Tokyo prepares for autumn moon viewing and foliage illuminations

Tokyo is preparing for several seasonal autumn events, including traditional moon viewing and autumn foliage illuminations.

Tsukimi, the tradition of viewing the harvest moon, will take place on September 25, 2026. Due to the lunisolar calendar, the astronomical full moon will not occur until September 27, creating a rare two-day window for viewing. Locations for these celebrations include the Cosmo Planetarium Shibuya, which offers rooftop viewing, and the Sunshine 60 Observatory in Ikebukuro.

Additionally, Rikugien Garden will host a nighttime illumination event from November 25 through December 6. During this period, the Edo-period landscape garden will reopen from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to showcase illuminated autumn leaves. The event will feature new projection mapping in a bamboo grove and access to traditional teahouses serving matcha and wagashi.