Each year in the lead up to Children's Day held on May 5th, you'll notice carp streamers, or koinobori, hung in various places across Japan. The streamers are said to symbolize strength and perseverance, since carp swim upstream - traits that most parents would wish upon their little ones.
In Gunma Prefecture's Tatebayashi City, approximately 60 kilometers north of Tokyo, an annual koinobori event sees several thousand of these carp streamers brightly coloring the region. There are several spots in the city where the streamers are hung, but the bulk of them fly above the Tsuruuda River.
Getting there
By Public Transport:
The carp streamers over the Tsuruuda River are approximately 20 minutes on foot from Tatebayashi Station on the Tobu Railway Isesaki Line. Taxis are available from the station itself.
By Car:
Alternatively, if you're visiting the area via private vehicle, the site is about 15 minutes by car from the Tohoku Expressway's Tatebayashi Interchange.
Kim Bergström @kim.b
Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here. 🍵🌼🌸
