If you visit a Japanese shrine or temple in November, you will likely see a lot of young children dressed in beautiful traditional attire and holding colorful envelopes filled with candy. And you’ll see their proud parents and other family members snapping photos and shooting video. This is “shichigosan” (seven-five-three), a traditional celebration and rite of passage in the Land of Rising Sun.

Tradition suggests that girls ages three and seven and five-year-old boys, should visit a local shrine or temple to drive out evil spirits and wish for a long healthy life every year on Nov. 15. However, since shichigosan is not designated as a national holiday, any day in November is acceptable.

Zama Jinja, just behind Camp Zama, is the only shrine in Japan that also has a special spot for dogs and cats.

Inuneko-sha, a tiny shrine for pets, is found in the garden behind the main shrine building. Here you’ll see hundreds of wooden ema tablets hanging near a torii gate and stone statue of dog and cat. Whenever I visit there and see the tablets, I can’t help but be moved when reading the tablets - one saying, “May my cat soon recover from disease,” and another saying, “May my deceased dog be accepted in heaven.”

With all these well wishes for beloved pets, it’s no wonder that the shrine would also extend the ritual of shichigosan for the longevity of cats and dogs.

During the celebration, dogs and cats of ages seven, five and three can visit for blessings and Shinto prayers. The pets dressed in doggy or kitty kimono, along with their owners, are purified by the priest and take photos on the special stage set up for the occasion.

You can celebrate your pet’s rite of passage in November at Zama Jinja.

The shrine dates back to 539-571, when an epidemic prevailed around the region. According to local legend, an old man in white attire told the locals to use spring water in the forest where the shrine currently stands. Soon after the locals started using the water, the epidemic completely stopped. Zama Jinja was constructed to commemorate this amazing event.

You can sample the legendary spring water near the shrine’s stairway and even take some home with you in a water bottle. I always do and find the clear, sweet water is perfect for a fresh cup of coffee or tea.

For more about the Shichigosan celebration, read It all adds up on Japan’s 7-5-3 Day | Stripes Japan

Zama Jinja (Shinto shrine)

• Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Location: 1-3437 Zama, Zama City, Kanagawa Pref.

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• Tel: 046-251-0245

Camp Zama

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