Tokyo Tower’s Annual Spring Tradition! 333 "Koi Nobori" and "Sanma Nobori"

Tokyo Tower welcomes the vibrant colors of spring once again with its cherished annual event, featuring a spectacular display of carp streamers, known as koinobori, flying against the iconic orange structure and the expansive blue sky. This event offers a unique visual experience in the heart of the city, celebrating a traditional Japanese custom with a distinctive local touch.

A Sky Full of Streamers: Celebrating Children’s Day at Tokyo Tower

Coinciding with the Children’s Day holiday period, which falls within Japan’s Golden Week, Tokyo Tower presents this special display from March 25th (Tuesday) to May 6th (Tuesday/Holiday), 2025. Held directly in front of the main entrance on the 1st floor, the event features precisely 333 koinobori, a number deliberately chosen to mirror the 333-meter height of Tokyo Tower itself.

Visitors can witness the multitude of colorful carp streamers fluttering dynamically in the wind, creating a lively spectacle rarely seen in modern Tokyo. Traditionally, koinobori are flown to wish children health and success, symbolizing the carp’s strength in swimming upstream. This event has become a beloved "springtime tradition" at Tokyo Tower, drawing families looking to share this cultural experience and photography enthusiasts eager to capture the striking scene.

The Unique "Sanma Nobori": A Symbol of Friendship and Recovery

Among the 333 carp streamers, keen observers will notice a single, distinct streamer—not a carp, but a "Pacific saury streamer" (sanma nobori) measuring 6 meters in length. This unique addition holds special significance. Since 2011, Tokyo Tower has hoisted this sanma nobori as a gesture of solidarity and ongoing support for the recovery efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake. It represents the friendly relationship between Tokyo Tower and Ofunato City in Iwate Prefecture, a region known for its Pacific saury catch and significantly impacted by the disaster. Spotting this solitary saury swimming amongst the carp adds another layer of meaning to the display.

This free event provides an excellent opportunity to experience a traditional Japanese custom against the backdrop of a modern landmark, offering memorable sights throughout the day.

Event Details

Here is the essential information for planning your visit:

• Event Location/Nearest Station:
  • Tokyo Tower
  • Accessible from Akabanebashi Station, Onarimon Station, Kamiyacho Station, Hamamatsucho Station, and Daimon Station.
• Address:
  • 〒105-0011 Tokyo, Minato-ku, Shibakoen 4-2-8
  • View Map
• Venue:
  • Tokyo Tower 1st Floor Main Entrance area
• Event Period:
  • March 25, 2025 (Tuesday) – May 6, 2025 (Tuesday/Holiday)
• Time:
  • The streamers can be viewed all day.
• Fee/Cost:
  • Free admission to view the streamers from the ground level.
• Inquiries:
  • Please use the official Inquiry Form: https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/inquiry/contact/
• Official Website:
  • For the most current details, visit: https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/event/333koinobori2025/

Please note that published content is subject to change. It is advisable to check the official Tokyo Tower website for the latest information before your visit.

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What is Koi Nobori?

Koi Nobori, or "carp streamers," are traditional Japanese decorations used to celebrate Children’s Day on May 5th. These streamers, shaped like carp, are made from cloth or paper and are displayed on poles outside homes and in public spaces. They symbolize the hope that children will grow up strong and resilient, akin to the carp known for swimming upstream against strong currents. In Japanese culture, the carp represents perseverance and determination, making it a fitting symbol for a day focused on children’s well-being and happiness. At Tokyo Tower, visitors can see a display of 333 Koi Nobori, offering a striking visual against the city’s iconic skyline.