Tsukimi: Japan’s Timeless Moon-Viewing Tradition
Moon-viewing Party by Yoshu Chikanobu (Courtesy National Diet Library Digital Collections)
Tsukimi (月見), or “moon viewing,” is a cherished Japanese tradition that celebrates the beauty of the autumn full moon. Dating back to the Heian period, this custom was historically observed on the fifteenth day of the eighth month and the thirteenth day of the ninth month in the old lunisolar calendar—dates that now correspond to mid-September and mid-October. These nights, known as Jūgoya and Jūsanya, are dedicated to appreciating the radiant autumn moon while offering seasonal foods in gratitude for a bountiful harvest.
Traditional Tsukimi displays include arrangements of susuki (Japanese pampas grass), symbolizing a good harvest, alongside offerings of tsukimi dango—small, round rice dumplings resembling the full moon. Other seasonal delicacies, such as chestnuts, taro, and sake, are also enjoyed under the moonlit sky.
In modern Japan, Tsukimi extends beyond traditional rituals, inspiring seasonal foods like tsukimi udon and tsukimi burgers, which feature eggs representing the glowing full moon. Whether in serene temple gardens, urban balconies, or countryside gatherings, Tsukimi remains a moment to reflect on nature’s beauty and the changing seasons.
