Tokyo Midtown Koinobori
Tokyo Midtown Koinobori
Ph.L
When carp streamers invade Roppongi!
From April 22 to May 8, Koinobori invades Roppongi Midpark. A project was set up in honor of Children's Day on May 5, which delights young and old around Tokyo Midtown!
Leskoinobori, a symbol of good growth in Japan
Originally hung on balconies or doors of homes with at least one little boy to bring him luck and ensure that he grows up well, koinobori take the appearance of small paper or silk banners in the shape of carp.
They are traditionally hung up a few days before Kodomo no hi, Children's Day on May 5, and removed the next day before reusing them the following year.
If the tradition wants that the banners bring good luck only to the small boys, the koinobori are today democratized.
They are found both in schools and in public spaces, to promote the good growth of children who frequent these places every day, whether they are boys or girls.
- Read also: Kodomo no Hi
Children's Day carp.
Wikipedia
Hundreds of banners fluttering in the wind
To properly celebrate Children's Day, the Tokyo Midtown shopping center has also decided to decorate its park with carp streamers.
- Address: 9 Chome-7-1 Akasaka, Minato, 107-0052 Tokyo
- Access: 10 min on foot from Roppongi station (Hibiya, Oedo lines)
The complex then called on a hundred artists from all over the world to each create a banner following a specific theme: "wish a healthy growth for the children of Midpark".
Whether they feature characters from popular nursery rhymes, animals of all kinds, or colorful imaginary landscapes, the koinobori of Midtown are a real pleasure for the eyes!
Their shimmering colors bring smiles, and their movements imposed by the wind bring a poetic je-ne-sais-quoi to the surroundings of the shopping center. A little extra that has attracted dozens of people every weekend since the start of the event, all of whom have come to admire the banners while sipping a coffee on the lawn of Midpark...
- See also: Tokyo Midtown Blossom 2019
The opportunity to enjoy spring
If the koinobori are mainly intended for children, it should be noted that the event is intended to be intergenerational.
Indeed, setting up carp banners is a great opportunity to enjoy spring with the family. Especially at the entrance to Midpark, which hosts a refreshment bar for the occasion! Coffee, tea, sodas, and even alcohol, boaters are invited to choose the drink of their choice before settling on the lawn to admire the koi.
A moment of relaxation can be coupled with a moment of play for the little ones since a giant carp in the shape of a tunnel welcomes toddlers wishing to develop their senses. The latter then measures 25 meters long and is open to the public from 11 am to 5 pm until May 6.
A giant koi tunnel
Tokyo-Midtwon.com
Address, timetable & access
Address
Timetable
10 min walk from Roppongi station (Hibiya, Oedo lines)Price
freeAccess
The shopping center is open from 11 am to 9 pm.
