National holiday
Autumnal Equinox Day
秋分の日
A national holiday at the autumn equinox, again centered on Higan and ancestral remembrance.
- This year
- Sep 23 (Wed)
- Around September 22–23 (official equinox formula)
History
Shūbun no Hi parallels the spring equinox holiday, replacing the prewar Shūki Kōreisai. Autumn Ohigan is a major time for grave visits and temple offerings. Botanically it also marks the turn toward cooler weather and harvest.
How it is observed
Similar to spring: ohagi, flowers at graves, family gatherings. Some regions hold autumn festivals nearby.
Travel tips
Pleasant hiking weather begins. Popular day-trip destinations fill with domestic travelers on the long weekend when paired with Respect for the Aged Day.
Related shrines & temples
Places often visited around this day — open a shrine page or search the directory.