Taisetsu — Major Snow

What Is Taisetsu (Major Snow)?

Around December 7th falls "Taisetsu" (大雪, "Major Snow"), one of the 24 solar terms of the traditional Japanese calendar. It marks the day the sun reaches 255 degrees of celestial longitude, when cold north winds strengthen and snow begins falling in earnest even across the lowlands.

What Taisetsu Tells Us About Deepening Winter

The Edo-period almanac guide "Koyomi Binran" describes this term as "the time when snow piles up ever more heavily."

• Its place in the calendar: the 21st of the 24 solar terms, falling after "Shosetsu" (Minor Snow) and before "Toji" (Winter Solstice)
• The climate: mountains take on a snowy landscape, and the lowlands begin to feel winter's full cold
• Nature's rhythm: this is also said to be when bears enter hibernation and salmon swim upstream in schools

Seasonal Ingredients Around Taisetsu

This period marks one of the richest seasons for winter flavors. Seafood like yellowtail, cod, and oysters, along with winter vegetables such as napa cabbage, daikon radish, and green onion, all come into season — making it a time when hot pot dishes start sounding especially appealing.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Start preparing in earnest for the cold — winter clothing and household prep
• Enjoy a hot pot dish featuring seasonal yellowtail or napa cabbage
• Begin your year-end cleaning or New Year's card preparations
• Take in photos or footage of snowy landscapes and feel winter's arrival

A Quiet Milestone, Announcing Winter's Full Arrival

Taisetsu comes with no flashy festivities, but it's a meaningful milestone that quietly signals winter's deepening hold on daily life. Around December 7th, let the calendar's "Major Snow" be a prompt to get your winter preparations in order.