Before Shichigosan in November, preparations are being made at Mito Hachimangu Shrine in Hachiman-cho, Mito City, such as making "child-rearing bamboo grass", a lucky charm to be given to children, and packing chitose-ame candy.

Around 2,000 pairs of parents and children visit the Shichi-go-san shrine every year, peaking in early November. The child-raising bamboo tree is inspired by the straight-growing bamboo grass, and is filled with prayers for the healthy growth of children. At the shrine office, miko (shrine maidens) carefully tied golden bells, ema, and strips of paper to 50- to 60-centimeter-long bamboo leaves. She skillfully packed the red and white chitose candy into a bag, wishing for the growth and longevity of the child.

Kenji Isaka, 56, who works at Gonnegi, said, "I'm making preparations with the hope that my child will grow up safely." Work will continue through the end of this month.