"Hakuro", White Dew Solar Term

Hakuro, written 白露, is the 15th of the 24 Solar Terms and arrives when the sun reaches 165° ecliptic longitude. In English, it is usually translated as "White Dew" or "The Season of Glistening Dew". The kanji can also be read as  しらつゆ (Shiratsuyu), which is the general noun for glistening dew. In 2026, Hakuro is on from September 7th to 21st.

As the name suggests, this season marks the period when there are more clear signs of autumn's arrival. Dew forms more readily because the earth cools noticeably overnight, allowing moisture to bead on grasses and leaves, shining white in the morning light. During Hakuro, the shift in the air is unmistakable. Days can still be warm, but mornings and evenings become crisp enough to notice. 

Farmers traditionally paid close attention to morning dew at this time, as heavy moisture could encourage fungal issues, and adjusted their work accordingly. Hakuro is the time when rice plants finish maturing and fields begin turning gold. Autumn vegetables such as sweet potatoes and taro are often harvested during this period. Sanma is the quintessential fish of the season.

Buckwheat flowers bloom in some regions, signaling the approach of soba season. Salvia and coleus are also in bloom. It is the period of the Seven Autumn Grasses too. Some already in bloom, others start to color during this period.