Vernal Equinox Day is celebrated in Japan marking the moment when day and night are nearly equal in length. It symbolizes balance, renewal, and the arrival of spring. Originally a Shinto and Buddhist observance honoring nature and ancestors, it became a national holiday in 1948. Today, people visit family graves, enjoy the beauty of blooming flowers, and reflect on harmony between humans and nature.

When is the Vernal Equinox Day?

The Vernal Equinox Day in Japan is celebrated around March 20 or 21 each year.

The following is the list of the Vernal Equinox Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of the Vernal Equinox Day?

Vernal Equinox Day, known as Shunbun no Hi (春分の日), has deep spiritual and cultural roots in Japan, blending ancient agricultural traditions with Buddhist and Shinto beliefs. The holiday marks the spring equinox, when day and night are nearly equal, symbolizing harmony and renewal.

Before becoming a national holiday, Shunbun no Hi was observed as Shunki Koreisai, an imperial religious ceremony held to honor the spirits of Japan's past emperors and imperial ancestors. During this time, offerings were made at imperial mausoleums, reflecting the importance of nature, balance, and ancestral respect in Japanese culture.

In 1948, after World War II, Japan's new government under the postwar constitution redefined many holidays to separate religion from state affairs. Shunki Koreisai was secularized and renamed Vernal Equinox Day, designated as a day to celebrate nature and show love for living things.

Today, the day retains much of its traditional spirit. Many people observe Higan—a Buddhist custom held during both the spring and autumn equinoxes—by visiting family graves, cleaning tombstones, and offering flowers or food. It's also a time to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms and seasonal change, reflecting Japan's enduring appreciation for the balance between nature, family, and the passage of time.