Carp streamers across the Kase River in rural Saga (Photo: Mandy Bartok)

Carp Streamers in Rural Saga

Celebrating Children's Day at Yodohime Shrine

Carp streamers across the Kase River in rural Saga (Photo: Mandy Bartok)
Mandy Bartok   - 1 min read

Just a few minutes' drive north of the Kyushu Expressway's Saga-Yamato exit, the unassuming Yodohime Shrine stands on its riverfront property. Nearby, you can see fish swimming through the air, every spring.

Running along the river near the shrine are about 300 koinobori​, or carp streamers. These popular decorations are strung across the Kase River from mid-March to late May in celebration of the Children's Day holiday on May 5th. While you can catch glimpses of the streamers from either the nearby bridge or the walking path along the water, a fun way to view the fish "swimming through the air" is to take a quick cruise under the streamers. Boats depart from 9 am - 5 pm from along the riverbank below the shrine (¥300).

Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok @mandy.bartok

Japan resident for 10 years, with time spent in Okinawa, Kumamoto and Tokyo.