TokyoTreat March 2024 Reviewer Contest Winners Announced!
Savannah Walker
What makes a tsukimi party truly shine? A welcoming space and seasonal food to set the scene. Friends and family gather to watch the harvest moon rise. At the heart of tsukimi is togetherness. It’s joyful conversation, creative snacks, and a pause to honor autumn’s beauty beneath a glowing sky.
If you’ve never thrown a moon-viewing party before, don’t worry: this centuries-old Japanese tradition is about making beautiful moments easy and inviting. Let’s explore how you can plan an unforgettable tsukimi gathering that everyone will remember and that even the moon might envy.
What is tsukimi?
Tsukimi means ‘moon-viewing.’ It is a beloved festival in Japan. The event is held on the night when the autumn moon is brightest and roundest. In September or October, people gather outdoors to admire the nearly full moon. Some people also call it the “Mid-Autumn Festival”.
Where should you have a tsukimi party?
First, find a cozy spot with a clear view of the sky. Parks, rooftops, gardens, and even a breezy balcony work perfectly for viewing the moon. Arrange picnic blankets, low tables, or floor cushions to create a welcoming space for relaxing and enjoying the view. If the weather isn’t cooperating, sit near a big window with the lights turned low for a cozy indoor version.
Check local listings or an online calendar to find the full moon’s date and plan to begin as dusk falls. The anticipation as the sky darkens only adds to the magic!
How do I decorate for a tsukimi party?
To bring the festival spirit to your party, decorate with Japanese touches. Pampas grass (susuki) is a good decoration; its tall, gentle plumes are thought to protect against bad luck and signal a good harvest. Bundle some into simple vases or jars. Add lanterns, fairy lights, or tea candles to softly light up your gathering spot.
If you want to add a dash of cuteness, moon or bunny-themed decorations are perfect—after all, Japanese folklore says a rabbit lives on the moon making mochi! Don’t be afraid to get creative: paper moon cutouts, origami rabbits, and silver ribbons help create a scene worth snapping photos of.
Are you looking for fantastic snacks to enjoy during the Mid-Autumn Festival? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, snacks, drinks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest treats directly from Japan!
What snacks should I have at this Mid-Autumn tsukimi party?
No Japanese festival is complete without delicious food, and tsukimi is no exception. Here are some suggestions: tsukimi dango, which are small piles of white rice flour dumplings, are classic treats. You can buy them ready-made or try rolling your own at home, then stack them into a pyramid as a sweet centerpiece. Sprinkle them with kinako (soybean flour) or dip them in sweet syrup for an extra treat.
Egg dishes are another must-have. Egg-topped udon or soba noodles (tsukimi udon or soba) feature a soft-boiled or raw egg in the center, glowing golden like the moon. Japanese-style omelets or rice bowls topped with baked eggs also fit perfectly with the theme.
Brighten the menu with autumn fruit like persimmons, apples, or grapes, roasted chestnuts, and seasonal Japanese snacks. Packaged mochi, custard treats, and even colorful candies make playful additions. To really put your own spin on it, add your favorite TokyoTreat goodies for a snack table that’s as creative as it is delicious! Don’t forget drinks: green tea, soda, or even yuzu lemonade help finish the meal with a refreshing twist.
What activities can you do during this time?
A good tsukimi party is about more than just gazing at the sky. Pass around a pair of binoculars or a telescope to let guests admire the moon up close. Encourage a “best moon photo” contest with everyone’s phone cameras and share your shots online with a special hashtag. For a crafty break, bring out colored paper and teach guests how to make origami bunnies or moons.
You can also read Japanese folktales about the “moon rabbit,” or pass around a book of moon poetry for an extra special touch. Music always helps set the mood—prepare a chill playlist or even gentle koto tunes for a dreamy soundtrack. If you feel thankful as the night winds down, gather everyone to share something they are grateful for this season, just like many Japanese families do.
Why is tsukimi so important?
Tsukimi parties are essential because they create lasting memories. They bring people together under the beautiful full moon to share simple joys—delicious seasonal foods, gentle traditions, and heartfelt moments of gratitude. Combining nature’s quiet wonder, cozy company, and thoughtful rituals encourages connection and reflection.
These gatherings slow down time, inviting everyone to appreciate the changing seasons and each other. They turn an ordinary night into a meaningful celebration that lives on in the heart long after the moon has set. Have you ever had a tsukimi party before or celebrated this in Japan? Let us know in the comments below!
Related articles
Year-End Osoji: Japan’s Big Clean for a Fresh New Year
The end of the year in Japan is not just about countdowns, parties, and feast-worthy food. It is also the moment when people hit pause, look around their homes, and decide to give everything a fresh start.
First Shrine Visit of the Year: Hatsumode in Japan
During the New Year in Japan, people perform hatsumode, the first visit to a shrine or temple. Families, couples, and friends put on their warmest clothes (and sometimes a kimono!), brave the winter chill, and step through shrine gates to pray for good luck, health, and happiness.
Japanese New Year’s Phrases: Greetings to Welcome the Year
New Year’s in Japan is a time of fresh starts, family gatherings, and heartfelt exchanges that set the tone for the months ahead. Unlike casual “Happy New Year” wishes in other countries, Japanese phrases for the New Year carry deep cultural weight, blending politeness, gratitude, and optimism. There are formal office greetings to playful texts...
Stamp Collecting in Japan: Where to Find Free and Unique Stamps
One of the best low-cost and unique activities to do in Japan is stamp collecting! In fact, many tourist destinations and transportation hubs offer them, making it easy to participate. Here’s the rundown of what it takes to get stamps in Japan.
The Amazing World of Japanese Commercials
Since the dawn of broadcast television, commercials have been a staple of the medium. Sometimes helpful, sometimes funny, occasionally annoying, but always. However, Japanese commercials can be hilarious and memorable, with many iconic advertising campaigns.
Does Japan Celebrate Christmas? Let’s Find Out!
December transforms into a time of lights, special foods, seasonal snacks, and cheerful events. Japanese Christmas celebrations blend Western influences with local customs, turning winter into a festive cultural moment.