Shunbun no Hi Spring Equinox Day

Spring Equinox Day, or Shunbun no Hi (春分の日) in Japanese is a National Holiday that is usually held around March 20 or 21.

The holiday occurs on the date of the vernal equinox in Japan Standard Time, and is not determined until February of the previous year.

This year, the holiday falls on Monday, March 21. It is a day in Japan to admire nature and the love of living things.

History of Shunbun no Hi 

The national holiday was first established in 1948, and marks a time when night and day are equal in length. Prior to that it was the date of Shunki Koresai (春季皇霊祭) an event relating to Shintoism. To separate religion and the state in post-war Japan, it was repackaged as a non-religious holiday.

How is Shunbun no Hi Celebrated? 

Shunbun no Hi is a holiday celebrating spring in Japan. It is a boundary marking the end of winter coldness and the start of the warm of spring. The three days immediately before and after Shunbun no Hi is a seven day period called the spring equinoctial week or higan in Japanese. It is a time to follow traditions and visit family graves to pay our respects to ancestors. People will visit their loved ones’ grave sites to sweep the gravestone, clear debris, leave offerings of food and fresh cut flowers, and burn incense to console the spirits.

Many people usually return to their family homes to spend time with their families, as well as head outdoors to enjoy the beautiful blue skies and warmth of spring. The cherry blossoms are usually just about to open at this time of the year in Japan, so it is a wonderful time to appreciate the beauty of nature after a long winter.

Festivals and Events for March in Japan

See the Cherry Blossoms in Japan with a Rail Pass

One of the main reasons tourists flock to Japan every spring is to take part in a beautiful tradition which the Japanese refer to as “Hanami”, meaning cherry blossom viewing. The various species of “Sakura” (cherry trees) bloom in succession as the warmer spring temperatures arrive in different parts of Japan. The milder the climate, the earlier the blossoms open so you can follow the cherry blossom trail from south to north. With a Japan Rail Pass you can travel across the country while experiencing this amazing natural phenomenon in the same way that the Japanese do - by eating, drinking, and barbecuing underneath the cherry blossoms.

Deer in Nara during Japan's cherry blossom season

How to follow the cherry blossom trail by rail 

The cherry blossom season begins in late March and usually ends in mid-April but sometimes continues until early May. The stunning pink, white and red flowers and Hanami festivals can be witnessed in several major cities including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Sapporo and Nara.

The easiest and most cost-effective way to visit all locations and see the cherry blossoms in all their glory is to travel by rail, and the best way to follow the blossoms by rail is with a Japan Rail pass. The Japan Rail pass is exclusive to those travelling to Japan. You can’t purchase the pass once you arrive in the country. The JR Pass offers unlimited train travel in Japan for 7, 14 or 21 days’ consecutive travel.

You can plan your cherry blossom trail by checking the Sakura season dates which are listed on the Japan Weather Association website. One way of translating the page is to use Google Chrome and then either accept the translate option if your browser offers it or add a translator app extension such as Google Translate and then translate the text into English that way. You can also use the English cherry blossom forecast found on Japan Travel Advice.

Cherry Blossom Hotspots 

Tokyo 

Cherry trees start blooming in early April in places all over Tokyo. Some of the popular locations to view the Sakura in Japan’s capital include:

• Asukayama Park
This hilltop public park is one of Tokyo’s most famous Hanami spots. The park is a short walk from Oji Station.

 • Ueno Park
This is one of the most popular spots for cherry blossom celebrations. The park boasts over 1,000 cherry trees and is just a few steps from Ueno Station.

• Kitanomaru Park (Edo Castle)
The western castle moat surrounding the park is famous for its beautiful Sakura trees and Hanami parties in springtime. The park is next to Tokyo Imperial Palace East gardens in the centre of the city.

 • Koishikawa Botanical Garden
You can see many weeping cherry trees close to the garden’s entrance gate in spring. The garden is a 10-15 minute walk from either Myogadani Station or Hakusan Station.

