Due to the necessity of recent astronomical measurements, the date of the holiday is not officially declared until February of the previous year.
In 1947 and before, it was the date of Shūki kōreisai (秋季皇霊祭), an event relating to Shinto.
Past observed and future calculated equinoxes in Japan Standard Time.
On this day, people will reconnect with their families by tending to the graves of ancestors and visiting shrines and temples.
People also celebrate the good weather and autumn harvest by enjoying outdoor activities and eating Shūbun no Hi snacks such as botamochi– a ball of sweet rice in azuki paste.