Moon Festival: Best Picks for Tsukimi 2025!
Thuy Fang
Tsukimi, also known as the moon-viewing festival, is a yearly occasion that people across Japan eagerly await in the middle of autumn. While the festival’s primary purpose everywhere is to honor the beauty of the full moon, each region celebrates it in slightly different ways. Let’s explore some unique activities and cultural highlights of a few tsukimi celebrations!
Moon Art Night Shimokitazawa
Moon Art Night Shimokitazawa 2025 will take place from September 19 to October 5 in Shimokitazawa, an artsy area in Tokyo. This event began as a way to enjoy the moon festival and share the joy of tsukimi, the Japanese tradition of watching the full moon. It will be the fourth time this celebration lights up the streets with moon-themed art and friendly fun.
In 2025, you’ll see amazing art like a giant glowing moon seven meters wide, made by artist Luke Jerram. You’ll also find big, bright bunnies created by Amanda Parer near Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine. Plus, there will be many more fun things, such as painting displays, stamp rallies, cool panels, and digital art!
The central place for the festival will be Shimokita Senrogai Open Space, close to Shimokitazawa Station. All around the area, stores and cafes will offer tsukimi-themed snacks and drinks. You can even try limited-edition menus that only appear during this event. This moon festival is a great way to enjoy art, the full moon, and Tokyo’s creative side.
Fukagawa Jugoya Festival
This event will take place at Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine in Tokyo in mid-September. Long ago, Fukagawa was a great place to see the moon during the Edo period (1603-1868). The festival started as a way to enjoy the autumn moon and say thank you for the harvest.
In 2025, the shrine will be full of lights, colors, and music. Exciting stage shows will include Japanese drumming, koto music, flamenco dancing, and Balinese gamelan. Many performers will make the night feel magical. The event will go on all day, and after the sun sets, the whole shrine will glow with special lights.
Visitors can try tasty snacks like Fukagawa-meshi, a warm rice dish with clams and broth. People will also decorate with pampas grass and eat moon-shaped dumplings to celebrate. But the best part might be the evening view! Paper lanterns will light the shrine in soft, golden colors as the moon rises. It’s the perfect time to relax, take in the peaceful night, and enjoy the feeling of autumn in Japan.
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Uneme Festival
This year, Nara will again hold the beautiful Uneme moon festival on October 5 and 6. This special event remembers a uneme (court lady) from the Nara period (710 AD-794 AD). In ancient times, she fell in love with the emperor but was heartbroken when he turned away. Sad and alone, she jumped into Sarusawa Pond. The people of Nara built Uneme Shrine to honor her spirit.
A lovely parade will march from Nara Station to the pond at the event. People will wear colorful old-style clothes, and music will fill the air. At night, dragon boats with glowing lanterns will glide across the water. One boat will carry a girl in a court lady outfit, bringing offerings for the uneme.
A highlight of the night will be the Kangen boat ritual. The pond will shine with soft lantern lights. Two boats will circle the water while sweet traditional music plays. A large flower fan will gently float on the pond to bring the uneme’s soul peace.
Mozu Hachiman Shrine Autumn Festival
The Mozu Hachiman Shrine in Sakai, Osaka, will hold a fun and exciting event from October 4 to October 6. This yearly gathering began long ago to honor the full autumn moon and to thank nature for the rice harvest. It mixes moon-viewing traditions, harvest wishes, and special shrine rituals into one exciting time.
One of the most amazing parts will be the parade of giant futon drums. These huge drums will stand around four meters tall and need about 70 people to carry each of them. Each town will bring a big and a small drum. The parade will happen all day and go into the night, filling the streets with sound and color. On October 5, a fish-releasing ritual will occur at the shrine’s pond. Kids can take part in letting fish go into the water, which means hope and new life.
Why should I attend these moon festivals?
Joining a tsukimi event can be a calm and thoughtful way to enjoy the change of seasons. It gives people time to slow down, admire the beauty, and enjoy small moments with others. Each one shows a different side of local culture and creative spirit. You might hear music, explore art, try new food, or enjoy the view.
Moon festivals also remind us of things we often forget in our busy lives. They help us notice the sky, share stories, and reflect on what we are thankful for. Even without knowing every tradition, being there can make you feel part of something old and meaningful. So, what would you look forward to the most at a tsukimi festival? Let me know in the comments!
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