Moon Festival Snacktime: Great Autumn in Japan

As the moon rises in the sky, people in Japan celebrate the exciting moon festival. They enjoy the moon’s beautiful glow while participating in fun traditions and tasting delicious treats. Here are a few things you can enjoy this autumn!

What are the most famous moon legends in Japan?

Tsukimi celebrates the beauty of the full moon but also honors moon-related legends. Among the most famous is the story of the Moon Rabbit, a creature believed to be seen on the moon, busy pounding mochi. This legend stems from a Buddhist tale where a rabbit sacrifices itself to feed a god, who places it on the moon as a symbol of compassion and purity. During tsukimi, dango are often made to honor the Moon Rabbit.

Another significant legend is that of Tsukuyomi, the Shinto moon god, who was born from the right eye of the creator god Izanagi. Tsukuyomi is depicted as a noble deity embodying the moon’s tranquil qualities. The tale of Princess Kaguya, from “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter,” tells of a princess who returns to the moon after captivating everyone with her beauty on Earth.

What is mochitsuki?

Mochi, a traditional rice cake, delights with its chewy texture. Chefs create mochi using glutinous rice or sweet rice flour, and they enjoy it in both sweet and savory dishes. To make mochi, mix sweet rice flour with water to form a thick dough, then steam it until it becomes sticky. After steaming, pound the dough until it reaches a chewy consistency and shape it into small pieces. You can enjoy these pieces plain or with ingredients like red bean paste.

However, mochitsuki is a festive and communal event. In mochitsuki, participants pound steamed glutinous rice in a large mortar using a wooden mallet. This process requires teamwork, as the dough must be flipped and wet between strikes to prevent sticking. Mochitsuki is often accompanied by celebrations, highlighting mochi’s cultural significance in Japanese festivals.

Where can I enjoy tsukimi this year?

Japan’s mid-autumn festivals are vibrant events full of tradition and culture. One of the most iconic spots to enjoy tsukimi is Tokyo Tower, illuminated specifically for the Harvest Moon Festival. Visitors can climb the 600 steps to the main deck to get a view of the moon or simply enjoy the sight of the tower lit against the dark sky. You can also indulge in tsukimi-themed treats at the tower’s coffee shop during the event.

Sankeien Garden in Yokohama hosts various tsukimi-related activities, including poetry recitations and tea ceremonies, with its historic buildings illuminated and autumn colors fully displayed. Ise Shrine also hosts tsukimi celebrations, traditional performances, and ceremonies in a spiritually significant setting. Himeji Castle offers a memorable moon-viewing event with telescopes, music performances, and local delicacies like Himeji oden.

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What moon-themed anime can I enjoy?

Moon-themed anime series attract viewers with their mysterious and magical elements. Tsukuyomi: Moon Phase follows the relationship between a photographer and a young vampire, where the moon’s phases play a crucial role in the vampire’s powers. Another one is Space Gulliver, about a young boy and his companions embark on an extraordinary journey beyond the moon, battling villains with the help of a talking dog and a toy soldier.

Space Brothers tells the inspiring story of two siblings who dream of becoming astronauts. One brother eventually sets foot on the moon while the other chases his path to the stars. Meanwhile, Cowboy Bebop is a classic space western. It follows a group of bounty hunters traveling through space and exploring wild adventures. Overall, these moon-themed anime show how there are so many fun stories to enjoy this season!

What else can I eat during the mid-autumn festival?

Champon is a noodle dish with thick, chewy noodles in a creamy broth made from pork and chicken bones. Chefs top the dish with meats, seafood, and vegetables, including pork belly, shrimp, squid, clams, cabbage, and mushrooms. Unlike traditional ramen, they stir-fry champon’s toppings together before simmering them in the broth.

Yaki udon is a beloved dish that features udon noodles stir-fried with a mix of vegetables, meat, or seafood, all coated in a savory sauce. This dish has become a popular item at Japanese festivals and izakayas, where the smell of the noodles cooking attracts crowds. Originating from Kokura, yaki udon was created when a noodle shop owner used udon noodles as a substitute for yakisoba. Over time, different regions in Japan have added twists to yaki udon.

Why should I enjoy the Moon Festival this year?

You should check out tsukimi festivities because they let you experience Japan’s traditions under the beautiful moonlight. Additionally, visiting places like Sankeien Garden during this time lets you see performances, tea ceremonies, and poetry readings in cool historical settings.

Another great reason to enjoy tsukimi is the chance to try delicious Japanese foods. Popular dishes at these festivals include yaki udon and champon, which often use fresh, local ingredients and have unique flavors from different regions.

The atmosphere at tsukimi events is fun and friendly as people gather to celebrate under the full moon. It’s a perfect time to enjoy the best seasonal flavors. Have you ever tried any of these foods or participated in these celebrations? Let us know in the comments below!