Nara 

It takes around 35 – 45 minutes to reach Nara by train from Kyoto. Nara’s cherry trees normally bloom in late March and favoured viewing spots include:

 • Mount Yoshinoyama in Yoshino Town
This is the most famous Hanami spot in Japan. There are over 30,000 cherry trees around the slopes of the mountain.

• Todai-ji temple in Nara Park
Todai-ji temple is located in Nara Park which contains a large lawn surrounded by cherry blossom trees. The park is also home to around 500 deer.

Kyoto 

You can usually see the cherry blossom flowers from late March till mid-April in Kyoto. Some of the best locations to view the Sakura include:

• The Path of Philosophy
The whole path is lined with cherry trees which become a spectacular sight when they are in bloom. It is magical at night when the trees are lit up and the crowds have diminished.

• Shimbashi
This is a beautiful section of Gion on the banks of the Shirakawa Canal which becomes very crowded during Hanami season. It is a truly enchanting spot when the trees are flowering.

Hiroshima 

You can reach Hiroshima by taking the JR Tokaido or Sanyo Shinkansen (bullet train). Fabulous spots to enjoy Hanami parties include:

• Peace Memorial Park
You can use the Gangi Water Taxi service to enjoy the breathtaking blossoms on a lovely riverside cruise.

• Hijiyama Park
This is one of the most popular places in the city for Hanami festivities with 1,300 cherry trees.

Osaka 

The best time to see the Sakura in Osaka is generally late March to early April. The most important cherry blossom viewing locations include:

 • Nishinomaru Garden, Osaka Castle Park This is an extremely popular Hanami spot located within the castle grounds which contains around 600 cherry trees.

• Kema Sakuranomiya Park
This park is on the banks of the Okawa River and incorporates the Osaka Mint building which marks a much-loved cherry blossom viewing spot.



You can get your hands on a great-value-for-money Japan Rail Pass (from just $389 AUD for a 7 day, standard class adult pass) by heading to the Rail Plus website to make the most of this spectacular natural event in Japan’s calendar.

Cherry Blossom Yoghurt in Japan

Spring in Japan means sakura (桜) or cherry blossoms and sakura-flavored food and drinks. A tell-tale sign that spring is soon on the way is when cherry blossoms start appearing on food and drinks in Japan. Early to mid-February is usually the time when sakura flavoured food and drink starts rolling out and hitting the supermarket and convenience store shelves and refrigerators.

You can find many different kinds of food and drinks containing sakura at this time of the year in Japan. Some of my favourites are the sakura drinks from Starbucks Japan, and sakura mochi (桜餅).

A new sakura product recently caught my eye, so I just had to share it with you all. Sakura flavoured yoghurt.

We picked up this four-pack of yoghurt from our local AEON supermarket with its pretty cherry blossom design. Not only does it look like spring, it tastes like spring as well with its sakura flavour. The yoghurt contains cherry blossom leaves and is a pale pink colour. Sakura petals and leaves are a seasonal ingredient used in a variety of Japanese foods, desserts and drinks.

How does it taste? Really good! It has a light cherry flavour and the cherry blossom leaves give it a nice saltiness. Check it out if you are in Japan and want an early taste of spring.

McDonald’s Japan Chocolate Fries

McDonald’s Japan has done it again! They have created a huge marketing buzz surrounding their latest offering, French fries covered in chocolate sauce. The launch last week saw the Internet go crazy over this new menu item, and it has even reached the furthest corners of the globe.

Recent years has seen McDonald’s Japan witness sagging sales, various food scandals and supply issues. In an attempt to turn around its fortunes in Japan, it has been creative with its menu items in order to bring back the masses to the once vastly popular fast-food chain in Japan.

McDonald’s Japan Chocolate Fries or McChoco Potato as it is known here in Japan forms part of its special winter menu, and went on sale from January 26. The sweet and salty French fries come with two different kinds of chocolate sauce, milk chocolate and white chocolate, and cost 330 yen (USD$2.80).

