tokyotreat mobile logotokyotreat logo
close button
0
All TopicsNewsCultureJapanese Snacks & CandyFood & DrinkTravelEntertainmentMember Spotlight
A night shot of rainbow light Tokyo Tower with a full moon in the back.
A night shot of rainbow light Tokyo Tower with a full moon in the back.

Tsukimi in Tokyo: The Ultimate Guide!

Thalia HarrisThalia Harris
Published Time
Posted on November 23, 2022

Tsukimi (moon-viewing) season is one of the most exciting times in Tokyo!  It’s already a bustling city full of neon lights, amazing attractions, and awesome food! However, the moon-viewing season makes it even better! There’s so much food, stories, and many other things to enjoy! But what if you only had one night in Tokyo to enjoy it all?

Where are the moon-viewing events? What are the tsukimi foods to eat? And where did all these moon rabbits come from? Let’s find out!

What’s Tsukimi?

Tsukimi (moon-viewing) is celebrated in mid-September (the eighth month of the lunar calendar), and comes from China’s Mid-Autumn Festival! During this time, the moon is at its fullest and roundest. In the past, aristocrats gathered together to view the moon, have picnics and hold poetry readings about how lovely the moon is!

Sake, a pyramid of tsukimi dango and pampas grass on a table in celebration of tsukimi in Tokyo.
The moon-viewing celebration is a tradition that dates back to the Heian Era. Image via Shutterstock

The coolest part is that they also made offerings to the moon! You can expect a lot of homes to have big stacks of homemade tsukimi dango on their altar around this time! As a matter of fact, you can even see plastic dango decorations at the local stores! Everyone’s caught up in the tsukimi spirit when September comes around!

Over many years many people have taken the tsukimi season as an opportunity to make their own poetry and legend.  There have been many works of art made about moon viewing parties, complete with taiko drumming.  However, there is a tsukimi legend that has withstood the test of time–the “Rabbit on the Moon”!

What’s the Rabbit on the Moon?

The iconic tsukimi rabbit pounding mochi comes from a Japanese folktale called “The Old Man on the Moon”. Once upon a time, an old man had three animal friends: a monkey, a fox and a rabbit.  He loved his friends dearly, but he wanted to put their kindness to the test.

One day, the old man disguised himself as a beggar, and asked his friends for help.  The monkey climbed a tree to get him some fruit.  The fox went fishing in the river. But the rabbit couldn’t climb, nor fish.  Instead, the rabbit offered to sacrifice himself as food for the beggar!

A porcelain white rabbit posed next to plastic tsukimi dango, holding fake pampas grass.
The rabbit on the moon is a folklore legend. Image via Shutterstock

The beggar was so touched by the rabbit’s kindness that he transformed back into the old man, and offered the rabbit to come live with him on the moon!  Because of this, rabbits are heavily associated with the moon even today! Rabbit-shaped mochi are very popular around this time!

Many mascots and anime characters in Japan are also inspired by rabbits! Some of the most notable characters include Sanrio’s My Melody and Kuromi! But the most beloved character inspired by the Moon is–you guessed it–Sailor Moon! Her real name is Tsukino Usagi (月野うさぎ) which when read out loud literally means “rabbit on the moon”!

Tsukimi Fast Food!

When you think of traditional foods of the season, tsukimi soba or tsukimi udon usually comes to mind.  But what gives them that ‘tsukimi” flavor?  The answer is simple: eggs!  Sometimes dishes use raw egg, but most of them either be cooked sunny side up, or boiled. No matter the cooking method, the most important thing is to show off the yolk! This is because from Japan’s perspective, the moon is yellow instead of white!

As with most festival seasons, especially during hanami, Japanese fast food chains incorporate eggs in their meals.  The most popular chains are KFC, Dominos, Lotteria and of course, McDonalds.  Some of the dishes also incorporate mochi–most recently McDonald’s released an anko (red bean paste) and mochi pie!

A McDonald's ad featuring a tsukimi burger of beef, bacon, cheese, a fried egg with on golden bread.
Tsukimi burgers are super delicious and have plenty of egg to go around. Image via Sora News 24

Sometimes tsukimi fast food restaurants used fried eggs as well.  This past year, KFC’s tsukimi lineup consisted of eggs and plenty of cheddar cheese.  Plus their buns were nice and golden in homage to the moon as well! So while you’re enjoying tsukimi in the city, nothing beats stopping for a quick bite of some delicious food inspired by the moon!

Summary-Tsukimi in Tokyo!

Enjoying the tsukimi season in Tokyo is an amazing time to experience how Japanese people celebrate the moon in modern times! There are also plenty of events around the city as well, the most popular of which is in Shimo-Kitazawa!

A night shot of Tokyo Skytree with a full moon in the back.
Make the night yours during tsukimi season in Tokyo! Image via Shutterstock

Over there, they have moon-viewing art that anyone can enjoy.  But no matter where you go in the city, as long as you have some rabbit mochi, fried eggs, and gratitude for the moon, you’re sure to have one awesome moon-viewing!

TokyoTreat just released a box that celebrated the tsukimi season. If you’d like to experience more, feel free to subscribe!

Enjoy Delicious Japanese Candy And Snacks Every Month!

Starting from$32.50 USD
Get TokyoTreat

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Enjoy Delicious Japanese Candy And Snacks Every Month!

Starting from$32.50 USD
Get TokyoTreat

Related articles

Food & Drink

Corn Potage: Why Is It So Popular in Japan?

What is it about corn potage that makes it so beloved in Japan? This creamy, sweet, and comforting soup has become a nationwide favorite, warming people’s hearts (and bellies) nationwide. But why should you give it a try? Let’s find out! What is corn potage? Corn potage is a rich, creamy soup made from sweet...

December 20, 2024
Food & Drink

Lindt Chocolate? Best Chocolatiers in Tokyo!

If you’re into chocolate, Tokyo’s got you covered—big time! Let’s dive into the delectable world of chocolate and explore some of Tokyo’s best chocolatiers! 

December 19, 2024
Food & Drink

Sandwich Shops in Tokyo That You Should Try This Year!

Sandwiches in Japan often feature perfectly soft bread, fresh ingredients, and creative fillings that cater to every taste. If you’re visiting Tokyo this year, check out these well-known sandwich shops!

December 18, 2024
Food & Drink

Afuri and More Amazing Ramen Spots in Japan!

Japan is a paradise for ramen lovers. Each shop, like Afuri, offers a unique take on this beloved dish, from citrus-infused yuzu ramen to fiery bowls. Whether you’re craving delicate shio ramen or a bold miso blend, these spots promise unforgettable meals. Many of these restaurants have earned Michelin accolades, proving their dedication to quality....

December 17, 2024
Food & Drink

Kit Kat Flavors to Try in the New Year!

Looking to sweeten your year with some treats? The New Year is the perfect time to explore unique Kit Kat flavors that excite your taste buds!

December 12, 2024
Food & Drink

Japanese Milk Bread: The Awesome Story of Shoku Pan

Japanese milk bread has become beloved worldwide, famous for its pillowy texture and light, sweet flavor.

December 11, 2024