The big wheel keeps on turning.
According to the pre-Gregorian calendar used in Japan, which is subdivided into 24 segments, Tuesday February 4 was the first day of spring according to the solar calendar. "It begins when the Sun reaches the celestial longitude of 315° and ends when it reaches the longitude of 330°."
This period is marked by Setsubun, the Japanese festival that celebrates the advent of spring.
It lasts until February 19, when "Usui" - rain water - begins. This is when winter snows are said to begin their thaw.
Here is Kyoto, which is at a latitude of 35.0117° N - comparable to Raleigh, North Carolina, or Tangier, Morocco - there has been little snow this winter. Which is usually the case.
Commuting, shopping, and visiting temples on bike is year-round in Kyoto.
© CycleKyoto.com
Tags Japan Touring Kyoto Cycle Japanese
