Autumnal Equinox Day 2025
Date: September 23, 2025 (Tuesday)
Country: Japan Public Holidays
Description
Autumnal Equinox Day in Japan is a national holiday that marks when day and night are almost the same length. It celebrates the change from summer to autumn and reminds people that nature is shifting toward cooler weather.
The holiday falls around September 22 or 23 each year. The exact date can change by one day because it follows the position of the sun, not a fixed calendar rule. People notice that daylight gets shorter after this point.
This day is significant because it connects people to nature and the seasons. It is a time to think about balance, like equal day and night. It also encourages respect for the natural world and awareness of seasonal cycles.
For many, the holiday is a quiet moment to reflect on life and family. It overlaps with Buddhist ideas of remembering ancestors and thinking about the cycle of life and death. The day highlights harmony between people and nature.
Traditions
Many families visit graves to clean them, put fresh flowers, and light incense. They leave offerings like fruit and rice cakes. Relatives gather, talk about loved ones, and share food to remember their ancestors together.
People also go to temples and shrines for special services. Priests chant and bells ring while visitors pray quietly. Some join community ceremonies, listen to sutras, and give thanks during small rituals led by local monks.
Seasonal foods play a big role. Ohagi rice cakes coated with sweet red bean paste are common. Families eat chestnuts, pumpkin dishes, and drink warm tea. People enjoy autumn flowers like red spider lilies while walking outside.
Travel Tips
Many shops, museums, and government offices may have shorter hours or be closed. Plan ahead by checking opening times and buying tickets in advance. Trains and buses can be crowded around the holiday, especially mornings and evenings.
Visit parks, cemeteries, and temples when they are quieter, early or late in the day. Bring a light jacket and water for changing weather. Be respectful at busy sites, follow local rules, and use cash since some places may not accept cards.