Japan's autumn moon viewing festival, Tsukimi

What is Tsukimi?

Tsukimi is the traditional Japanese custom of autumn moon viewing. Since the Heian Period, people have gathered under the full harvest moon, sometimes taking boats to see the moon’s reflection on the water. Japan’s culture lies at the heart of Velarof, so let us tell you more about this custom. 

In 2024, Tsukimi begins on 17 September. Events feature traditional foods, pampas grass decorations, music and poetry. There is even an emoji for Tsukimi - 🎑. Many Japanese people also visit shrines, burn incense or make offerings to Shinto gods. 

Can you spot the rabbit on the moon?

During Tsukimi children try to spot the rabbit on the moon. One tale from Japanese folklore tells of the man on the moon who visited earth. A fox gave him fish and a monkey brought fruit, but the rabbit only had grass. So he jumped into the man’s campfire to offer himself as a meal. Amazed, the man rescued the kind rabbit and carried him back to the moon to live with him. Stories say you can still see the rabbit on the full moon, pounding rice flour. 

Enjoy autumn watch with dango tsukimi 

Rice flour is a key ingredient in dango tsukimi  - one of the most important foods eaten at autumn moon viewing events. These white, spherical, sweet dumplings resemble the full moon and are laid in pyramids of 15. Tsukimi-udon is also prepared, with an egg placed on top to represent the moon. Restaurants have special menus and even fast food outlets like McDonald’s offer a Tsukimi Burger! 

At Velarof we will be observing the Japanese custom of Tsukimi in style, so why not get a selection of Tsukimi foods and stories ready for your own moon viewing.