Vernal Equinox Day in Japan: Honoring Nature, Welcoming Spring
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As the sun glides across the equator, Japan pauses to welcome a delicate turning point—where light and dark share the sky in perfect balance.
This is Vernal Equinox Day (Shunbun no Hi)—a national holiday that captures Japan’s deep connection to nature, renewal, and ancestral reverence.
More than just a seasonal shift, this day invites quiet reflection and a celebration of life’s balance. From the serenity of temple paths to the soft glow of spring blossoms, Vernal Equinox Day offers a moment to honor the past and embrace new beginnings.
In this article, we explore how this meaningful holiday came to be, the traditions that shape it, and how you can experience its beauty in modern Japan.
From Ritual to National Holiday: The History of Vernal Equinox Day
Vernal Equinox Day (Shunbun no Hi) has roots in both celestial events and spiritual customs that reflect Japan’s deep ties to nature and the ancestors.
Like its autumn counterpart, the holiday as we know it today reflects two key historical influences.
1. Buddhist Traditions and Agrarian Customs
Long before it became a modern holiday, the vernal equinox was observed during Higan, a Buddhist period of remembrance. Families visit ancestral graves, burn incense, offer botamochi (sweet rice cakes), and reflect on the cycle of life and death.
In addition, the day closest to the equinox that falls on a tsuchinoe (戊の日) was marked as Shanichi (社日). On this day, communities would visit local ujigami (guardian deities) to pray for a bountiful harvest in spring—a reflection of Japan’s agrarian roots and seasonal awareness.
2. Imperial Rituals and Postwar Reform
From 1878 to 1947, the vernal equinox was observed as Shunki Kōreisai (春季皇霊祭)—an official Shinto ceremony held to honor the spirits of past emperors and members of the imperial family. This was part of State Shinto, the religious framework of the prewar government.
After World War II, the separation of religion and state became a constitutional principle. In 1948, Shunki Kōreisai was renamed Vernal Equinox Day under the Public Holiday Law, with a new secular meaning:
“A day to admire nature and cherish living things.”
By blending Buddhist rituals, agricultural prayers, and imperial tradition, Vernal Equinox Day today offers a peaceful moment of reflection, honoring both the natural world and the spiritual legacy of Japan.
Spring Higan: A Living Tradition of Remembrance
In modern Japan, the week surrounding Vernal Equinox Day is still widely observed as Haruno Higan—a time for family remembrance and quiet reflection.
During this period, it’s common for families to return to their hometowns and visit the graves of their ancestors. Gravestones are carefully cleaned, fresh flowers and incense are offered, and loved ones gather to share memories. Offering botamochi—a sweet rice cake covered in red bean paste—remains a cherished custom that connects generations through shared ritual.
Beyond the cemetery, Higan is also reflected in everyday life. Supermarkets and wagashi shops prominently display seasonal sweets, and temples may hold special services open to the public. Even in busy urban centers, many people take a moment to pause, express gratitude, or attend family gatherings during this time.
In an increasingly fast-paced society, Spring Higan endures as a gentle reminder to reconnect with one’s roots, honor family ties, and embrace the spiritual rhythms of the season.
Seasonal Significance: Welcoming Spring in Daily Life
In Japan, the vernal equinox marks more than just an astronomical event—it signals a clear turning point from winter to spring in both nature and daily life.
As days grow longer and temperatures rise, cherry blossoms begin to bloom across the country, heralding the start of the hanami season. This period also aligns with the beginning of the school year and fiscal year, giving the season a strong sense of renewal and transition. Even in urban areas, people may find a quiet sense of joy in seeing plum blossoms in parks or enjoying a warm breeze after months of cold.
Vernal Equinox Day thus serves as a natural moment to pause, observe, and appreciate the changing world—an opportunity to reconnect not only with nature, but also with the rhythms of everyday life.
Flavors of Spring: Seasonal Foods That Mark the Equinox
Along with changes in the landscape, seasonal foods also signal the arrival of spring. Markets and shops across Japan showcase fresh produce and traditional sweets that reflect the new season.
In particular, you may see:
- Nanohana (rapeseed blossoms) – lightly boiled and served with mustard or soy-based sauces
- Takenoko (bamboo shoots) – a spring delicacy often simmered or used in rice dishes
- Sansai (wild mountain vegetables) – such as fiddlehead ferns and warabi, used in tempura or soups
- Sakura mochi – pink rice cakes wrapped in salted cherry leaves, a popular seasonal wagashi
- Botamochi – sweet rice balls with red bean paste, commonly eaten during the spring Higan
These flavors are more than just ingredients—they are seasonal symbols that bring a sense of continuity, family tradition, and connection to nature.
Experiencing the Spirit of Vernal Equinox Day
If you’re in Japan during this season, visit a local park or temple to witness the early signs of spring. You might see people enjoying hanami, families gathering for Higan rituals, or seasonal treats like botamochi available at shops and temples. It’s a beautiful time to experience the cultural depth of Japanese spring traditions.
But beyond what you see and taste, Vernal Equinox Day in Japan is ultimately a celebration of nature, family, and renewal. Whether through honoring ancestors, admiring the first blossoms, or simply taking a quiet moment to pause, this holiday invites us all to slow down and reconnect—with the earth, with others, and with ourselves.
In a fast-moving world, Shunbun no Hi offers a rare opportunity to reflect on the balance of life—reminding us that between light and dark, past and future, there is always a moment to be present.