Exploring Japan During 芒種 (Bōshu): The Grain Full Season and Rice Planting Festivals

Seasonal and Agricultural Significance in Japan

1. Peak Time for Rice Planting

Bōshu is closely tied to the start of rice planting (田植え, taue), Japan’s most culturally significant crop.

Rural communities may host rice-planting festivals (taue matsuri), often with music, traditional costumes, and symbolic planting ceremonies.

2. Grain Ripening Season

While planting begins, earlier crops begin to ripen, especially in warmer southern regions.

Farmers are highly attuned to weather patterns during this time — rain and sun must be balanced for healthy growth.

3. Increased Humidity and First Rains

Bōshu typically marks the start of the rainy season (梅雨, tsuyu) in southern Japan.

While not yet fully wet in all regions, humidity rises, and early rains are common.

This change signals a shift in daily life — from wardrobe choices (switching to lighter fabrics) to food preservation practices.

Philosophical Resonance

Bōshu reflects the cycle of growth: a time of effort and care after sowing seeds.

It symbolizes diligence, preparation, and coexistence with nature — aligning with Shinto and Buddhist values of attuning to natural rhythms.

 Traditions and customs observed in Japan during 芒種 (Bōshu):

In Japan, 芒種 (Bōshu) — one of the 24 solar terms — falls around June 5–6, marking the start of rice planting season and the shift into early summer. While not a widely celebrated public holiday, Bōshu holds deep seasonal, agricultural, and cultural significance, especially in rural traditions and seasonal awareness (kisetsukan 季節感).

Here are the main traditions and customs observed in Japan during 芒種 (Bōshu):

1.Rice Planting Rituals (田植え行事 / 田植え 行事)

-Community Rice Planting
Bōshu is traditionally when rice seedlings are transplanted into paddies.

In many rural areas, communities still observe symbolic rice planting festivals, especially at Shinto shrines.

-Taue Matsuri (Rice-Planting Festivals)
Farmers (sometimes in traditional dress) ritually plant rice while singing traditional planting songs (taue-uta).

Sometimes oxen or symbolic tools are used in the ceremony.

Famous examples:

Sumiyoshi Taisha Rice Planting Festival (Osaka) – Held mid-June

Ōtaue Shinji at Ise Shrine (Mie)

-Purpose:
To pray for a good harvest, protection from floods or pests, and seasonal harmony.

These rituals are offerings to agricultural deities (kami) in the Shinto tradition.

2.Beginning of Tsuyu (梅雨) – The Rainy Season

-Adapting to Weather

Around Bōshu, the tsuyu (plum rain) season begins in southern Japan.

People change clothing and household items to prepare for damp conditions:

Use of light cotton or linen clothing

Airing out futons and switching to summer bedding

Preparing moisture-absorbing products in closets and pantries

-Seasonal Changes Noted in Nature

According to ancient seasonal calendars (like the 72 micro-seasons), during Bōshu:

Mantis eggs hatch

Fireflies appear

Plums begin to ripen

This reflects a traditional attunement to natural rhythms, still honored through poetry, calligraphy, and gardening.

-Seasonal Imagery

Kimono, crafts, and home decorations reflect cooling summer motifs:

Streams, fish, fans, and water

Iris and hydrangea patterns

What to Eat During 芒種 (Bōshu)

During 芒種 (Bōshu) — the "Grain in Ear" solar term (around June 5–6) — Japan enters early summer, with rising humidity, the start of rice planting, and the approach of the rainy season (梅雨 tsuyu). Seasonal foods during this time are chosen for their cooling effect, digestibility, and alignment with nature's rhythm.

Here are the key foods enjoyed during Bōshu (芒種) in Japan:

