Rittō: The First Day of Winter (Around November 7th)

What Is Rittō (Around November 7th)?

Rittō is one of the 24 solar terms (nijushi sekki) of the traditional East Asian calendar, marking the "beginning of winter." It falls around November 7th or 8th each year, determined astronomically as the moment the sun reaches 225 degrees of celestial longitude. From Rittō onward, mornings and evenings turn noticeably colder, the first cold winter winds (kogarashi) begin to blow, and autumn foliage reaches its peak. Together with Risshun (start of spring, February), Rikka (start of summer, May), and Risshu (start of autumn, August), Rittō forms one of the four seasonal "starting points" known as the "Shiryu."

Climate and Natural Changes Around Rittō

Around the time of Rittō, the first snowfall of the season begins in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region, and frost starts to appear in mountainous areas across the rest of Japan. Sunset comes earlier each day, with daylight hours steadily shrinking toward their shortest point at the winter solstice (around December 22nd). Trees begin shedding their leaves, migratory birds head south, and both plants and animals start preparing in earnest for winter.

The 24 Solar Terms and the 72 Micro-Seasons

Rittō is further divided into three five-day "micro-seasons" (ko): the early period is called "sazanka hajimete hiraku" ("camellias begin to bloom"), the middle period "chi hajimete kooru" ("the ground begins to freeze"), and the final period "kinsenka saku" ("marigolds bloom"). These poetic names reflect the delicate sensitivity with which the Japanese calendar tracks the smallest shifts in nature.

Customs and Foods Associated With Rittō

• Inoko-mochi (Wild Boar Day rice cakes): Traditionally eaten on the "Day of the Boar" in the 10th lunar month, which often falls around Rittō. The wild boar is a symbol of fertility and good health, as boars are known for having large litters.
• Yuzu Tea and Ginger Tea: Warming drinks that signal the start of preparing the body for the cold months ahead.
• Hot Pot (Nabe): Around Rittō, people start craving steaming hot pot dishes — a staple of the winter dinner table.
• Bringing Out the Kotatsu: In some regions, it's traditional to set up the kotatsu (a low table with a built-in heater and blanket) around the time of Rittō.

A Sign That Winter Is Coming: Fun Facts About Rittō

The "first kogarashi (cold wind) of the season" is the name given by the Japan Meteorological Agency to the first strong, cold north wind that blows around the time of Rittō, and its arrival is reported as news every year as a sign that "winter has arrived." Rittō is also generally seen as the time to start preparing winter clothing and heating equipment, and to get a flu vaccination — in short, a marker for ramping up your defenses against the cold.