Celebrations for the kids
Nov. 15 is Shichi-Go-San, the traditional Japanese family event that celebrates the healthy growth of 7-, 5- and 3-year-old children. Colorfully dressed in traditional costumes, the children and their families visit a shrine or temple to pray for health and happiness. To celebrate this special day with families, several Tokyo hotel restaurants are offering special deals.
At the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, six restaurants — ranging from kaiseki (a traditional Japanese course meal) to Italian — have prepared original Shichi-Go-San lunch menus, starting from ¥6,000 for adults and ¥3,000 for children.
A big teddy bear will welcome children at the table, and a commemorative photo and small teddy bear will be given to families as they leave. Those enjoying the Shichi-Go-San deal will get a 10 percent discount at the kimono dressing and hair/makeup service on the hotel's seventh floor, and at the photo studio on the sixth floor. Private dining rooms are also available at half price.