1.  
2. 1. Sōmen (そうめん) – Thin Chilled Noodles
3. Served cold with dipping sauce (mentsuyu), often garnished with ginger, myoga, or shiso.
4. Light, easy to digest, and refreshing in humid weather.
5.  
6. 2. Fresh Rice or Early Rice Dishes
7. Although new rice (shinmai) is not harvested until autumn, Bōshu marks the start of rice cultivation.
8. Many households prepare rice-based dishes in honor of planting season, such as:
9. Takikomi gohan (seasoned rice with vegetables)
10. Onigiri (rice balls) using seasonal fillings like pickled plum (umeboshi)
11.  
12. 3. Plums (梅 / Ume)
13. June is plum season, perfect for:
14. Umeboshi (pickled plums) — strong flavor, great for preserving and cooling
15. Umeshu (梅酒) — homemade plum wine begins brewing during this time
16.  
17. 4. Summer Vegetables (夏野菜 / Natsu Yasai)
18. These vegetables are harvested in early summer and are thought to cool the body:
19. Cucumber (きゅうり)
20. Eggplant (なす)
21. Tomatoes (トマト)
22. Green peppers (ピーマン)
23. Often eaten grilled, pickled, or in aemono (lightly dressed salads)
24.  
25. 5. Hiyayakko (冷奴) – Chilled Tofu
26. Cold tofu topped with green onions, ginger, myoga, or bonito flakes.
27. A perfect light, cooling dish for hot, sticky days.
28.  
29. 6. Early Summer Green Tea (新茶 / Shincha)
30. Shincha, the first flush of green tea, is still available in early June.
31. It has a mild, fresh flavor and lower bitterness — ideal for summer.
32.  
33. 7. Seasonal Wagashi (和菓子)
34. Japanese sweets reflect the mood and nature of the season.
35. Minazuki (水無月) – a sweet rice cake traditionally eaten in June to ward off evil
36. Kuzu mochi or warabi mochi – soft, jelly-like, and served cold
37. Shaped to represent water, irises, or hydrangeas

Festive Celebrations

During 芒種 (Bōshu, Grain in Ear)—which occurs around June 5–6—Japan does not have national festivals specifically named for Bōshu, but this seasonal marker aligns with early summer agricultural celebrations, Shinto rituals, and flower festivals. These reflect the spirit of gratitude for nature, rice planting, and summer’s arrival.

Here are the main festivals and celebrations that coincide with or reflect the customs of the 芒種 period in Japan:

1.  
2. 1. Rice Planting Festivals (田植え祭 / Taue Matsuri)
3.  
4. -Purpose:
5. To pray for a good rice harvest as the planting season begins — perfectly aligned with the meaning of 芒種.
6.  
7. -Features:
8. Performed at shrines or community paddies
9. Participants in traditional clothing, sometimes Heian-era costumes
10. Ceremonial planting of rice seedlings to the rhythm of songs and drums
11.  
12. Notable Festivals:
13. Festival Location Date (approx.) Highlights

• Ōtaue Shinji Ise Jingu (Mie) June 5 (Bōshu) Sacred ritual by shrine maidens, oxen
• Sumiyoshi Taisha Taue Osaka Mid-June Dancers, costumes, ox-plowing
• Hōjō-e (Harvest Prayers) Various Shrines Early June General agricultural prayers
  
  

2. 2. Hydrangea Festivals (あじさい祭り / Ajisai Matsuri)
3.  
4. -Symbol of Rainy Season Beauty
5.  
6. Hydrangeas (ajisai), which begin blooming during Bōshu, are a seasonal icon of June and tsuyu (rainy season).
7.  
8. Notable Ajisai Festivals:
9.  
10. Location Prefecture Highlights
11. Meigetsuin Temple Kamakura “Hydrangea Temple” – over 2,000 hydrangeas

• Hasedera Temple Kamakura/Nara Panoramic flower paths and night illuminations
• Hakusan Shrine Tokyo (Bunkyo) 3,000 plants and cultural performances
• Mimurotoji Temple Uji, Kyoto 10,000+ hydrangea blooms in geometric gardens
  
  

While not a festival per se, plum picking (梅の収穫) and homemade umeshu (plum wine) are early summer traditions practiced by many households.

Green plums are harvested in early to mid-June

Families prepare umeshu by soaking them in shochu with rock sugar

Some plum-related events occur at:

• Minabe (Wakayama) – Japan’s top ume-producing region
• Kōmeiji Temple (Tokyo) – sells seasonal ume sweets and teas
  
  

4. 4. Shrine Rites for Seasonal Transition
5.  
6. Shinto shrines often hold small-scale purification or planting rituals in early June:
7. Nagoshi no Harae (夏越の祓) preparation begins (full ritual in late June)
8. Ceremonies to ward off pestilence or bless summer planting

These reflect traditional Japanese cosmology, where each season is marked with ritual renewal

5. Firefly Viewing (蛍狩り / Hotaru-gari)

Fireflies begin appearing in riverbanks and wetlands during the Bōshu period, symbolizing early summer's delicate beauty.

