Higan Ake (The Closing Day of the Spring Equinox Week)

What Is Higan Ake?

"Higan Ake" is the last day of "Ohigan," a seven-day period made up of Vernal Equinox Day as the middle day (chunichi) plus the three days before and after it. In 2026, spring Ohigan begins on March 17th, its middle day is March 20th, and Higan Ake falls on March 23rd. "Higan" is a Buddhist word likening the world of enlightenment to the "far shore," in contrast to "this shore" (shigan), our world full of worldly desires. Because the dates of spring Ohigan depend on Vernal Equinox Day, Higan Ake also shifts from year to year around March 23rd.

Higan as a Seasonal Turning Point

Higan is closely tied to the changing of the seasons in Japan.

• "Heat and cold last until higan": This saying means that winter's cold and summer's heat continue until around higan, then ease and become more comfortable afterward. Around the end of spring Ohigan, cherry blossom news begins to arrive from around the country.
• The equinox and the sun: On the middle day, Vernal Equinox Day, the sun rises almost due east and sets almost due west. In Buddhism, the Pure Land is said to lie far to the west, and ancestors have been remembered at this time of year.

Higan Customs and Foods

Higan customs have long been an occasion for families and communities to remember their ancestors.

• Botamochi: During spring Ohigan it is customary to offer "botamochi." The name is said to come from the peony (botan), which blooms in spring; in autumn Ohigan the same sweet is called "ohagi," after the bush clover (hagi).
• The Six Perfections: By popular tradition, the middle day is for giving thanks to ancestors, and each of the other six days is for practicing one of the "Six Perfections" (roku-haramitsu) that lead to enlightenment: generosity, ethical conduct, patience, diligence, meditation and wisdom.

Fun Facts About Higan

• A uniquely Japanese custom: Although higan is said to come from Buddhism, holding memorial services for ancestors during higan is unique to Japan and is said not to exist in Indian or Chinese Buddhism.
• The first higan service: It is said that the first higan-e, a Buddhist higan service, was held in Japan in 806.
• The "hi-gan" theory: Folklorist Shigeru Gorai argued that "higan" came from "hi no negai" (hi-gan, a prayer to the sun for a good harvest), which later became linked with the Buddhist term "higan."
• Twice a year, 14 days in total: Higan comes twice a year, in spring and autumn, each lasting seven days, for a total of 14 days a year.

Tips for Spending Higan Ake

• Tidy up the flowers and offerings at your family altar or grave to close the Ohigan period
• Bring seasonal spring foods such as rapeseed blossoms or butterbur sprouts to the table
• Contact family or relatives you could not see during Ohigan
• Put away winter clothes and bedding and switch to your spring routine

Ohigan Ends and Full Spring Begins

Higan Ake marks the end of a week of remembering ancestors and the season's move into full spring. Around March 23rd, true to the saying "heat and cold last until higan," why not enjoy the warmer air as you welcome the new season?