Tsukimi

Origins and history

The custom began during the Heian period among Japanese aristocrats who were influenced by the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. These nobles would hold moon-viewing parties, often on boats, reciting poetry under the full moon. The calendar shift in 1684 moved the full moon from the thirteenth to the fifteenth day of the month. While some adopted the new date, others kept the old traditions, leading to multiple viewing nights throughout the Edo period.

How it is kept

Families and friends gather outdoors or on verandas to view the moon. They set up tables decorated with susuki, or Japanese pampas grass, which symbolizes the harvest. Offerings of seasonal produce are placed before the moon. People eat Tsukimi dango, white rice dumplings stacked in pyramids, along with other dishes like taro and edamame. Even if the sky is cloudy, known as mugetsu or ugetsu, gatherings often continue.

Food and offerings

Specific foods are offered to the moon depending on the viewing night. Sweet potatoes are associated with the full moon on Jūgoya, leading to the name Imomeigetsu. Chestnuts and beans are offered during the waxing moon on Jūsan'ya, called Mamemeigetsu and Kurimeigetsu respectively. Other common items include soba noodles topped with raw eggs, known as Tsukimi soba, and sake served as a drink offering.

How Tsukimi is kept

People gather to view the moon, setting up displays of susuki grass and seasonal foods. They eat dango rice dumplings and offer sweet potatoes or chestnuts to the moon. Gatherings may occur on multiple evenings, including when the moon is not visible.

When and where

The main event falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, usually in September or October. A secondary viewing occurs on the 13th day of the 9th lunar month.

The tradition is primarily observed throughout Japan. Specific events take place in cities like Osaka and Tokyo, often at temples or public spaces with clear views of the sky.

What Tsukimi means

Tsukimi honors the beauty of the autumn moon and celebrates the harvest. It is a time for prayer and gratitude for abundant crops. The display of susuki grass represents the golden hues of the harvest season and serves as an offering to the celestial body.

On the table

• Tsukimi dango
• Sweet potatoes
• Chestnuts
• Beans
• Taro
• Edamame
• Sake
• Tsukimi soba

Tsukimi dates: 2026, 2027, 2028

Questions people ask about Tsukimi

See also

HalloweenAn annual observance on 31 October marking the eve of All Saints' Day, rooted in Christian tradition and Celtic heritageHanamiA Japanese spring custom of gathering under blooming cherry trees to eat, drink, and celebrate the fleeting beauty of thBuddha's BirthdayA festival marking the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, observed across Asia with temple rituals and community gatherings.TanabataA Japanese summer star festival of written wishes hung on leafy bamboo.

Good reading and sources

• Tsukimi on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.