Full Moon Viewing
viewing the moon
no one at the party
has such a beautiful face
–Bashō
Tsukimi, sometimes “otsukimi” with the honorific ‘o’, is the Japanese moon-viewing festival. The festival is held in September and October. According to Wikipedia, “The celebration of the full moon typically takes place on the 15th day of the eighth month of the traditional Japanese lunisolar calendar; the waxing moon is celebrated on the 13th day of the ninth month. These days normally fall in September and October of the modern solar calendar.”
No place could better suited for full moon viewing than timeless Kyoto. Of all the year’s 12 full moons, the autumn full moon, or harvest moon, is considered to be the most sublime.
It is said that the moon viewing custom was introduced to Japan from China during the Nara (710-794) and Heian periods (794-1185). Harvest moon viewing took place on August 15th in the lunar calendar, and it was called jugoya, which means the night of the 15th. Jugoya in the present calendar changes every year and usually falls in September or October. The moon on jugoya is not always full, but it’s said that the moon on that night is the brightest and the most beautiful in the year.
In times past, and even today, it was not uncommon for people to set up small tables by the window to enjoy the full moon light while eating tsukimi dango (rice and sweet bean dumplings made specially for the occasion), and sato-imo (taro, a tropical root). Sprays of susuki (pampas grass), which resembles the rice plant, and other autumn grasses are displayed on the verandah, along with neat clusters of tiny rice dumplings. On a more public level, celebrations are held in temples and shrines.
”Better dango than blossoms”, says a cynical Japanese proverb, pointing out that a feast for the eyes is no substitute for one for the stomach. Those pragmatic types who agree may find themselves spending more time munching dango than gazing at the moon!
Real tsukimi dango are only available a few days before the special full moon day. There are two types: one is a plain white morsel which is stacked pyramid-like upon a tray. The other is an oval, Tokyo-style type that contains sweet bean paste and is supposed to resemble taro. Both types are widely sold at sweet shops.
Check here for correct dates in August of the present year: http://www.kyotoguide.com/ver2/event/event%20archive9-.htm
Jugoya – Moon Viewing Events in Kyoto
Daikaku-ji Temple Osawa Pond
Since ancient times, people have enjoyed full moon viewing from boats on Osawa Pond. Tea ceremony is held on the boats and participants can enjoy an elegant evening in a spectacular setting. A koto harp concert will also performed twice a day; 1,200 yen for boat ride and tea ceremony, 1,000 yen for tea by the pond (additional entrance fee required to enter the temple: 500 yen).
Tel: 075-871-0071
Shimogamo Shrine
During this moon viewing music festival, traditional dance and music, and a koto harp music will be performed from 17:30; The performers and players wear gorgeous Heian period costumes. Tea ceremony: 1,000 yen.
Tel: 075-781-0010
http://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/
Kamigamo Shrine
After a special dance performance, special sweet dumplings and sake will be offered to the first 300 people from 17:30.
Tel: 075-781-0011
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
The ceremony starts from 16:00. From 20:30, a variety of local products will be offered to the shrine deity.
Tel: 075-461-0005
http://www.kitanotenmangu.or.jp/
Hirano Shrine
Following a sacred ritual at 18:30, traditional song, dance and gagaku imperial music will be performed at around 19:00. Many night stalls selling souvenirs and food are set up in the shrine precinct. Macha green tea will also be offered (500 yen with sweet).
Tel: 075-461-4450
http://www.hiranojinja.com/home/english-page
Taizo-in Temple(in Myoshin-ji Temple)
On both these days a moon viewing and tea ceremony party will be held. The tea ceremony starts from 17:30. From 18:30, participants can enjoy a fine Japanese meal, tea ceremony, garden viewing and traditional music while watching the moon: 8,000 yen (reservation required)
Tel: 075-467-1666