2025 O-Tsukimi: The Moonviewing Festival Event (Dates Back to Ancient Times, Belief in Moon's Influence on Human Life, Agriculture & Harvest) 3 DaysNEW

O-Tsukimi: Moonviewing Festival at Portland Japanese Garden
Experience the enchantment of O-Tsukimi, the Moonviewing Festival, at Portland Japanese Garden. This cherished annual tradition coincides with the harvest moon and invites guests to appreciate the moon’s beauty from the Pavilion Overlook, with breathtaking views of Mount Hood and the Portland skyline.

Event Highlights
• Enjoy a light vegetarian bento meal prepared by Obon Shokudo, paired with koto or shamisen music.
• Stroll along lantern-lit garden paths - one of only two annual events where the stone lanterns are illuminated.
• Anticipate the moonrise at the Mount Hood Overlook with a cup of Jasmine Pearl Tea, while composing haiku as shakuhachi music drifts through the air.
• Witness a candle-lit tea ceremony in the Kashintei Tea House and view a seasonal ikebana display featuring tsukimi dango (15 rice cakes symbolizing the 15th day of the 8th lunar month).
• Admire the Flat Garden’s once-a-year checkerboard raking pattern (ichimatsu), designed to cast dramatic moonlit shadows.

Event Dates & Schedule
• Sunday, October 5, 2025: 5:00 - 7:30 pm (Moonrise @ 6:02 pm)
• Monday, October 6, 2025: 5:30 - 8:00 pm (Harvest Moon - Moonrise @ 6:22 pm) - Sold Out
• Tuesday, October 7, 2025: 5:30 - 8:00 pm (Moonrise @ 6:44 pm)

Ticket Information
• Members: $55 | Non-Members: $70
• On Sale Dates: Golden Crane - Aug 20 | Members - Aug 27 | Public - Sept 3
• Tickets available online starting at 7 am PDT.
• Children under 5 attend free (no meal or beverages included). Children 6+ require a full-price ticket.

Additional Details
• This event takes place rain or shine.
• Tripods and flash photography are not permitted.
• Tickets benefit Portland Japanese Garden’s cultural programming.

About O-Tsukimi
O-Tsukimi (“looking at the moon”) is a Japanese tradition dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 AD), when courtiers would gather to admire the harvest moon, compose poetry, play music, and pray for a good harvest. Over the centuries, this practice became a beloved cultural celebration across Japan. Today, it remains a time to reflect, express gratitude, and share in the moon’s quiet beauty.

Location
Portland Japanese Garden - Pavilion Overlook

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