Autumnal Equinox Day, known as Shubun no Hi, is a significant national holiday in Japan, marking the transition from summer to autumn when day and night are of equal length. This special day holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning, with traditions like Ohakamairi (visiting graves) and offering Ohagi to honor ancestors. Learn more about the customs and symbolism of Autumnal Equinox Day.
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Table of Contents
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Author: belongingJAPAN
belongingJAPAN provides trusted insights on Japanese culture, traditions, and lifestyle, as well as professional guidance on essential topics such as finance, transportation, and daily living in Japan. With carefully researched information sourced from official data and expert knowledge, belongingJAPAN helps both residents and international readers navigate Japanese life with confidence.
Chapter 1: What is 秋分の日 (Shubun no Hi)?
Shubun no Hi, also known as the Autumnal Equinox Day, is a national holiday in Japan. It marks the transition from the hot summer to the cooler autumn, and it’s the day when daytime and nighttime are nearly equal in length. From this point, the nights begin to grow longer. Around this time, there is a seven-day period called “Aki Higan,” with Shubun no Hi at its center.
What is Ohigan?
Ohigan is a period during which people honor their ancestors and remember those who have passed away. It became a national holiday in 1948 through the “Public Holiday Law.” As mentioned, the Autumnal Equinox Day marks the day when daytime and nighttime are of equal length. In Buddhism, it’s believed that ancestors reside in the west, and on this day, the distance between the living world and the afterlife is considered to be at its closest. Therefore, it is a time for reflecting on and paying respect to ancestors.
In 2026, Shubun no Hi (Autumnal Equinox Day) falls on Wednesday, September 23. The date is not fixed — it lands on either September 22 or 23, decided by astronomical calculation and confirmed by the government the previous February.
In 2026, the holiday closes out a rare five-day Silver Week, the first in 11 years. With Respect for the Aged Day on September 21 and the weekend before, many people enjoy a long autumn break.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
|
2026 |
September 23 |
Wednesday |
|
2027 |
September 23 |
Thursday |
|
2028 |
September 22 |
Friday |
Chapter 3: What are the customs of Autumnal Equinox Day?
おはぎ / Ohagi :
One common custom during the Autumnal Equinox Day is offering Ohagi, a traditional Japanese sweet, at family altars. Ohagi is made by steaming glutinous rice, lightly crushing it, and rolling it into small balls. These are then coated with sweet red bean paste (anko) or roasted soybean flour (kinako). While Ohagi is typically enjoyed during the Ohigan period, it can also be found at other times of the year. You can easily buy it at convenience stores or department stores, so if you’re curious, give it a try!
Higanbana / Spider Lily :
The spider lily, known as Higanbana, holds a unique cultural significance in Japan compared to other countries. This vibrant flower blooms in red, white, and other bright colors around September, aligning with the Ohigan period. Because it is poisonous, Higanbana was traditionally planted near gravesites to deter animals when burials were done without cremation. Over time, this led to various superstitions. Some believe picking the flower brings death, or that taking it home causes fires. In certain regions, it’s even referred to as “Shibitobana” (death flower) or “Yūreibana” (ghost flower).
While Higanbana can symbolize positive traits like “passion,” its more common associations in Japan include “resignation” and “sad memories.” Due to these negative connotations, it’s best not to give these flowers as gifts, despite their beauty, as they are often linked to bad luck and death in Japanese culture.
Ohakamairi / Visiting Graves :
Similar to the Obon period in August, many people visit graves during the Autumnal Equinox. Families go to their ancestors’ graves to clean the site and offer flowers, Ohagi, and sometimes sake as a way of honoring and remembering their loved ones.
Summary
Autumnal Equinox Day, or Shubun no Hi, is a national holiday in Japan that celebrates the balance of day and night. It’s a time to honor ancestors through customs like visiting graves and offering traditional sweets like Ohagi. The season is also marked by the blooming of Higanbana, a flower with deep cultural symbolism. We hope you enjoy learning about this unique aspect of Japanese culture.
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