During the harvest moon Japan offers many special moon viewing events. The event is called “O-tsukimi”. This custom may have begun because at this time of year clear skies reveal a brilliant full moon. Moon viewing first appeared in China and came to Japan in the Heian Period. Unlike today, simply gazing at the natural landscape was considered in that time to be entertainment. Nobles would gather to gaze at the moon and improvise short poems in competition with one another while enjoying luxurious banquets.
The moon viewing ritual ties religious belief in the moon with the harvest festival where offerings to the moon are made. Areas are decorated with pampas grass and clovers to protect against evil spirits and sacred sake and moon viewing dumplings are offered as charms to bring health and happiness. These are events are not only about admiring a beautiful moon. They are opportunities to pray and give thanks for a good harvest.

O-tsukimi Events

• Daikaku-ji Temple “Kangetu-no-yube”
One of Japan's most popular moon viewing spots, Osawa-no-ike pond is the perfect place to greet the harvest moon. Dragon-headed boats float down the water, carried by the strumming of the Koto. It is a magical atmosphere.
Place: Daikaku-ji Temple, Osawa-no-ike pond
Dates: September 23rd (Sunday) to the 25th (Tuesday), 2007
Time: 17:00 - 21:00 *Will be cancelled in the event of rain.

• Shimogamo-jinja Shrine “Meigetu-kangen-sai”
Celebrate the moon viewing with the dances of the Heian Period nobles performed against the melodies of traditional Japanese instruments.
Place: Shimogamo-jinja Shrine
Dates: September 25th (Tuesday), 2007
Time: 17:30 - 21:00

• The Kyoto Botanical Garden
Enjoy the harvest moon at a special evening opening of the botanical garden alongside musical performances.
Place: The Kyoto Botanical Garden
Dates: September 25th (Tuesday), 2007
Time: 18:00 - 20:30