2025 In Japan, Moon Viewing Event Dates Back to 8th Century Japan (2 Days) Seattle Japanese Garden NEW

Experience the magic of the Seattle Japanese Garden's Moon Viewing event, where two enchanting nights await you. As the garden comes alive with the soft glow of lanterns and luminaries, immerse yourself in a celebration that pays homage to the ancient Japanese tradition of お月見 (otsukimi). Step into a realm of timeless beauty as you wander through meticulously manicured landscapes, where nature and artistry intertwine in elegant harmony.

Moon Viewing 2024 at Seattle Japanese Garden

Dates & Times:
• Day 1: Thursday, September 12, 2024 | 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
• Day 2: Friday, September 13, 2024 | 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM


Schedule.

Day 1 - Friday, September 5, 2025 (6:30 pm - 9:30 pm)
• Garden illuminated with lanterns and luminaries designed by lighting artist Yuri Kinoshita, featuring floral-inspired paper and bamboo works (asagao, tsubaki, yamazakura).
• Performances include modern dance led by Gabrielle Nomura Gainor and traditional Okinawan music by Mako (of Mako and Munjuru) with Greg Campbell (percussion, French horn).
• Haiku activities hosted by Michael Dylan Welch, including guest participation and judging of the Moon Viewing Haiku Contest.

The evening blends light art, contemporary and traditional music, and Asian American dance storytelling.

Day 2 - Saturday, September 6, 2025 (6:30 pm - 9:30 pm)
• Same illuminated garden displays by Yuri Kinoshita.
• Performances feature a Butoh dance by Kaoru Okumura, offering a meditative and experimental movement style, and traditional koto music by Mirei Zaborac of the Japanese Koto Club.
• Haiku activities again led by Michael Dylan Welch, continuing the poetry-writing and contest tradition.

The second evening emphasizes classical Japanese arts through Butoh and koto, providing a contrasting mood to the first night’s Okinawan music and modern dance.

Location
Seattle Japanese Garden, 1075 Lake Washington Boulevard East, Seattle, WA, 98112