Kamo Koinobori Festival 2025

In many parts of Japan during April, you'll see koinobori (carp) streamers being hung in anticipation of Children's Day on May 5th. These streamers symbolize attributes that parents wish for in their children - strength, courage, and perseverance - as carp swim upstream, against the current.

In Niigata, one place you can see koinobori streamers is at the Kamo Koinobori Festival. The event has been running since 1989, and from early April until early May approximately 500 koinobori are hung across the Kamo River. It's a popular destination for families with young children, and many people from the local area visit the festival to enjoy the colorful scenery.