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September 25, 2026 at 6:34 pm
Event date:
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October 23, 2026 at 6:35 pm
Event end:
A Timeless Celebration of the Harvest Moon
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Let us make your trip effortless. From tickets and hotels to transport and local guides, we arrange everything for you or your group. Whether it’s a music festival in Tokyo or a business conference in Osaka, our custom travel service ensures you enjoy the event stress-free.
Contact Jasumo Now →Tsukimi (月見), or “moon viewing,” is a cherished Japanese tradition that pays homage to the luminous harvest moon of autumn. Drawing from Heian-era rituals, this poetic festival invites reflection on the moon’s ethereal glow, thanksgiving for bountiful harvests, and shared moments savoring seasonal treats beneath the starry canopy.
Festival Highlights
- Moon-Viewing Gatherings – Communities convene at shrines, temples, and serene gardens for contemplative evenings filled with haiku readings, gentle shamisen melodies, and quiet admiration of the orb’s silvery light.
- Traditional Offerings – Symbolic tributes of tsukimi dango (round rice dumplings), swaying susuki (pampas grass), and autumn fruits like persimmons grace altars, embodying gratitude to the heavens.
- Cultural Performances – Venues host elegant tea ceremonies, soothing koto harp recitals, and evocative noh theater stages, all illuminated by the moon’s soft radiance.
- Best Viewing Spots – Iconic sites include Kyoto’s Daikaku-ji Temple with its moonlit pond reflections, Tokyo’s Rikugien Garden for landscaped tranquility, and Himeji Castle, where autumnal moon parties unfold amid historic grandeur.
- Limited-Edition Tsukimi Treats – Cafés and eateries unveil moon-inspired delights, from steaming tsukimi soba noodles topped with an egg “moon” to whimsical tsukimi burgers and ethereal, glow-dusted confections.
Dates for 2026
- Harvest Moon (Jugoya): Friday, September 25, 2026
- Later Moon (Jusanya): Friday, October 23, 2026
- Himeji Castle Moon Viewing Party: Held at Sannomaru Square, this special event typically aligns with the Harvest Moon in autumn; specific 2026 dates are yet to be announced.
We Recommend These Must-Try Moments
1. Himeji Castle & Arima Onsen & Mt. Rokko Day Tour from Osaka
Visit Japan’s most iconic white castle, Himeji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Relax in the historic hot spring town of Arima Onsen and enjoy panoramic views from Mt. Rokko.
A perfect mix of culture, nature, and rejuvenation in one day.
2. Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens Ticket & Ropeway Ticket
Take a scenic ropeway ride to Kobe’s lush hilltop herb gardens.
Enjoy seasonal flowers, herbal foot baths, and city views from above.
A serene retreat above the urban bustle of Kobe.
3. Kyoto’s Secret Sea and Mountain Fairy Tales Day Tour (Amanohashidate・Ine Funaya・Miyama Village)
Uncover hidden Kyoto gems with a visit to Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s top scenic spots.
See the charming Ine boat houses and Miyama’s traditional thatched-roof village.
An enchanting journey through seaside serenity and mountain folklore.
4. Kobe Port Ferris Wheel Hot Spring Night View Day Tour (Depart from Osaka)
Enjoy a romantic ride on the Kobe Mosaic Ferris Wheel with dazzling harbor views.
Stroll Kitano Ijinkan Street’s European-style houses and soak in Arima Hot Springs.
End your day with the glowing nightscape of Mt. Rokko.
5. Nijigen No Mori Naruto & Boruto Theme Park Ticket
Step into the world of Naruto and Boruto with immersive ninja-themed attractions.
Train like a shinobi, solve puzzles, and meet your favorite characters.
A must-visit anime theme park for fans and families in Awaji Island.
Tips for Enjoying Tsukimi
- Pick the Right Spot – Seek elevated or open vistas like Mount Yoshino or Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto for unobscured, breathtaking lunar displays.
- Bring a Blanket – Embrace the custom of moonlit picnics with a cozy mat, thermos of warm matcha tea, and bites of dango for an intimate, heartfelt ritual.
- Check the Lunar Calendar – Align your visit with the peak full moon, as the festival’s spirit peaks on Jugoya or Jusanya for optimal celestial drama.
- Capture the Moment – Equip yourself with a sturdy tripod and wide-angle lens to immortalize the moon’s dance on rippling waters or ancient stone lanterns.
Experience the profound serenity of Japan’s Tsukimi Moon Viewing Festival 2026, where ancient customs, natural splendor, and cultural grace harmonize under the harvest moon’s watchful gaze!
Planning a Group Trip to Japan?
From corporate teams to friends traveling together, we create tailor-made travel packages. Enjoy VIP access, curated itineraries, and full support from our local experts. Tell us your plans, and we’ll handle the rest.
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