Children's Day Holiday Displays

May 1-17
Open Wed-Sun, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center
West Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA / Google Maps >>

Children’s Day, traditionally celebrated on May 5th in Japan, is a national holiday honoring children and expressing hope for their happy, healthy future.  Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia commemorates Children’s Day each year at the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center with displays of traditional items associated with the holiday, including miniature Japanese samurai armor sets and festive fish-shaped streamers (koinobori) in the garden.

Book your ticket today to learn more about Children's Day traditions, see the holiday displays, feed colorful koi in the pond, and enjoy the Japanese garden with its blooming azaleas.

Plan Your Visit >>

Join us on Saturday, May 3rd  from 11:00am–5:00pm for a day of fun for the whole family!

Event will be held Rain or Shine!

Along with the traditional decorations there will be activities throughout the day, including papercrafts making origami, koinobori (koi fish) origami kabuto (wearable paper samurai helmets), and paper fans.  There will also be  kimono dressing for boys and girls, kamishibai storytellers and a performance by the Keystone Japan Club.

All Children’s Day displays and activities are included with admission to Shofuso.

Educational Resources

Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia has prepared a series of lesson plans around the annual Children’s Day holiday. Each is available as a PDF download from the JASGP website.

Lesson 1— What is Children's day?

Lesson 2— A Mini Tour of Shofuso

Lesson 3— Koinobori

Lesson 4— Kamishibai "Paper Theater"

Lesson 5— Fan Dance Demonstration

Group Tours

Scheduled in-person tours of the house and garden at Shofuso are available for groups of 8-40 people, Tuesdays-Fridays, beginning at 11:00 am. For more information and to book a group tour, please contact Mike Lewis, JASGP Program Manager, at mlewis@japanphilly.org.