Tateyama Castle (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

In Japan, Children’s Day on May 5 is part of a string of four consecutive holidays including Showa Day (April 29), Constitution Memorial Day (May 3 – observed May 6 this year) and Greenery Day (May 4).

The day is one to wish for the health and happiness for the country’s littlest residents. Around this time, you’ll notice many parks, public buildings and homes display large, colorful fish-shaped streamers to mark the arrival of the special day.

According to Japan Koinobori Association website, the origin of koinobiri goes back to the Edo era when samurai families would hang up banners to celebrate the birth of a son to wish for his future success. Later, the custom would be adapted by local townspeople. However, the townspeople incorporated hand drawn carp on the streamers as the fish were a symbol of strength and success according to Chinese legend.

According to the site, the Chinese legend described a carp somehow successfully climbing a waterfall to become a dragon. The tradition of the carp would later evolve to be a symbol of the strength of children and thus, a symbol of Children’s Day.

The Uzuma River (Photo by Miyuki Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

Kana Garden in Hiratsuka City (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

Tokyo Midtown (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

Around the Kanto Plain there are many places to enjoy the stunning koinbori carp streamers on display now.

Don’t miss the stunning sight of streamers floating in the wind before they’re gone!