I’ve been quite surprised by how many people have been shocked by this latest creation. After all, when you think about it French fries and chocolate is a pretty good flavour combination that works surprisingly well. You have the saltiness of the fries and the sweetness of the chocolate sauce, creating a nice harmony and balance of flavours. Salty and sweet is a combination that goes together well and has been used many times before in Japan.

There is a company in Hokkaido, called ROYCE, who has made a great success with potato chips dipped in chocolate. This unique item is hugely popular in Japan and makes a great souvenir from the region.

The chocolate-covered French fries will only be available for a limited time, with McDonald’s Japan scheduled to stop selling them in mid-February, soon after Valentine’s Day.

We were intrigued by this latest offering, so headed to our local McDonald’s to check them out.

The Taste Test 

Japan Australia was very keen to try these new chocolate-covered French fries out and we weren’t disappointed. The hot fries were receptive to the chocolate sauce, which melts all over when squirted over the top. They were very moreish and as expected the saltiness of the fries was a perfect mix with the sweetness of the double chocolate sauce. This could make for the perfect McDonald's snack! I highly recommend the chocolate fries for anyone out there who has ever dipped their fries in a chocolate milkshake. Bon Appetit!

The McChoco Potato comes in a good looking box. I'm lovin it!

The Golden French Fries of McDonald's Japan before being covered in chocolate sauce

The easy to squeeze double chocolate sauce

The sauce comes with milk chocolate and white chocolate

The McDonald's Japan Chocolate Fries ready to demolished

If you are interested in McDonald’s Japan unique and interesting menu items, check out the following gems:

McDonald’s Japan Halloween Burger 

McDonald’s Japan World Cup Menu 

McDonald’s Japan Sakura Teritama Burger 

McDonald’s Japan Website 

Tenno no Tanjobi

Tenno no Tanjobi (天皇の誕生日) or The Emperor’s Birthday is a Japanese National Holiday that is held annually on December 23. The current Emperor, Akihito was born on this day in 1933. The date of Tenno no Tanjobi is determined by the reigning Emperor’s birth date. Thus, if the emperor changes, the national holiday will change to the birthday of the new emperor.

A public ceremony takes place at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, where the gates of the palace are opened for the public. This is a rare chance to visit the Imperial Palace which is usually off limits to the general public. If you ever wanted to see and hear a real Emperor, this is a golden opportunity.

History of Tenno no Tanjobi 

Tenno no Tanjobi was celebrated on 29 April during the reign of the previous Emperor, Hirohito (1926-1989). That day remained a public holiday, posthumously renamed Greenery Day in 1989 and Showa Day in 2007. Prior to World War II, Tenno no Tanjobi was called Tenchosetsu (天長節) or “Tencho Festival” and expressed hope for the longevity of the reigning emperor. After the war, the new government renamed it Tenno no Tanjobi, which is less formal language. It became a national holiday in 1948.

How is Tenno no Tanjobi Celebrated? 

On December 23 a public ceremony takes place at the Imperial Palace to mark the birthday of the Emperor. The Emperor, accompanied by Empress Michiko and several members of the Imperial Family, appear on the palace balcony to greet the crowd, and receive birthday congratulations. Many well-wishers attend the ceremony as it is a rare chance to visit the Imperial Palace, which is usually off limits to the public. The crowd cheers and wave tiny Japanese flags to mark the occasion.

Festivals and Events for December in Japan

Kinro Kansha no Hi

Kinro Kansha no Hi (勤労感謝の日) or Labour Thanksgiving Day is a Japanese National Holiday that is held annually on November 23. The purpose of the holiday is to commemorate labour and production, as well as for giving one another thanks.

Special events on Kinro Kansha no Hi are held throughout Japan, which encourage thinking about the environment, peace and human rights.

It is also a great time to head out doors to enjoy the koyo (autumn leaves) season with beautiful mild weather and clear blue skies.

