Tokyo Tower Koinobori 2026: 333 Carp & Photo Spots
Tokyo Mate
Every spring in Tokyo, the Koinobori event at Tokyo Tower fills the sky with 333 colorful carp streamers set against the 333-meter-tall orange tower.
333 Koinobori — Why Exactly 333?
Koinobori (鯉のぼり) literally means "carp streamers" — carp (鯉) and streamer/banner (のぼり). (You may also see it written as "goinobori.")
In Japan, ahead of Children's Day (こどもの日) on May 5th, families hang carp-shaped streamers in their yards or along riverbanks to wish for their children's healthy growth and success. Since carp are fish that swim upstream against strong currents, they carry the meaning of "overcoming any hardship."
In Tokyo, changing living conditions mean very few households put up their own koinobori anymore, but Tokyo Tower recreates this spring tradition on a grand scale every year. Matching the tower's 333-meter height, exactly 333 koinobori are hung right in front of the 1st floor main entrance.
With the orange Tokyo Tower rising behind them under a blue sky, the colorful carp streamers swimming together in the wind make for one of the best photo spots around. Since large-scale koinobori displays like this are now rare in Tokyo, it draws families and photography fans alike year after year.
Tokyo Tower Koinobori Festival Details
| Period | March 18 (Wed) - May 6 (Wed, substitute holiday), 2026 |
| Hours | Displayed all day |
| Admission | Free (outdoor viewing) |
| Location | In front of Tokyo Tower 1F main entrance 🚇 Toei Oedo Line Akabanebashi Station — 5 min walk 🚇 Hibiya Line Kamiyacho Station — 7 min walk 🚇 JR Hamamatsucho Station — 15 min walk 📍 View on Google Maps |
📌 This overlaps with Golden Week, so if you're planning a trip to Tokyo in early May, make sure to add it to your itinerary!
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Find the Hidden Star: The Sanmanobori
Among the 333 carp, one special friend is hiding. It's the "Sanmanobori (さんまのぼり)" — a 6-meter-long banner shaped like a Pacific saury (sanma).
This isn't just a fun gimmick — it's a meaningful symbol of solidarity. Every year, Tokyo Tower flies the Sanmanobori together with the koinobori as a gesture of support for Ofunato City in Iwate Prefecture (岩手県大船渡市), a partner city of Tokyo Tower. The sanma is Ofunato's symbol, and the display sends encouragement for the city's ongoing recovery after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
In 2026, alongside the Sanmanobori, a "Tairyoki" (大漁旗, a large fishing flag) designed by children from Ofunato City will also fly. It's a winning entry from the Ofunato Tairyoki Contest. See if you can spot the Sanmanobori hiding among the carp when you visit!
A Different Scene at Night: Evening Light-Up
After sunset, Tokyo Tower lights up and the koinobori are illuminated too, creating a magical atmosphere. It transforms into a completely different nighttime photo spot compared to the daytime, so if you have the time, visiting both day and night is worth it.
That wraps up the Tokyo Tower Spring Koinobori & Sanmanobori event. Come experience this unique taste of spring right in the heart of Tokyo.
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