Tokyo Tower's 333 Koinobori: Video Introduction

This video, titled "Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers" (東京タワー 333匹のこいのぼり), was uploaded by "Tokyo Tower Official Channel."

Koinobori, or carp streamers, are a springtime tradition in Japan. They are displayed all over the country to wish for the healthy growth of children, just like the strong and sturdy carp of legend.

Carp streamers (鯉のぼり, koinobori) used to be hung outside of houses with children, but in recent years, due to changes in housing conditions, fewer and fewer people decorate their homes with them.

Tokyo Tower, located in Minato, Tokyo in Japan's Kanto region, also holds an annual spring event called "333 Carp Streamers" (koinobori) to celebrate Children's Day.
In honor of Tokyo Tower's 333-meter height, 333 colorful carp streamers and a giant 6-meter-long "Sanmanobori" (Pacific Saury streamer) are flown in front of the main entrance on the first floor of Tokyo Tower, colorfully decorating the foot of the tower. The spectacle of so many carp streamers blowing in the wind and swimming in the sky at once is a sight to behold.
[Video] 0:13 - Tokyo Tower and 333 Carp Streamers

When Did Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers Event Begin? The History Behind It

Photo：Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers, a spring event at Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower, a well-known symbol of Tokyo, is a former Japanese radio tower that was opened in December of 1958. At 333 meters tall, it was the world's tallest freestanding steel tower, surpassing the 312-meter Eiffel Tower in Paris.

In 2011, Tokyo Tower handed over its role as a radio tower to Tokyo Sky Tree, but it continues to be loved as a symbol of Tokyo for its design and nostalgia.

Located in Minato, the heart of Tokyo, Tokyo Tower's observation deck offers a panoramic view of the city of Tokyo. Various events and light-ups are held throughout the year, making it a great tourist attraction for families and even couples.

The Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers is an annual spring event at Tokyo Tower that began in 2009. During the event, 333 brightly colored carp streamers and a giant sanmanobori (Pacific Saury streamer) are displayed at the foot of the tower to symbolize the tower's 333-meter height.

The sanmanobori were first displayed in April 2011 as a symbol of support for those affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, who had forged friendships with one another through the Sanriku Ofunato Tokyo Tower Sanma Festival.

Since then, the 6-meter-long pacific saury streamer from Ofunato, Iwate, has been displayed every year as a symbol to encourage the recovery of the area. If you visit Tokyo Tower for the koinobori event, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the large pacific saury swimming among the carp streamers.
[Video] 0:30 - The Pacific Saury Streamer

What Makes Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers Light-Up So Photogenic?

Photo：Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers lit up

Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers is a popular event for its photogenic views. Families and camera enthusiasts visit from all over to take pictures of Tokyo Tower together with the koinobori carp streamers during spring.

Tokyo Tower is also illuminated at night. The tower under the blue sky is beautiful enough, but when it's lit up at night, it's simply marvelous!

During Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers festival every year, the carp streamers are also lit up fantastically alongside Tokyo Tower. The composition of Tokyo Tower and carp streamers viewed from below makes for some truly stunning photos. It's also a great experience for visitors who come during the late afternoon or evening.

When Will the "333 Carp Streamers" Be Held in 2026?

Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers (koinobori) event is usually held from mid-March to early May. In 2025, the event ran from March 25 to May 6; in 2026, it will be held from March 18 to May 6 (Wednesday, a substitute holiday), with the streamers on display all day long in front of the first-floor main entrance.

Taking photos of your kids with the carp streamers at Tokyo Tower is a wonderful way to celebrate Children's Day on May 5!

What Other Events Does Tokyo Tower Offer?

Photo：Tokyo Tower's outer staircase

Tokyo Tower hosts a number of exciting events like Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers.

One event in particular is the "Open-air Outdoor Stairs Walk," which is a great way to enjoy Tokyo Tower to the fullest. Normally limited to Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, Tokyo Tower's famous 600-step staircase, which rises 150 meters into the sky, is open to the public every day during the event.

600 steps may sound daunting, but it takes an adult about 12 to 13 minutes to climb the stairs, and a child can complete the climb in about 15 minutes.
There are also quizzes from the Noppon Brothers (the Tokyo Tower mascots) displayed along the climb, and there's even a Noppon Approved Stair Climbing Certificate waiting for you at the end, which cannot be purchased regularly.

Ascending Tokyo Tower on your own, step by step, while enjoying the pleasant breeze and a view of Tokyo, is a unique and precious experience that you can't experience anywhere else! The tower is also brilliant when illuminated at night.

The Open-air Outdoor Stairs Walk event has been extended due to its popularity, so be sure to check it out.

How Do You Get to Tokyo Tower? Admission Fees & Hours

There are a number of ways to get to Tokyo Tower. Here, we'll introduce a few.

A 5-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station via the Metropolitan Subway Oedo Line.

A 15-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station via JR lines.

A 1-minute walk from the Tokyo Tower Bus Stop via Tokyu Bus from Tokyo Station (Approximately 30 minutes). This is likely the simplest way to get to Tokyo Tower if you're at Tokyo Station.

Hours: Main Deck (150m) 9:00 am - 11:00 pm (Last admission 10:30 pm)
Top Deck Tour (150m & 250m) 9:00 am - 10:15 pm (Last Tour 9:30 pm)
Admission Fees: Adults (Main Deck): 1,500 yen, Adults (Top Deck Tour): 3,300 yen (Online), 3,500 yen (Ticket counter)

High school students (Main Deck): 1,200 yen

Junior high & Elementary school students (Main Deck): 900 yen

Children (Main Deck): 600 yen

Be sure to check the official website for the latest details, as prices and hours are subject to change.

Summary: Tokyo Tower's Koinobori 2026

Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers is a beloved springtime tradition. This one-of-a-kind collaboration of Tokyo Tower and koinobori carp streamers is a must-see that can only be experienced during spring.

Plan a visit to Tokyo Tower this spring 2026 to see 333 colorful carp streamers and one giant 6-meter-long pacific saury streamer swimming powerfully in the heart of Tokyo!

【Official Website】Tokyo Tower

【TripAdvisor】Tokyo Tower