History of Kinro kansha no Hi 

Kinro Kansha no Hi was first held in 1948 to mark some of the changes of the post-war constitution of Japan, including fundamental human rights and the expansion of worker’s rights.

Kinro Kansha no Hi is the modern name for an ancient harvest festival known as Niiname-sai (新嘗祭). The festival in written account can trace its roots back to Emperor Temmu (667-686) and traditionally celebrated the year’s hard work in harvesting grains. In this ancient Shinto ritual, the Emperor, on behalf of the nation would make the season’s first offering of freshly harvested rice to the kami (gods), and give thanks for the harvest.

Niiname-sai was first held on November 23 during the reign of the Meiji Emperor (1868-1912) and was a nationally celebrated event.

The modern holiday was established after World War II in 1948 as a day to mark the fact that fundamental human rights were guaranteed and the rights of workers were greatly expanded under the new post-war constitution. Today, Niiname-sai is celebrated privately by the Imperial Family of Japan, while Kinro Kansha no Hi has become a national holiday.

How is Kinro Kansha no Hi Celebrated? 

Kinro Kansha no Hi is a day to encourage thinking about the environment, peace and human rights. Many special events are held throughout Japan including the Nagano Labour Festival, which local labour organizations sponsor to encourage people to think about issues affecting modern Japan. It is a day for Japanese citizens to express gratitude to one another for the hard work done throughout the year and to celebrate the fruits of those labours.

Some early grade elementary students create drawings or handicrafts for the holiday and give them as gifts to local koban (police boxes), or police stations to show their thanks and appreciation for looking after their safety.

Festivals and Events for November in Japan

 

What is the Japan Rail Pass?

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The Japan Rail Pass is a special rail pass that is available to overseas visitors to Japan. The pass entitles the holder to unlimited travel on the national JR train network, including the shinkansen (bullet trains) and selected JR buses and ferries.

Purchasing a Japan Rail Pass is a fantastic idea if you plan on doing extensive travel within Japan. If you plan on visiting popular tourist destinations such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Hiroshima, it is well worth looking at getting this pass to save both money and time. The rail network in Japan is second to none with excellent fast, efficient services that go just about everywhere throughout the country from one end to the other.

The Japan Rail Pass comes in two different types, one for each class of service, Standard (普通車), also known as economy and Green Car (グリーン車), also known as executive-class.

©Akira Okada/©JNTO

How the Japan Rail Pass Works 

The Japan Rail Pass must be purchased outside of Japan and you must be traveling in Japan under the visa status of ‘temporary visitor’ to be eligible. In order to get a pass, you must first purchase an ‘exchange order’. Once you are in the country, you can validate the ‘exchange order’ at any JR Travel Service Center, which are located all over the country. Make sure you have your passport, temporary visitor stamp and exchange order with you. The pass is time limited with three time periods available: 7 day, 14 day and 21 day. When transforming your Exchange Order you will select an activation date, which is up to 30 days from the time of transformation, so you don’t need to activate it right away. The clock doesn’t start to tick until your desired activation date so you can travel around the first city you arrive in and get the most use out of it later.

©Yasufumi Nishi/©JNTO

 
Here is how the Japan Rail Pass works in six easy steps:

1. Buy your Japan Rail Pass - you can choose between 7, 14 or 21 days and select Economy or Green Car (executive class).

2. Receive your exchange order – you will be shipped your Exchange Order, this is required in order to receive your actual pass in Japan.

3. Go to Japan with your Exchange Order

4. Get your ‘Temporary Visa’ stamp –if you’re Australian you will automatically receive a temporary visa stamp in your passport on arrival.

5. Transform your Exchange Order into a Japan Rail Pass – locate the nearest JR Travel Service Center to change your exchange order into your Japan Rail Pass.

6. Discover Japan using your Japan Rail Pass – now is the fun part you can start using your Japan Rail Pass to discover all that Japan has to offer.

Take a look at this video to see how it all works


You can purchase your pass at Japan Rail Pass Now