Shunbun (Spring Equinox)

During Higan, many people visit their ancestors’ graves to pay their respects. (© Pixta)

Rice cakes known as botamochi in spring and ohagi in autumn. (© Pixta)

Cherry blossom varieties clockwise from upper left: somei yoshino, yamazakura, edohigan, and kanhizakura. (© Pixta)

Mountain cherry blossoms at Nakasenbon, mid-way up Mount Yoshino, in Nara Prefecture. (© Pixta)

In spring, the dawn. (© Pixta)

A mother sparrow and her chick. (© Pixta)

Kobushi (left) and purple mokuren or lily magnolia. (© Pixta)

Sakuramochi, made in Kantō style (left) and Kansai style. (© Pixta)

Madai red sea bream. (© Pixta)