of spending a special day with our family at Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of the most prestigious shrines in Osaka.
My five-year-old son had been restless since the day before, preparing for the Shichi-Go-San ceremony, but on the morning of the day itself, his eyes lit up at the sight of himself looking different than usual.
When we arrived at VASARA Osaka Umeda store, the staff were very kind and helpful in helping us choose our kimonos. My son chose a haori and hakama set in navy and gold. When he paired the haori with the hakama, which was adorned with a brave dragon and cloud pattern, my usually mischievous son looked like a completely different person, looking very dignified, and my husband and I exchanged surprised glances. My husband also wore a navy kimono, and my wife coordinated her outfit with an elegant light purple kimono with a floral pattern. The moment when all three of us were dressed in kimonos was quite moving.

After getting dressed, we all headed to Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. In mid-November, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine was bustling with families celebrating Shichi-Go-San, yet there was a calm and peaceful atmosphere. As we were taking a commemorative photo in front of the arched bridge (Taiko Bridge), a stranger passing by called out to us, "Your son looks very dignified," which made our whole family very happy.
We visited the shrines in order from the first to the fourth main shrine, and together as a family, we prayed for our son's healthy growth. I was struck by how the hem of his hakama swayed gently with each step we took in the spacious grounds, and how my son seemed to be walking with his back a little straighter than usual.
The sight of the son walking along the approach to the shrine, tightly holding his parents' hands, is a scene that will surely be cherished for years to come. The ginkgo trees in the temple grounds are beginning to change color, and the family photos taken against the backdrop of their golden leaves will likely become a lifelong treasure.

After visiting the shrine, we took a break at a teahouse on the temple grounds. My son's smile, as he happily clutched the bag of Chitose candy, shone brighter than any photograph. His words, "I want to wear a kimono again!" were the greatest reward.

Access to Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
Location: 2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Nearest stations: Immediately after alighting at Sumiyoshi Taisha Station on the Nankai Main Line / Immediately after alighting at Sumiyoshi Torii-mae tram stop on the Hankai Tramway
How to access:
It's about a 15-minute train ride on the Nankai Main Line from Nankai Namba Station. Easily accessible from Osaka city center, it's a popular shrine for Shichi-Go-San (a traditional Japanese rite of passage for children) and is well-loved by locals.

In conclusion: An unforgettable autumn day spent in a kimono
Thanks to VASARA, we were able to fully enjoy our son's Shichi-Go-San celebration while minimizing the hassle of preparation. Since we could leave everything to the kimono dressing professionals, our whole family could fully savor the festive atmosphere on the day. For anyone considering a Shichi-Go-San visit in Osaka city, I confidently recommend the combination of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine and VASARA.