Where to see the Harvest Moon in 2024

Fast food chains across Japan are starting to roll out hearty Moon View Hamburg, you know moon-watching season is upon us. Since ancient times, people here have looked up to the autumn sky to admire the full moon, a tradition known as “moon-watching”. This activity is also known as Fifteen Housewhich takes place on the evening of the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which this year happens to be September 17. Read on to learn about the best places in Japan to view the full moon, as well as festivals and events to help you make the most of your tsukimi experience.

1. Mt. Moiwa Observation Deck (Hokkaido)

If you come to Sapporo during the moon-viewing season, you can take the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway to the transfer station, then take a mini-cable car or hike the 600-meter mountain trail to the upper station at the top of the mountain. If you choose to hike, start before sunset, as the trail is closed at night. From the observation deck, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the full moon illuminating the bright lights of the city, and you can also taste French cuisine at the highest restaurant in Sapporo.

look Our Guide Find out more about things to do in Sapporo after get off work.

2. Matsushima Bay (Miyagi Prefecture)

Matsushima Bay, dotted with pine-covered islands, is known as one of Japan’s three most beautiful sights, and the scenery is even more stunning under the full moon. In mid-autumn, the sky is clear and the moonlight turns Matsushima Bay into a shimmering silver path. You can access the island from the westbound Shigematsu Park and Viewing Lanting The teahouse was once a pavilion where the legendary samurai admired the moon. Date Masamune.

3. Tokyo Tower (Tokyo)

Standing 333 meters tall, Tokyo Tower is a stylish landmark in the Japanese capital with a Parisian feel, and the view is unparalleled under the full moon. In addition to admiring Tokyo Tower from a distance, you can also choose to climb the 600 steps to the top of the city’s iconic landmark during the “Open-air Outdoor Stair Walk” from 9 am to 4 pm on weekends and holidays.

On September 17, you can try your hand at the climb, with opening hours extended to 5pm to 9pm, and enjoy a special moon-viewing show space Bamboo and pampas grass stalks are seen at Club 333 on the first floor of the main deck and near the 355 steps of the exterior staircase. Don’t forget to check out the bamboo lighting on the second floor main deck and at the foot of the tower.

If you don’t want to go out, have your camera ready as the tower lights up with a dazzling diamond veil, its top and legs darkening while the center glows an elegant purple that matches the moonlit sky.

Eulsa Outer Stairs Trail

Date and Time: September 17th・17:00-21:00
price: Tokyo Tower Regular Admission Fee

4. Daikaku-ji Temple (Kyoto Prefecture)

Located in Kyoto’s Sagano district, Daikaku-ji Temple is a peaceful temple consisting of several buildings connected by wooden walkways. Next to the temple is Osawa Pond, a 1,200-year-old lake that was the site of grand celebrations, boating, fishing and moon-watching during the Heian period (794).–1185).

Relive the elegance of Heian-era parties at the Moon Viewing Festival, a true imperial experience, from September 15 to 17. Marvel as dragon-headed boats glide across the water while monks perform rituals and chant sutras, creating the perfect atmosphere for moonlit revelry.

Moon Viewing Yube Festival

Date and Time: September 15th to 17th・18:30～19:00
price: Adults 1,000 yen / Elementary school students 500 yen

5. Himeji Castle (Hyogo Prefecture)

Himeji Castle, designated one of Japan’s first two UNESCO World Heritage sites, is known as the “White Egret Castle” for its graceful silhouette of grey herons, which makes for a stunning sight against the night sky. For unique castle and full moon photos, head to nearby Shiramidai Park, where the scenery is framed by a pair of beautiful Carp — A mythical creature with a dragon head and a carp body. Moon Viewing Party On September 17, you can enjoy food stalls, tea ceremony experience and shamisen and Taiko drum.

Himeji Castle Moon Viewing Party

Date and Time: September 17, 2024・17:00-21:00
price: Free

6. Rokkosan Tenrandai (Hyogo Prefecture)

The observation deck at the top of Mount Rokko stands 931 meters high, offering sweeping views of the vast expanse of Kobe and Osaka Bay below. From this height, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the full moon while the city below twinkles like a constellation. To reach the summit, simply take the charmingly retro Rokko Cable Car and get off at the Rokkosan Station. In addition to the wonders at night, Mount Rokko is dotted with many small attractions during the day, such as restaurants, botanical gardens, a music box museum, and other observation decks.

View our guide Learn more about things to do in Kobe.

7. Ishiyama Temple (Shiga Prefecture)

Ishiyama Temple, located on wollastonite in Otsu City, is famous for its picturesque scenery, which is permanently engraved in Log in Master Utagawa Hiroyuki Woodblock PrintsIn addition to Utagawa Hiroshige, the temple was also the inspiration for Murasaki Shikibu, the author of the world’s first novel, The Tale of GenjiIt is said that after a week at the temple, she saw the full moon reflected in Lake Biwa, which gave her the inspiration for the novel. Mid-Autumn Festival on September 17 and 18 within the temple grounds — and who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to write your own novel.

Mid-Autumn Festival at Shishan Temple

Date and Time: September 17-18, 2024・17:30-21:00
price: Adults 1,000 yen / Elementary school students 500 yen

8. Tokugawa Garden (Aichi Prefecture)

Once a peaceful retreat for Tokugawa Mitsutomo, Tokugawa Garden is a 2.3-hectare Japanese garden featuring a central pond, dramatic rock formations and numerous gardens with seasonal flowers such as peonies and irises. Harvest Moon Viewing Eventsthe gardens are open until 8:30 p.m. You can watch brightly lit boats carrying beautiful decorations glide across the water.

“Scooping the Moon” Moon Viewing Party

Date and Time: September 18-19, 2024・09:30-20:30
price: Adults 300 yen / Junior high school students and younger free

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