2023 Annual Otsukimi - Moonviewing Festival (Japanese Displays, Performances, Sake, Japanese Food, Snacks..) 2 NightsNEW

Instead of going star gazing, the Japanese go moon gazing! Similar to the traditions of Cherry Blossom Viewing and Autumn Leaves Viewing, the Japanese take time to enjoy the moon when it is most beautiful.

Our annual Otsukimi Moon Viewing is a traditional Japanese celebration of the full moon. Stroll through our lantern-lit paths in the full moonlight, and enjoy various Japanese displays, musical performances as well as authentic various sake, traditional Japanese food, and snacks.

Our exhibit theme this year is : "Gekka “月華” .

Gekka “月華” can be translated as "moonflower," representing the serene and beautiful scene created by the combination of the moon and the radiance of flowers.

It encompasses the meeting of "moonlight," referring to the soft and gentle illumination emitted by the moon during nighttime. The term "華-Ka" in this context signifies brightness or radiance.

Date
Oct 28 - 29, 2023 (2 Nights)

Time
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Register


What to Expect
The word "Otsukimi" means to literally gaze at the moon (月 tsuki means moon and 見 mi means to look).

This tradition of enjoying the beauty of the full moon in September and October dates back to the Heian period, from 794 to 1185 A.D. In those days, aristocrats would gather together to admire the moon, recite poetry, and play instruments.

They would admire the reflection of the moon on the surface of ponds or on the surface of their cups of sake. Many poems written during Otsukimi can be found in the Kokinshu, a famous ancient Japanese poetry anthology.

During our event, witness the grace of Calligraphy as skilled artists create intricate characters for you at our Calligraphy Booth. Admire the elegance of Ikebana flower arrangements, where nature and art merge in perfect harmony, and explore Japanese art installations that blend tradition and creativity, resulting in glowing beauty unique to our Garden.

Enjoy mesmerizing Traditional Japanese Musical Performances featuring local favorites ken Koshio & Kenzoo, with their thundering beats Taiko, and visiting musicians from Yamaguchi Music Academy in Japan!

Our main stage will also be hosting a visiting sake sommelier from Ozeki Sake, and a Tamasudare performance, an art dating back to the Edo period!

Indulge in delectable Traditional Japanese food, including both savory and sweet snacks. Pair your culinary delights with sake and beer from our garden bar for a truly authentic experience!

Tea House Concert Bundle: As an exclusive treat you can experience a traditional Japanese musical performance on the Koto along with a serving on sencha tea exclusively in our tea house.

Please note that access to our tea garden and this exclusive performance requires additional ticketing, so be sure to secure your bundle tickets early and check in before your designated performance time.

Join us for a magical evening under the moonlit sky, celebrating the centuries old tradition of Otsukimi in the heart of the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix.

Location
Phoenix Japanese Friendship Garden - Ro Ho En, 1125 N 3rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003