Japan’s Harvest Moon Night, Jūgoya (十五夜)
- Narelle Katsumoto
- 10月6日
- 読了時間: 3分
As summer fades and cool breezes begin to sweep across Japan, conversations often turn to Jūgoya (十五夜), also called Tsukimi or Otsukimi, meaning “moon-viewing.” This charming autumn tradition invites people to pause, look up, and admire the year’s most beautiful full moon while giving thanks for nature’s bounty. If you happen to be in Japan this fall, don’t miss the chance to join in on this serene and meaningful celebration.
What Is Jūgoya?
Jūgoya refers to the 15th night of the 8th month in the old lunar calendar, which usually falls in September or early October on today’s calendar. In 2025, Jūgoya will be on October 6 (Monday). This night is also called Chūshū no Meigetsu (中秋の名月), meaning the “Harvest Moon,” as it falls in the middle of autumn according to the traditional calendar.
The custom began during the Heian period (794–1185), when aristocrats adopted the elegant moon-viewing practices of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. They would compose poetry and play music under the moonlight, sometimes even viewing its reflection from boats. As the practice spread to common people, it became an event for thanking the moon for a good harvest and offering seasonal crops like taro and sweet potatoes. Because of this, Jūgoya is also fondly called “Imo Meigetsu” (芋名月) — the “Taro Moon.”
Traditions of Tsukimi: Susuki and Dango
Two things you’ll almost always see during Jūgoya are Tsukimi dango (moon-viewing dumplings) and Susuki (Japanese pampas grass).
Pampas Grass (Susuki)
Ideally, people would offer rice stalks to symbolize a good harvest, but because rice isn’t ready yet, they use pampas grass instead. The golden plumes look like rice ears and are thought to represent the moon god. Since they resemble rice plants, people display five to ten plumes as a sign of a rich harvest. Because pampas grass has sharp edges that are believed to keep away evil, people sometimes hang it under their roofs after moon-viewing.
Tsukimi Dango
These round white dumplings made from rice flour symbolize the full moon. They are usually displayed on a small stand called a sanbō, often stacked in a pyramid of 15 to match the fifteenth night. Families offer the dango to the moon to thank it for the harvest and pray for future abundance, then eat them together after moon-viewing.
Many families decorate their moon viewing spot with autumn flowers or seasonal foods like chestnuts and beans as symbols of prosperity. Sweet potatoes are offered to the full moon, while chestnuts, beans, taro, edamame, and even sake may also be placed on the display or enjoyed during the celebration.
The Rabbit and the Harvest Moon
While many Western cultures talk about a “man in the moon,” Japanese people see something much cuter — a rabbit pounding mochi. The shapes of the moon’s craters are said to resemble a rabbit at work, and this image has inspired countless children’s songs and stories. It’s a fun topic to chat about while gazing up at the glowing moon!
Interestingly, other cultures see completely different shapes on the moon: a lion in Arabic countries, a lady’s portrait in Eastern Europe, and even a crab in Southern Europe. Comparing these stories is a lovely way to make your Jūgoya night even more magical.
Celebrating Jūgoya
Jūgoya is typically a quiet, cozy celebration at home. Many families set up pampas grass and dango near a window or on a balcony, then relax under the moonlight while sipping tea or sake. It’s also common to enjoy autumn-themed dishes like Tsukimi udon or Tsukimi soba — warm noodles topped with a raw egg, symbolizing the full moon. Even fast-food chains get festive, offering limited-edition treats like Tsukimi burgers with fried eggs.
A Night to Slow Down
In our busy everyday lives, it’s easy to rush past the changing seasons. Jūgoya invites us to pause, look up, and reconnect with the natural rhythms that sustain us. So this October, why not join in this gentle tradition? Brew a cup of tea, set out a few dango and pampas grass, and spend the evening basking in the glow of the Harvest Moon.
You might find that, like countless people before you, the serene beauty of Jūgoya fills you with quiet gratitude — and a little bit of moonlit wonder.
Picture Sources:
https://www.mitsui-mall.com/assets/images/article/202108_02.jpg
https://lovegreen.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/4244c384d1aa3abd5216c8b22fac00ea.jpg
https://www.justonecookbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Tsukimi-Dango-0872-I.jpg
https://dtimes.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023083009475564ee91bb532bf.jpg
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