National Holiday of the Autumn Equinox (Shuubun no Hi – 秋分の日)
The date varies depending on the year, but it usually falls between September 22nd and 24th. It is a holiday that marks the official beginning of autumn, when the sun rises exactly in the east and sets exactly in the west on this day, making day and night equal in length, 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night. At this time of year, in addition to the days becoming more pleasant temperatures, Japan offers a stunning landscape, in a mix of yellow and red colors, giving the season a completely magical look.
With the sudden drop in temperature, the previously green leaves take on bright colors. Then, they dry out and fall off, leaving the branches “bare”. This phenomenon is called kouyou.
The coloring of the leaves is a reason for Japanese people to go on excursions, have picnics in parks or simply leave their homes to enjoy the phenomenon. The kouyou can be seen first, in September, in the northern region of Japan or on the tops of mountains and plateaus, these places where the temperature starts to cool down earlier.
In general, the beautiful spectacle of nature peaks in October and November. There is a great variation because the color change depends on the temperature.
The Autumnal Equinox was established as a national holiday in 1948. Before that, the autumnal equinox was a day to honor ancestors and remember the dead, to pay respects to deceased relatives. Some people still visit graves to remember their ancestors and show respect (cleaning graves, making offerings of flowers and incense, etc.). It is also common to attend religious services at Buddhist temples or pray at the altar of the deceased that one has at home.
National Holiday: September 23, Autumnal Equinox Day.