Traditionally, a boy’s hajj is performed around the 31st day of his birth, and a girl’s hajj is performed around the 33rd day of her birth; however, there is no requirement to perform the hajj on that day.Consider the baby’s and mother’s health, the weather, the family’s plans, and the shrine’s reception conditions when choosing a day that is not too strenuous. It’s not impossible to perform a shrine ceremony even after the baby turns one month old.
When should I go to the shrine ceremony? First conclusion
Traditional guidelines are 31 days for boys and 33 days for girls.
Shinto Shrine HeadquartersThis is described as a ceremony to report the birth to the Shinto deity at the first shrine visit and to pray for the child's healthy growth in the future. The general guideline is that a boy is born on the 31st day of life, and a girl on the 33rd day of life, but this may vary depending on the region.
Is it okay to wait past the first month of life?
Information about Meiji ShrineHowever, nowadays, it is believed that many people visit the shrine regardless of the specific day, and they consider the baby's health and the weather of the day when making the pilgrimage. Consider traditional days as a guide and choose a day when the family can celebrate in peace and comfort.
If you are concerned about the timing of your departure due to premature birth, pre-existing conditions, or postpartum recovery, please do not judge it by just a few days; consult your doctor or midwife.
How to choose a schedule that prioritizes the health of the baby and the mother
- Is it safe for the baby and the mother's health?
- Weather conditions such as heat, cold, and rain
- Opening hours for shrine prayer services and whether or not reservations are required
- Travel time for your family and ease of gathering
- Will the photo shoot be done on the same day or split over a different day?
Reservation for prayer services, the first offering, and whether or not photography is allowed within the shrine grounds vary from shrine to shrine. Please check with the shrine you plan to visit in advance.
Is the prayer service and photo taking on the same day? Is it okay to do it on a different day?
There are ways to combine shrine visits and photo taking on the same day, and ways to separate them on different days to reduce the burden on the baby and the family. Neither method is necessarily the right one. Choose based on the travel time, breastfeeding and diaper changes, outfits, and the family’s plans.
Even when you want to separate the dates of the photos, you can still keep them as a keepsake for the occasion of the temple ceremony. At Studio Reimei, we are happy to discuss the timing of the temple ceremony and the hundred days celebration photos.
What to wear for a temple visit?
Baby's clothing
In addition to traditional Japanese attire that uses kimono and sutras, there are also families who choose baby dresses and ceremony dresses. Since the customs vary depending on the region and family, don’t be too particular about the specific person holding the baby; instead, discuss ways to make the celebration easy for the family.
Mommy, Daddy, and Grandparents' Clothing
To balance the baby’s outfit, you can choose a kimono or a suit or dress in a calm color. If you are taking family photos, discussing the style and color of the clothes beforehand will help create a cohesive look throughout the photos.
Things to bring on the day and things to check in advance
- Diapers, wipes, and clothes
- What you need for breastfeeding, gauze and towels
- Toys and swaddling clothes that make it easy for babies to settle down
- Dresses such as kimono and baby dresses
- Items of memory I want to photograph together
- Supplies designated for prayer at the shrine
Please check the latest information when making a reservation regarding the costumes, items brought in for shooting, and breastfeeding, diaper changing, and rest areas available.
Can I shoot even if the baby is sleeping or crying?
The sleeping face, the slightly crying face, and the look when you suddenly look at the camera are all important records from that particular time. Instead of seeking a fixed expression, we prioritize capturing the baby’s appearance on that day. Please let us know your desired combination and breaks in advance.
Photographic examples from newborn to temple visit
This family came to the temple visit photoshoot approximately one month after the newborn photoshoot. Even in a short period of time, the body structure and expressions change. By capturing photos at important milestones, the family can look back on the changes in their growth.
Consulting about temple ceremony photo shooting in Guren City
We can advise you on everything from costumes, photographing your family, how to keep the baby for the first year of life, and how to celebrate the hundredth day. For more information, please contact us.Official guide for baby and baby-naming photoshoot、Shooting Flow、Frequently Asked QuestionsPlease see
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Telephone: 0120-58-5506
Email:info@studio-reimei.com
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Last updated: August 3, 2026 by Studio Staff Hinata