Vernal Equinox Day
Nationwide public holiday in Japan · 春分の日
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 20 March | Friday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 21 March | Sunday | Nationwide |
Where it applies
Everywhere in Japan.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Make it longer
Sat 20 Mar – Mon 22 Mar is a 3-day weekend with no leave needed.
Plan more breaks with the leave planner.
Typical weather in Tokyo around 21 March: high 15°C (58°F), low 6°C (42°F), rain on 36% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around Tokyo. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Sunday 21 March in Tokyo: (MET Norway)
About Vernal Equinox Day
Vernal Equinox Day, Shunbun no Hi, is a national holiday intended to celebrate nature and cherish living things. Its date is set by the government each year based on astronomical calculation and usually falls on 20 or 21 March. It lies at the middle of the spring Higan, a Buddhist week of observances.
Traditions
During Higan, many families visit and clean the graves of their ancestors and make offerings. A typical food is botamochi, a sweet rice cake covered in red bean paste. The holiday is also associated with the coming of spring and the approaching cherry blossom season.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
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Monday, 22 March 2027
More for Japan
Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.