Vernal Equinox Day, also known as Shunbun no Hi (春分の日), is one of two Japanese public holidays that mark the times of the year when day and night are approximately equal in length. Shunbun no Hi is the first of these and typically falls on March 20 or March 21. It is often referred to as the spring equinox. The second equinox occurs in autumn and is called Shubun no Hi (秋分の日).
In Japan, the months of March, April, and May make up the spring season, but what makes the Vernal Equinox especially significant? In this blog, we’ll explore the dates on which the Vernal Equinox falls, its cultural and historical importance, and how you can celebrate this unique holiday!
What is Vernal Equinox Day, or Shunbun no Hi (春分の日)?
The Japanese word for Vernal Equinox Day, Shunbun no Hi, consist of three kanji. Shun (春) is a kanji character for spring, and bun (分) is an ideogram meaning “to divide”. The Vernal Equinox marks the end of winter and the start of spring. It marks the changing of seasons, after which, days will eventually get longer while nights get shorter. Temperatures start to warm up, and cherry blossoms start to bloom.
What is an ‘Equinox’?
The word equinox comes from Latin, meaning ‘equal night’. Although contrary to popular belief, the lengths of day and night are not exactly equal.
The first equinox of the year occurs in March and is called the Vernal Equinox, which indicates the end of winter and the start of spring. The second equinox of the year occurs in September and is called the Autumnal Equinox, which indicates the beginning of autumn. Japan also celebrates the autumnal equinox with a national holiday, Autumnal Equinox Day.
Why Do Japanese People Make Vernal Equinox a Public Holiday?
The vernal (spring) equinox actually occurs across the world, but Japan is one of the few countries that make this event a public holiday.
The reason is that the vernal equinox in Japan is not just an astronomical event—it also has deep cultural and spiritual meaning. It marks the arrival of spring and a natural balance between day and night, which reflects the Japanese appreciation for harmony in nature. At the same time, it is traditionally a period for honoring ancestors, when many people visit family graves and pay their respects. Because it combines seasonal significance with important cultural practices, Japan recognizes it as a public holiday.
When exactly is Japan’s Vernal Equinox?
The date of Vernal Equinox Day happens on either March 20th or 21st. The date changes each year slightly because it is based on astronomical calculations, not a fixed calendar date.
The equinox occurs at the exact moment when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, moving from south to north. This precise moment doesn’t fall at the same time on the calendar each year because a year is not exactly 365 days. It’s approximately 365.24 days. To keep the calendar in sync with the Sun, Japan uses the Gregorian calendar with leap years. The extra day every four years shifts the equinox slightly on the calendar.
Check out the schedule for Japan’s Vernal Equinox Day from 2026 until 2030!
| Year | Date | Day |
| 2026 | March 20th | Wednesday |
| 2027 | March 21st | Thursday |
| 2028 | March 20th | Friday |
| 2029 | March 20th | Sunday |
| 2030 | March 20th | Monday |
How did the Vernal Equinox Holiday start?
The first observance of Vernal Equinox Day, also known as Spring Equinox Day, was in 1948, yet, as with many other Japanese holidays, its origins go back much further than that. Prior to WWII, this day was known as Shunki koureisai (春季皇霊祭), which was connected to Shintoism. During this festival, people would pray for the deceased members of the Imperial Family and their ancestors. Due to the separation of religion from the state, via Japan’s post-war constitution, this holiday had to be repackaged into the non-religious holiday of today.
This day is part of a seven-day period known as Haru no higan (春の彼岸), which consists of the three days before and after the equinox, along with the equinox day itself. The same can be same for the Autumnal Equinox, which also has a higan (彼岸).
Read more: Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日): When & What to Do
Ways to celebrate Vernal Equinox Day in Japan and Tokyo
1. Give gratitude to your loved ones who have passed
Perhaps the best way to spend this time is expressing gratitude to loved ones who have passed over. As per the tradition, if you have ancestors in Japan, you could tend to their graves. If not, you could ask friends if they would like any support in their families.
2. Watch the cherry blossoms bloom
Vernal Equinox Day isn’t the only way to indicate the beginning of spring. This is the time when the cherry blossoms will start to bloom as well. Grab some beer or umeshu (梅酒) (and food of course) and head down to your local park for a cherry blossom viewing, or hanami (花見) party. Three of the most popular locations in Tokyo are Shinjuku Gyoen, Chidorigafuchi Moat and Ueno Park.
3. Visit a shrine or a temple during Vernal Equinox Day
While the religious aspects of the holiday are long gone, the traditions related to the Vernal Equinox still remain. This is a good opportunity to visit a shrine or temple in Japan, as the Vernal Equinox occurs during the period in which the cherry blossoms start to bloom.
4. Eat Botamochi (牡丹餅)
There isn’t really a set meal to eat on Vernal Equinox Day, but Botamochi is a customary snack that people use as an offering to temples, shrines, and family grave sites. It’s made out of glutinous rice, white rice, and sweet azuki paste. While both the Vernal Equinox and the Autumnal Equinox have the same tradition of eating mochi, the version eaten during Autumnal Equinox Day is called Ohagi (お萩).
5. Appreciate nature
This holiday is just about visiting the graves of your ancestors and deceased loved ones, it’s also about appreciating nature as well. What better way to do that than to go on a nature walk? We recommend going to a park or a garden such as Koshikawa Korakuen to really take in the nature around you.
What’s Next After the Vernal Equinox?
After Vernal Equinox Day, the annual spring holiday period begins, which ends at the start of Japan’s fiscal year, around April. Some people take this opportunity to have hanami parties throughout Japan to really appreciate the full bloom of the cherry blossoms.
Check out the 10 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo here.
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FAQ
Will shops still be open on Vernal Equinox Day?
Just like any public holiday in Japan, public institutions, such as government buildings, post offices, and banks will be closed on Vernal Equinox Day. Most shops and restaurants will still be open on that day, however.
How is Vernal Equinox Day celebrated in Japan?
Most Japanese people celebrate Vernal Equinox Day by visiting and tending to the graves of their ancestors. The religious aspects of the holiday might be gone, but the traditions still remain.
What are some common foods eaten during the Vernal Equinox in Japan?
There isn’t a specific food made for the Vernal Equinox in Japan, but botamochi (牡丹餅) is a customary snack that is mainly used for offerings at gravesites.