Celebrating the Changing Seasons and Living in Harmony with Nature
Japan has four distinct seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—each with its own traditions and customs that continue to enrich daily life. The idea of sensing the changes of nature and living in harmony with it has long been central to Japanese culture.
Spring – A Season of New Beginnings and Blessings
Spring brings warmer weather and blooming flowers. It’s also the time for graduations, school admissions, and new chapters in life.
Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival)
Held on March 3, this festival prays for the healthy growth of girls. Families display ornamental dolls and enjoy sweet sake and colorful rice crackers.
Vernal Equinox Day
A national holiday when day and night are equal in length, celebrating nature and showing respect for all living things.
Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing)
A traditional custom of holding gatherings under cherry trees to celebrate spring. Cherry blossoms symbolize Japan’s spirit—beauty and the fleeting nature of life.
Spring is often called the “season of partings and meetings,” representing important milestones in life.
Summer – A Season of Energy and Festivals
Summer is the time when the sun shines brightest and the energy of nature is most powerful. Traditional festivals are held throughout Japan.
Tanabata (Star Festival)
On July 7, people write wishes on strips of paper and hang them on bamboo branches, inspired by the legend of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi.
Obon
A traditional event to welcome and honor ancestral spirits. In many regions, Bon Odori dances are held, bringing communities together under the night sky.
Fireworks Festivals
A hallmark of summer in Japan. Fireworks light up the sky and delight crowds across the country.
Despite the heat, summer is also a time for cooling traditions—yukata robes, shaved ice, and the gentle sound of wind chimes.
Autumn – A Season of Harvest and Gratitude
Autumn is the season of harvest and thanksgiving. The mild weather and colorful leaves make it a popular time for outings.
Tsukimi (Moon Viewing)
People admire the full moon of mid-autumn, offering rice dumplings and taro in gratitude for a good harvest.
Autumn Festivals
Shrine-centered festivals celebrating abundant crops. Portable shrines and food stalls fill towns with lively energy.
Momijigari (Autumn Leaf Viewing)
A custom of appreciating the red and yellow hues of autumn leaves. The beauty of these scenes reflects Japan’s refined aesthetic.
The crisp air and vibrant scenery of autumn have long inspired Japanese poetry and art.
Winter – A Season of Quiet and Reflection
Though cold, winter is filled with events that warm the heart.
New Year’s Celebration
Japan’s most important holiday, celebrating the start of the year. People visit shrines to pray for health and happiness.
Snow Festivals
In northern regions, festivals using snow and ice are held, offering spectacular winter landscapes.
Setsubun
Observed around February 3, people scatter roasted beans while shouting “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi!” (“Out with demons, in with good fortune!”) to drive away evil spirits.
Winter marks both an ending and a hopeful new beginning.
The Spirit of the Four Seasons
Japan’s seasonal traditions are not just events—they nurture a mindset of living with nature. Finding beauty in falling cherry petals, impermanence in autumn leaves, and serenity in snow has shaped the Japanese spirit for centuries.
Through seasonal customs, people express gratitude for nature, strengthen family bonds, and learn to “cherish the present moment.”
When you visit Japan, take the time to experience its seasonal traditions and feel the beauty of its ever-changing nature.