From Nov 17, 2026 to Nov 21, 2026, the corresponding solar term in the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms) is 立冬(Rittou), and the corresponding microseason in the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) is 金盞香(Kinsenka saku).

What Is “Kinsenka saku” (金盞香)?

"Kinsenka Saku (金盞香)" is one of the seasonal markers of "Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons)", Japan's traditional system of dividing the year into finely observed seasonal phases. In the modern calendar, it typically falls between November 17 and November 21 each year. The term "kinsen" (金盞) is an old name for the narcissus (水仙, daffodil), and "Kinsenka Saku" literally means "the time when narcissus flowers begin to bloom and their fragrance starts to fill the air." "Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons)" is a uniquely Japanese way of marking the changing seasons, dividing the year into 72 subtle periods. Each microseason is derived by further splitting the "Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms)"—which include seasonal milestones such as the spring equinox, summer solstice, autumn equinox, and winter solstice—into three parts. Every microseason is given a poetic name that reflects a particular aspect of nature's transition. "Kinsenka Saku" is the final microseason of "Rittō (立冬, Beginning of Winter)". It is a time when the mornings and evenings grow noticeably colder, and the season gradually shifts from autumn into winter. During this period, narcissus plants begin to open their buds as the weather turns colder, producing elegant white or yellow blossoms. Their sweet, pure fragrance has long been cherished in Japan as a quiet herald of winter's arrival. So resilient to the cold that they are sometimes called "Setchūka" (flowers blooming in the snow)", narcissus flowers embody a distinctly Japanese appreciation for finding beauty amid the harshness of winter. By becoming familiar with the term "Kinsenka Saku", we may begin to notice everyday signs of the season more keenly—the faint scent of flowers carried on the air or the subtle chill that signals winter's approach. The "Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons)" remain an important part of Japan's cultural heritage, offering a timeless reminder to observe nature carefully and appreciate its ever-changing rhythms.

List of Japan’s 72 Microseasons