From sakura-inspired cosmetics in spring to fall’s roasted treats and vibrant colors, Japan is known for its embrace of all things seasonal. In fact, it loves them so much that it used to recognize 24 seasons a year. For over a millennium, until Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1873, people across the country followed a system that divided the year into 24 seasons—and even further into 72 micro-seasons. Each had its own characteristics based on subtle changes in the natural world.
But where did this system come from—and how is it still relevant today?
Japan Has 24 Seasons?
Japan’s traditional calendar, known as kyureki, dates back to the year 604 and was originally imported from Korea. This revolutionary lunisolar calendar had been developed in China during the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE) and gradually improved over centuries. As the name suggests, the lunisolar system tracks both the moon and the sun.
The calendar divided the solar year into 24 equal segments called sekki, beginning with spring in early February. These divisions had a practical purpose for farmers and rural communities. They marked natural shifts that were observable in daily life—like insects emerging or the arrival of seasonal rain.
Each season also carried a poetic name and imagery, such as “insects awaken” or “the first frost,” reflecting a deeply observant and aesthetic relationship with nature. Japan loved poetry—or at least people in charge of important things like making calendars loved poetry.
Japan’s ‘24’ Seasons
Below are Japan’s 24 traditional seasons, along with their approximate start dates and poetic descriptions:
Spring
- Feb. 3 – Risshun: The cold fades, and spring begins
- Feb. 18 – Usui: Ice melts; snow turns to rain
- Mar. 5 – Keichitsu: Hibernating insects wake up
- Mar. 20 – Shunbun: Spring equinox, equal day and night
- Apr. 4 – Seimei: Flowers bloom
- Apr. 20 – Kokuu: Rain nourishes crops
Summer
- May 5 – Rikka: First signs of summer
- May 21 – Shouman: Lush plant growth
- Jun. 5 – Boushu: Ideal time to plant rice
- Jun. 21 – Geshi: Summer solstice, the longest day
- Jul. 7 – Shousho: Rainy season ends
- Jul. 22 – Taisho: Peak summer heat
Fall
- Aug. 7 – Rishuu: Autumn begins
- Aug. 23 – Shosho: Heat fades
- Sept. 7 – Hakuro: Dew forms on grass
- Sept. 23 – Shuubun: Fall equinox
- Oct. 8 – Kanro: Cold dew on wildflowers
- Oct. 23 – Soukou: First frost
Winter
- Nov. 7 – Rittou: Winter begins
- Nov. 22 – Shousetsu: Snow on mountaintops
- Dec. 7 – Taisetsu: North winds and snow arrive
- Dec. 22 – Touji: Winter solstice
- Jan. 5 (2026) – Shoukan: Frigid cold intensifies
- Jan. 20 (2026) – Daikan: Coldest days of the year
How Do The 24 Seasons Reflect Japanese Culture?
Although most people in Japan no longer follow this calendar strictly, its influence lingers in holidays, traditions and even product marketing. For instance, let’s look at how some beloved celebrations still reflect the old seasonal calendar:
Setsubun: Held in early February, Setsubun marks the day before Risshun, the start of spring and the new year in the traditional calendar. It’s best known for mamemaki—the custom of throwing roasted soybeans to drive out demons (oni) and invite good fortune. The ritual reflects the seasonal shift and symbolizes a spiritual cleansing for the year ahead.
Tanabata: The famous star festival is often celebrated on July 7 today, but it traditionally took place around a month later, aligning with the kyureki calendar. Sendai’s Tanabata Matsuri still honors this older timing.
Hinamatsuri: Also known as Girl’s Day, Hinamatsuri is celebrated on March 3, but it was traditionally held on the third day of the third month of the kyūreki calendar—around early April. This timing aligned with the blooming of peach blossoms, which were believed to ward off evil and protect young girls. While the modern date remains, the festival retains strong peach-themed symbolism and floral motifs, especially in decorations and sweets.
Do 24 Seasons Still Matter Today?
Despite the shift to a four-season framework, the 24 micro-seasons offer a beautifully nuanced way of looking at the world—and they’re quietly making a comeback. Interest in the system is being revived through seasonal mindfulness books, nature-tracking apps like 72 Seasons and NHK segments exploring natural transitions throughout the year. For example, MIDORI’s seasonal planners often feature colors and designs tied to natural changes, while Kyoto’s Sekki restaurant at Six Senses curates dishes and drinks that follow the 24-season cycle.
Whether it’s noticing plum blossoms in February or dew collecting on spiderwebs in early autumn, tuning into these changes fosters a deeper connection to place and time.
But you don’t need to memorize all 24 (or worse, 72) names to enjoy them. Start by paying attention to what’s blooming, what insects are active and how the light changes. Food stalls and seasonal menus are great indicators, too. Observing the small shifts in your surroundings can help slow you down and make daily life feel more grounded.
How many seasons have you observed in Japan? Let us know in the comments below!
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