Best Firefly Festivals:

• Genji Firefly Festival – Kyoto (Uji River)
• Setagaya Hotaru Matsuri – Tokyo
• Tsukiyono Firefly Village – Gunma

While not “Bōshu festivals” by name, they align perfectly with the seasonal themes of 芒種: natural life cycles, water, rice paddies, and gentle transition.

Experiencing  芒種 Bōshu: Tips for Travelers

Traveling in Japan during 芒種 (Bōshu / Grain in Ear)—which falls around June 5–6—can be a unique and beautiful experience, as it marks the start of the rice-planting season and the gradual transition into Japan’s rainy season (梅雨, tsuyu).

Here are some useful travel tips for visiting Japan during 芒種:

1.  
2. 1. Prepare for Humid and Wet Weather
3.  
4. Rain Gear: Bring a compact umbrella, light raincoat, and waterproof shoes. Sudden showers are common.
5.  
6. Clothing: Wear breathable, quick-drying fabrics (like cotton or linen). Avoid heavy clothing, as it gets hot and sticky.
7.  
8. Anti-Moisture Packs: Consider using silica gel or moisture-absorbing sheets in your luggage and camera bags.
9.  
10. 2. Enjoy Seasonal Nature Experiences
11.  
12. -Visit Hydrangea Spots:
13.  
14. Early June is the peak season for hydrangeas (ajisai).

• Meigetsuin Temple (Kamakura)
• Mimurotoji Temple (Kyoto/Uji)
• Hakusan Shrine (Tokyo)

-Attend Rice Planting Festivals:

Look for Taue Matsuri (rice planting festivals) in rural areas like:

• Ise Jingu (Mie) – Ōtaue Shinji (June 5)
• Sumiyoshi Taisha (Osaka) – mid-June

These festivals are rare and culturally rich, offering traditional costumes, music, and rituals.

3.  
4. 3. Try Seasonal Foods

• Enjoy cooling foods like:
• Sōmen (cold noodles)
• Hiyayakko (chilled tofu)
• Fresh plums (ume) and plum-based dishes or drinks (like umeshu)

Visit a local tea house to sample shincha (first-harvest green tea), still in season during Bōshu.

4.  
5. 4. Explore the Countryside

Rural Japan is especially scenic now — rice paddies are glossy and filled with water, reflecting the sky and mountains.

Great regions for early-summer beauty:

Takayama (Gifu) – traditional town with rice fields nearby

Kyoto countryside (Ohara, Uji) – nature, tea fields, and temples

Yamagata or Akita – off-the-beaten-path with lush rural views

5.  
6. 5. Observe Fireflies (蛍 / Hotaru)

June is firefly season in Japan!

Great spots include:

• Uji River (Kyoto)
• Setagaya Park (Tokyo)
• Hotaru no Sato (Fukuoka or Gunma)

6. 6. Capture Photogenic Landscapes

Water-filled rice paddies, blooming flowers, and misty hills create stunning scenery.

Early summer also brings dramatic skies, ideal for photographers.

7.  
8. 7. Attend Local Shrine Rituals

Some shrines hold small ceremonies to pray for good harvests or health.

You may see rice offerings, dances, and purification rites (ask locals or tourist offices for dates).

Bonus Tips

Tip Details

Use a Suica or ICOCA card For smooth train/bus travel during rainy season

Stay near a covered shopping street Many cities have arcades great for rainy day exploring

Book accommodations in advance Especially in Kyoto and Kamakura during hydrangea season

Use coin lockers Store bags in stations to travel light during showers

Summary

芒種 (Bōshu), known as the “Grain Full” solar term, marks an important seasonal shift in Japan — the beginning of rice planting and the subtle arrival of early summer. Falling in early June, this period invites visitors to experience Japan’s rich agricultural traditions, serene natural beauty, and seasonal cuisine.

From rice planting festivals (Taue Matsuri) and lush hydrangea blooms to cooling foods like sōmen and ume (plum) delicacies, 芒種 offers a meaningful look at Japan’s connection to nature and seasonal living. Travelers during this time can enjoy firefly viewing, explore countryside rice paddies, and participate in traditional shrine rituals for purification and good harvests.

Whether you're planning a trip, writing about Japanese culture, or simply exploring the 24 solar terms, 芒種 in Japan is a celebration of growth, balance, and renewal. If you're interested in traveling to Japan, please feel free to contact us.