The Mid-Autumn Moon(the Tyusyu-no-Meigetsu) and Tsukimi: Japan’s Moon-Viewing Tradition
The Mid-Autumn Moon is the custom of viewing the Full Moon(the Jyugo-Ya) which is the moon rising on the night of August 15 of the lunar calendar,
According to the lunar calendar, autumn is from July to September, and August 15, which falls in the middle of July to September, is called “Mid-Autumn.
The moon rising on August 15 is considered particularly beautiful and is called “Mid-Autumn Moon.
Since the current solar calendar is based on the solar calendar, the date of the Mid-Autumn Moon changes every year
This year’s Mid-Autumn Meigetsu will be on September 17.
The Mid-Autumn Moon is one of the most celebrated seasonal events in Japan. Known as Tsukimi (月見), the moon-viewing tradition dates back over a thousand years to the Heian period, when the aristocracy would gather to admire the beauty of the full moon, composing poetry and enjoying delicacies under its light. Even today, Tsukimi is a time when people reflect on the beauty of nature, offering dango (sweet rice dumplings) and pampas grass to the moon, and praying for good harvests and fortune.
The Moon in Japanese Literature and Performing Arts
The moon symbolizes beauty, impermanence, and melancholy in Japanese literature and performing arts.
Haiku poets like Matsuo Bashō often used the moon as a metaphor for fleeting moments and emotions. In Noh and Kabuki theater, moonlight frequently accompanies mystical scenes, representing the border between the living world and the spiritual realm. One notable example is the Noh play “Hagoromo”, which tells the story of a celestial maiden who descends to Earth, embodying the ethereal nature of the moon itself.
Legends of the Moon: Tales Passed Through Generations
Japan is rich with legends surrounding the moon. The most famous of these is the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter (竹取物語), one of Japan’s oldest folktales. In this story, a radiant princess named Kaguya-Hime is discovered in a bamboo stalk and eventually returns to her home on the moon. This tale speaks to the mysterious allure of the moon and has inspired countless adaptations in literature, art, and film.
Tsukuyomi: The God of the Moon
In Japanese mythology, Tsukuyomi is the god of the moon, often regarded as one of the principal deities. According to legend, Tsukuyomi was born from the right eye of the creator god Izanagi and is the brother of Amaterasu, the sun goddess. Though Tsukuyomi is less celebrated than his sister, he plays a crucial role in balancing day and night, light and darkness. In Kyoto, the Tsukiyomi Shrine is dedicated to this enigmatic deity, and visitors pay homage to the divine connection between the moon and human life.
Moonlit Spots in Kyoto: The Best Places to See the Moon
Kyoto, with its historic temples and gardens, offers numerous breathtaking spots for moon viewing.
One of the most famous is the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, where the moon’s reflection on the river creates a magical, serene atmosphere.
The Kiyomizu Temple also hosts a special night-time viewing event during the Mid-Autumn Moon, where the temple’s iconic stage, bathed in moonlight, provides an unforgettable experience.
Another famous location for moon-viewing is Daikaku-ji Temple, located near the scenic Osawa Pond. This temple has long been associated with moon-viewing festivals, and the moon’s reflection on the pond’s surface creates a mystical atmosphere. Daikaku-ji, which once served as an imperial villa, holds an annual moon-viewing event in autumn where participants can enjoy the tranquil sight of the full moon while floating on boats across the pond. The setting evokes a deep connection to Japan’s classical moon-viewing traditions, making it one of the best places to experience the moon’s beauty in Kyoto.
Artwork incorporating the moon on exhibit at Kogei Art KYOTO
