Autumn moon gazing

Mid to late September is considered the perfect season for moon gazing when the moon shines brightest. “O-tsukimi” are popular festivals held since olden times to celebrate the moon, connected to showing gratitude for a bountiful harvest. In this tradition, a three-day event will be held from September 16 at Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens in Mukojima, Sumida City, home to TOKYO SKYTREE

The traditional "Moon Viewing Party" event, which has been held since the Edo period, allows you to enjoy the atmosphere of the deepening autumn nights while admiring the moon. During the "Moon Viewing Party" event, the garden will be open until 9 p.m., allowing you to enjoy the fantastic night garden lit up by lanterns and paper lanterns.

This is a festival where people display silver grasses, offer dango (rice dumplings) to the moon, and enjoy looking at the most beautiful Jugoya moon on August 15th of the lunar calendar. Jugoya is also known as “Harvest Moon”. In the Edo period (1603-1868), it became popular as a festival to pray and express gratitude for a good harvest.

During the event period, the park's opening hours will be extended until 9:00 pm, allowing you to view the magical night garden illuminated by Andon and paper lanterns.

Why don't you enjoy viewing the moon at Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens in downtown Tokyo?

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Date and time: September 16, 2020 (Monday/holiday) to September 18, 2020 (Wednesday)
　　　　　　9:00-21:00 (last admission at 20:30)
　　　　　　During the above period, admission is free for those aged 60 and over.

(1) Offering Ceremony
　Date and time: Monday, September 16th (National Holiday) 17:00-17:30 *Cancelled in case of rain
　Location: In front of the wisteria trellis near the Hagi Tunnel
　Contents: Offering of dumplings and vegetables and a Shinobue flute performance
　Performer: Mari Sakamoto (flute player)

(2) Koto performance
　Date and time: Every day from 18:00 to 20:00 during the period *Cancelled in case of rain
　Location: Wisteria trellis or gazebo in front of the shop
　Content: A performance by a group of local koto players
　Supported by: Kuritashachu

(3) Tea Ceremony
　Date and time: September 16th (Monday/holiday), September 17th (Tuesday) 15:00-20:00 each day
　Location: Onari Zashiki
　Contents: A demonstration of tea ceremony by the Mukojima Hyakkaen Tea Ceremony and matcha tea will be served.
　This is a tea ceremony that anyone can join.
　Participation fee: 1,000 yen per seat (separate admission fee)
　Capacity: 10 people per session
　How to participate: Registration will be held in front of the Onarizashiki Tatami room from 2:30pm to 7:30pm (registration will close once capacity is reached)

(4) Lighting of picture lanterns
　Date and time: Every day from 17:50 to 21:00 during the period *Cancelled in case of rain
　Contents: Light up picture lanterns and paper lanterns with haiku and haiku paintings on them