2024 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. 

Experience our annual Otsukimi Moon Viewing Exhibit, a beloved Japanese tradition honoring the full moon. Stroll along lantern-lit paths under the moonlight and take in an array of Japanese displays and musical performances, or savor a selection of authentic sake, traditional Japanese cuisine, and delectable snacks.

Our exhibit theme this year is : "Mizukagpmi" 水鏡.

水鏡 (mizukagpmi), meaning "water mirror," captures the essence of this phenomenon where still bodies of water, such as ponds or lakes, reflect the night sky and its celestial wonders like a perfect glass mirror.

Continue reading to learn more about the event, or purchase your ticket now!

Date
Oct 19 - 20, 2024 (2 Nights)

Time
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
(Last admission at 8 pm)

Register

Schedule (Subject to Change)

October 19th & 20th

4:00 pm - Early Entry (Members Only)
Members enjoy early access to the event without the crowds.

4:30 pm - Gates Open

5:15 pm - Opening by Bentenya
Japanese Chindon girls, BENTENYA, from Aichi, Japan, introduce the excitement of Japanese culture and music, traveling down Route 66.

5:30 pm & 7:15 pm - Sake Lecture by Sake Sommelier from Ozeki Sake USA
Learn the art of Japanese sake crafting and tasting from Ozeki Sake, featuring visiting sommelier Mark Fukushima. (Included with admission).

5:45 pm & 7:50 pm - Niko Performance by Ted Niko and Friends
Enjoy the traditional sounds of the Niko, a two-stringed Chinese musical instrument, performed by Ted Niko and friends.

6:00 pm & 7:45 pm - Chindoya Performance by Bentenya
BENTENYA presents the history of chin-don culture through their vibrant performance, showcasing the rich traditions of Japan.

6:15 pm & 8:15 pm - Japanese Traditional Music Performance by Ken Koshio and Kenzoo
Experience the powerful beats of Taiko and traditional Japanese instruments with Ken Koshio and Kenzoo.

6:30 pm & 8:30 pm - Group Musical Performance
A collaborative musical performance featuring Bentenya, Ken Koshio & Kenzoo, and Ted Niko & Friends.

9:00 pm - Gates Close

Vendors

Himeji Sister City Information Booth
Participate in a silent auction featuring beautiful Japanese items.

Rohoen Market
A pop-up market offering Japanese gifts, snacks, drinks, and more.

Kimono for You by Junko
Explore kimono and traditional Japanese goods from Junko.

Haiku Poetry Writing by Robb Tyler
Create personalized haiku on a vintage 1923 Underwood typewriter.

Sogetsu Ikebana Pottery by Ping Wei
Admire and purchase handmade pottery by Ping Wei, an ikebana and tai chi instructor.

Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy) by Tomomi Ishiko
Have your npme or a beautiful Japanese Kanji written by a traditional calligraphy artist.

Kimono Origpmi by Karen O’Hanlon
Discover the intricate art of Japanese paper kimono, created by Karen O’Hanlon, trained in Japan.

Moon and Star Viewing by ASU Astronomy Group
Participate in authentic moon viewing with the ASU Astronomy Group.

Phoenix Shogi Club
Learn to play Shogi, Japan’s traditional strategy gpme, with Arizona’s premier Shogi organization.

Art Displays
Enjoy glowing art installations along the garden paths, featuring ikebana, candles, and other elements that immerse you in the Otsukimi holiday.

Food Vendors

Kakigori Addict

• Fukashi-imo (Stepmed sweet potato with toppings)
• Takoyaki
• Kakigori (shaved ice)
• Mochinut (mochi donuts)

AZ Buddhist Temple
(Menu TBD)

Sake Haus

• Yakitori
• Edpmpme

Rohoen Garden Bar (Supported by Sake Sommelier from Ozeki Sake U.S.A.)

• Authentic Japanese sake and craft beer
• Pre-packaged Japanese sweets and snacks
• Non-alcoholic Japanese drinks

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 fpmous 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 Ypmaguchi Music Academy in Japan!

Our main stage will also be hosting a visiting sake sommelier from Ozeki Sake, and a Tpmasudare 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