"Tsukimi” Moon Viewing at Hamarikyu Garden: Welcome the autumn season in Japan!
Hamarikyu Garden in Tokyo, Japan
@Japan Experience
Appreciate the autumnal moon in one of Tokyo's most beautiful gardens!
As the humid summer weather in Japan wanes, rich green foliage slowly gives way to warm shades of gold, burgundy, and brown. Autumn is one of the most beloved seasons in Japan, with temperate weather and delicious, earthy delicacies gracing the culinary landscape throughout the country. One of the season’s most indicative symbols is that of the full autumn moon, illuminating the night skies with a stark white glow. A number of festivities are held during this time to commemorate the lunar phenomenon, and offerings such as special rice cakes and chestnuts are customary.
Among these celebrations, “tsukimi” (written as 月見 in Japanese) is synonymous with the season. The name translates to "moon viewing” and entails just that: appreciating the moon in mid-autumn. At Hamarikyu Garden, one of the most renowned green oases in the metropolitan Tokyo area, during prime tsukimi season, the moon takes center stage with the glow of the Marunouchi area skyline in the background.
Celebrating the “Kurimeigetsu”
From October 15th to 19th, 2024 Hamarikyu Garden in Tokyo becomes a traversible dedication to the “Kurimeigetsu” (栗名月), or the “Chestnut Moon-Viewing.” This moon-viewing takes place later in the lunar cycle and, as the name suggests, entails offerings of harvested chestnuts, a staple of Japan during autumn.
Entrance to the park is as usual during this period, at 300 yen per person; however, the park is open until 21:00 (9 PM), with special installations and events happening once night falls and the moon rises. There are allotted times for guided walks through the park, though these are only available in Japanese. Against the evening backdrop, the garden’s signature plants and trees are illuminated along with moving light fixtures that depict moving whales (a common sight in historic Japan during autumn) and motifs of rabbits, an animal heavily associated with the moon in eastern cultures.
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Moon rabbit motif for tsukimi at Hamarikyu Garden
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Music on the water, Hamarikyu Garden, Tokyo
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Traditional Japanese music performed at Hamarikyu
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Kurimeigetsu offerings for autumn
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Hamarikyu Garden is centered around a large pond, and the city lights and glowing moon reflect within the tranquil waters. Along its banks, a traditional alter (お月見台) with autumn vegetables and other dedications is on display. Along the river that runs through the garden, a traditional-style boat parades a band of musicians performing traditional Japanese court music (船上雅楽).
Hamarikyu Park’s most iconic site is probably that of its teahouse standing on the pond. During this tsukimi period, the teahouse is open at night as well, with a special matcha and sweets set or sake and sweets set available.
Enjoy Hamarikyu Garden in a whole new way!
Hamarikyu Garden in Tokyo, Japan
@Japan Experience
Hamarikyu Garden is one of the most iconic green areas in Tokyo. It was opened in its current iteration back in 1946 and is located in the Chuo Ward, right at the mouth of the Sumida River. The garden is located nearby major commercial areas such as Ginza and Marunouchi, all of which are renowned for their elegant atmosphere. A trip to Hamarikyu Gardens during its usual operating hours is already worthwhile, but adding a seasonal adventure to see the park at night with the autumn moon glowing above is a standout experience!
Take a look at the allotted times for the guided experiences at Hamarikyu Garden during this tsukimi season at the official website here!
