1. What is Shunbun no hi?
Shunbun no hi（春分の日）is Japan’s Vernal Equinox Day, typically celebrated on March 20th or 21st. It marks the seasonal shift from winter to spring when day and night are nearly the same length.
It’s a moment when nature finds balance—and so do people.
Since 1948, it has been a national holiday in Japan, set aside to “honor nature and living things.” While it’s now a secular event, its roots lie in Shinto and Buddhist customs.
2. Cultural Background: From Higan to Modern Day Off
Shunbun no hi overlaps with the Buddhist Higan period, a time when people visit the graves of their ancestors. Higan means “the other shore,” referring to the spiritual crossing from this world to the next.
During this time, people often:
- Clean family graves
- Offer flowers, incense, or food
- Reflect on their ancestors and life’s impermanence
However, today’s Japan is a mix of tradition and convenience. For many, Shunbun no hi is simply a peaceful day off, a chance to rest, or go on a short trip.
3. What Do People Do on Shunbun no hi?
Here are common ways people spend this day:
🌸 Visit cemeteries
Families clean gravestones and leave offerings. It’s a quiet way to honor those who came before.
🍡 Eat botamochi (ぼたもち)
These are sweet rice cakes covered in red bean paste. They’re closely associated with both the spring and autumn equinox.
🌿 Appreciate nature
Some go for walks or spend time outside enjoying the early signs of spring.
🛌 Just chill
Let’s be real: a lot of people simply enjoy a break from work or school. There’s no pressure to perform rituals.
4. Fun Fact: It’s Astronomically Determined!
Unlike fixed holidays, Shunbun no hi shifts slightly from year to year. Why? Because it’s based on astronomical calculations of the Earth’s orbit and the sun’s position.
So while it usually lands on March 20th or 21st, the exact date is officially announced each February by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.
