The equinox is very important to Buddhist. During the public holiday, devout believers hold special events at Buddhist temples. Observers also visit cemeteries to bring food and other gifts of nourishment to their ancestors.
The changing of the seasons is also an important holiday to Japanese farmers. Shunbun no Hi gives cultivators the opportunity to pray for a successful planting season and also signifies the beginning of the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival.
Find more info at Japan's Online Culture and Travel Magazine.
