Experience Japan's elegant custom "Otsukimi"

There has been a tradition in Japan since ancient times called "Otsukimi." Even here in Hamamatsu City, there are events where you can try moon viewing for yourself. If you're coming to Japan for business or leisure in this season, here is a good chance to experience some of its traditional culture.
Moon viewing is a tradition which originally came from China. It first arrived in Japan in the late Nara or early Heian period, and became an established custom among Japanese people in the Edo period.Originally there were three occasions: Shoshu (the 7th month of the old lunar calendar), Chushu (the 8th month), and Banshu (the 9th month). The custom was to enjoy the sight of the full moon at these times. The night of the 15th day of the 8th month (around the middle of September in today's calendar system) was called "Jyugoya " (the 15th night), and the moon on this night was considered especially beautiful, and called "Chushu no Meigetsu," or the harvest moon of mid-fall.
This is also the time of a year when most crops are harvested in Japan, and the custom of moon viewing is a way of giving thanks for the year's yields. Because it occurs in the best season for harvesting taro (a kind of potato), sometimes the harvest moon of mid-fall is also called "Imo Meigetsu" or taro harvest moon.
This is also the time of a year when most crops are harvested in Japan, and the custom of moon viewing is a way of giving thanks for the year's yields. Because it occurs in the best season for harvesting taro (a kind of potato), sometimes the harvest moon of mid-fall is also called "Imo Meigetsu" or taro harvest moon.
Another special time for moon viewing is the night of the 13th day of the 9th month in the old lunar calendar, the middle of October in today's calendar, which is called Jyusanya (the 13th night). Having a moon viewing on this night is a custom which was started in Japan.People who view both Jyugoya and Jyusanya (On the 15th night and the 13th night), set up a viewing area on their veranda, and decorate with offerings of dumplings made to look like the moon, called tsukimi dango, crops from the harvest, and Japanese pampas grass. Then they sit and enjoy the view of the full moon. The reason the pampas grass is used for decoration is because not only does it resemble the grasses of the rice plant, but it's cut ends are very sharp and it is said to protect you from evil spirits.
While appreciating the view of the moon, we will have a tea party. There will also be high powered telescopes which guests can use. There are many ways to enjoy moon viewing these days. Please come and take part in whatever events you like.
Moon viewing is a tradition which originally came from China. It first arrived in Japan in the late Nara or early Heian period, and became an established custom among Japanese people in the Edo period.Originally there were three occasions: Shoshu (the 7th month of the old lunar calendar), Chushu (the 8th month), and Banshu (the 9th month). The custom was to enjoy the sight of the full moon at these times. The night of the 15th day of the 8th month (around the middle of September in today's calendar system) was called "Jyugoya " (the 15th night), and the moon on this night was considered especially beautiful, and called "Chushu no Meigetsu," or the harvest moon of mid-fall.
This is also the time of a year when most crops are harvested in Japan, and the custom of moon viewing is a way of giving thanks for the year's yields. Because it occurs in the best season for harvesting taro (a kind of potato), sometimes the harvest moon of mid-fall is also called "Imo Meigetsu" or taro harvest moon.
This is also the time of a year when most crops are harvested in Japan, and the custom of moon viewing is a way of giving thanks for the year's yields. Because it occurs in the best season for harvesting taro (a kind of potato), sometimes the harvest moon of mid-fall is also called "Imo Meigetsu" or taro harvest moon.
Another special time for moon viewing is the night of the 13th day of the 9th month in the old lunar calendar, the middle of October in today's calendar, which is called Jyusanya (the 13th night). Having a moon viewing on this night is a custom which was started in Japan.People who view both Jyugoya and Jyusanya (On the 15th night and the 13th night), set up a viewing area on their veranda, and decorate with offerings of dumplings made to look like the moon, called tsukimi dango, crops from the harvest, and Japanese pampas grass. Then they sit and enjoy the view of the full moon. The reason the pampas grass is used for decoration is because not only does it resemble the grasses of the rice plant, but it's cut ends are very sharp and it is said to protect you from evil spirits.
While appreciating the view of the moon, we will have a tea party. There will also be high powered telescopes which guests can use. There are many ways to enjoy moon viewing these days. Please come and take part in whatever events you like.
Hamamatsu City Observatory "Tonight's Star Gourmet"
September 10 (Sat), 2022
7pm ~ 9pm
Place | Hamamatsu City Observatory 242-1, Fukusima-cho, Minami-ku, Hamamatsu-shi, Shizuoka |
Access | From the Hamamatsu station Take the "Enshu-hama" line bus at #7 of the bus terminal to "Fukushima" then work 2 min. |
Fee | Free |
Reservation | Reservations will be accepted on the reservation page starting at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday 3 days prior to the event (first 5 groups per hour). Click here to make a reservation. |

The monthly event "Star Gourmet Tonight". In September, it will be held in Jyugoya. Why don't you enjoy stargazing more slowly than usual while listening to a star sommelier guide you through the starry sky?

Kiga Sekisho "Moon Viewing Party"
September 10 (Sat), 2022
4:30pm~
Place |
Kiga Sekisho (Kiga Check point)
More Details
|
4577 Kiga, Hosoe-cho, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu-shi, Shizuoka | |
Access | From the Hamamatsu station Take the "40 Kiga/ Mikkabi" line bus (50 minutes) at bus stop #15 of the bus terminal to "Kata-machi" then walk 5 minute |
Fee | ¥1,000 ※includes tea and a Japanese confection |
Reservation | Reservation required 053-523-2855 (Japanese Only) ※It will stop accepting applications once all the places (100 seats) are taken |

Enjoy the moonlit night while listening to jazz and other music at the barrier, which is specially opened from dusk.

Shointei "Moon viewing Tea Party"
October 8 (Sat), 2022
4pm~
Place |
Hmamatsu City Teahouse, Shointei
More Details
(In the large room, with table seating) |
11-4 Shikatani-cho, Naka-ku, Hamamatsu-shi, Shizuoka-4 | |
Access | From the Hamamatsu station Take the all line bus (10 minutes) at bus stop #16 of the bus termina to "shikatani-cho minami" or "shikanani-cho" |
Hosts | Koufu Sencha Reishiki 【皇風煎茶禮式】 |
Fee | tea ceremony ¥800 Oshinogi Chaseki Set (tea and light meal) ¥2,000 |

2022.9.7 update
Content may be subject to change after publication. Please also note that we are not accountable for loses and damages that may occur as a result of said changes.
Content may be subject to change after publication. Please also note that we are not accountable for loses and damages that may occur as a result of said changes.