Moonviewing, or O-Tsukimi in Japanese, is the custom of gazing at the full moon and enjoying its sacred beauty. Portland Japanese Garden schedules this beloved annual tradition to coincide with the harvest moon, which occurs anytime from September to early October.
During Moonviewing, people gather to appreciate the moon’s beauty and pray for good fortune and an abundant harvest. At this festival, one of the most beloved at the Garden, guests anticipate the moonrise with a cup of tea and an opportunity to compose haiku as shakuhachi and koto music wafts through the air.
Start the evening with an intimate and peaceful stroll through the lantern-lit Garden. Take in authentic Japanese music. Catch up with friends, old and new. Enjoy a cup of tea as you watch the harvest moon rise above the city. There is no better place in Portland to share the romance and mystery of the full moon than from the eastern overlook of the Portland Japanese Garden Pavilion.
In celebration of Moonviewing, the raked gravel in the Flat Garden is designed in a special, once-a-year checkerboard raking pattern; the alternating squares of white river gravel cast shadows in the moonlight. Experience the Flat Garden during Moonviewing through this video.
Please note that there are three separate evenings available for Moonviewing this year: September 28, September 29, and September 30.
Event Details:
- Light meals and beverages will be served.
- There will be traditional Japanese musical performances throughout the event. Kodo Araki will perform shakuhachi Thursday and Friday and Patrick Johnson will perform on Saturday. Yumi Torimaru will perform on tsugaru shamisen on Thursday. and Mitsuki Dazai will perform on koto on Friday and Saturday.
- This event will take place rain or shine.
- Please no tripods or flash photography.
- Tickets benefit Portland Japanese Garden cultural programming.
Thank you to our sponsors:
