冬至(とうじ)

とうじ
noun
winter solstice
time-generalculture
1. winter solstice
The day with the shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year, occurring around December 21-22 in the Northern Hemisphere. In Japan, it is traditionally associated with eating kabocha squash and taking yuzu baths.
今年(ことし)の冬至(とうじ)は12月(がつ)22日(にち)だ。
This year's winter solstice is December 22nd.
冬至(とうじ)にはかぼちゃを食(た)べる習慣(しゅうかん)がある。
There is a custom of eating kabocha squash on the winter solstice.
冬至(とうじ)を過(す)ぎると、少(すこ)しずつ日(ひ)が長(なが)くなっていく。
After the winter solstice, the days gradually get longer.

The shortest day and longest night of the year, occurring around December 21-22 in Japan.

Japanese customs

  • 柚子(ゆず)湯(ゆ): taking a bath with yuzu citrus fruit, believed to ward off illness
  • かぼちゃ: eating kabocha squash for good health and good luck
  • Traditionally, eating foods with "ん" in the name on this day brings luck

Common collocations

Similar words

Related Words

Antonym: 夏至(げし) (summer solstice)
Related: 春分(しゅんぶん) (spring equinox)
Related: 秋分(しゅうぶん) (autumn equinox)
Compare: 立冬(りっとう) (start of winter)
general
Added 2026.2.18 8:15 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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