Otsukimi in Kyoto, Japan! Guide to events and spots to enjoy the Mid-Autumn Moon

Although the daytime heat is still intense, mornings and evenings are becoming more comfortable, and signs of autumn can be felt in the city of Kyoto.

Autumn leaves, autumn delicacies, and other pleasures abound in this season, but what will soon be upon us is the Mid-Autumn Moon.
The Mid-Autumn Moon in 2022 will be on September 10.
Otsukimi events are planned at temples and shrines in Kyoto.
We would like to view the moon in a relaxing atmosphere with a Japanese flair.
In this issue, we will introduce some of the best events and spots in Kyoto to enjoy the Mid-Autumn Moon.

1Daikakuji Temple

Daikakuji Temple is a 1200-year-old temple located in Saga, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto.
It is said that Daikakuji Temple began in the early Heian period (794-1185) when it was built as a detached palace for Emperor Saga. Later, Kukai (Kobo Daishi), who gained Emperor Saga's confidence, built a hall to enshrine Godai Myoo (Godai Myoo) in a corner of the detached palace for his ascetic training.

Because of its proximity to the many period drama studios in the area, the temple is well known for its Osawa Pond and gate, which are often used for the filming of period dramas.

The "Ganzuki Evening" is held here every year.
It is said to have originated when Emperor Saga floated his boat on Osawa Pond during the mid-autumn moon and played with cultural figures and aristocrats.
Here you can enjoy the moon shining in the sky and two moons reflected on the surface of Osawa Pond.
Osawa Pond is one of the three best places to view the moon in Japan, and is the oldest existing man-made forest spring in Japan that conveys the style of the early Heian period.
Maples, cherry trees, and pine trees are planted along the weir, and their reflections on the water are magnificent. The "Nakoso Waterfall Site" is a scenic spot where the famous poem "Hyakunin Isshu" was written by Fujiwara no Kouto: "The sound of the waterfall has been gone for a long time, but its name is still flowing and can still be heard.

You will enjoy an elegant time as if you were a Heian aristocrat.
The 2022 event will be held from Saturday, September 10 to Monday, September 12.
Please refer to the official website for details on fees, etc.

Facility Name:temple in which resided a member of nobility or imperial family
Address: 4 Saga-Osawa-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-871-0071

HP:https://www.daikakuji.or.jp/

2 Yasaka Shrine

The next stop is Yasaka Shrine.

Yasaka Shrine is located in the north side of Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto.
Also called Gion-san, it is said to bring many blessings such as prayers for good luck, marriage, and beauty.
It is one of the most representative tourist spots that you must visit when sightseeing in Kyoto.

The festival will be called "Gionsha Kangetsu Matsuri" and is scheduled to be held on Saturday, September 10, 2022.

Traditional performing arts such as bugaku, kangaku, koto music, and taiko drums are dedicated at the Mai-den (dance hall), and the music spreading through the temple grounds creates an elegant atmosphere.
You can enjoy the mood.
The festival also has an old-fashioned aspect, with waka poems recited in the faint light of the lanterns.

Facility Name:Yasaka Shrine
Address: North side of Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-561-6155

HP:https://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/

3 Shimogamo Shrine

Next stop is Shimogamo Shrine.
Shimogamo Shrine is located in Shimogamoizumigawa-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, and its official name is Kamomiya Shrine.
It is registered as a World Heritage site and, along with Kamigamo Shrine, is considered to be the oldest in Kyoto.
It is considered one of the most famous power spots in Kyoto, with various blessings such as traffic safety, victory, protection from bad luck, match-making, child-bearing, and safety.

The "Meigetsu Kangensai" will be held here.
It has been open to the public since 1963 and has been a tradition since the Heian period.
On a stage decorated with silver grass and lit by a bonfire, traditional performing arts such as shakuhachi (bamboo flute), kangen (stringed instrument), and koto music are dedicated at the bridge hall.

During the Meigetsu Kangensai, a kangetsu tea ceremony will be held in the Sainiwa (for a fee), and a kagaribi market will be held on the approach to the shrine.

Facility Name:Shimogamo Shrine
Address: 59 Shimogamo-Izumigawa-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-781-4722

HP:https://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/

4Matsuo Grand Shrine

Last but not least, let us introduce you to Matsuo Taisha's event, the Kangetsu Matsuri.
Matsuo Taisha is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, located in Arashiyama Miyamachi, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto City.

The shrine was established at the foot of Mt. Matsuo in 701 during the Asuka Period. According to the legend, Hata no Imikitori (the son of Hata no Imikitori), by imperial order, moved the spirit of the deity from a rock on the mountain to a shrine at the foot of the mountain, and Matsuo-taisha was built.

You may also know that the shrine is dedicated to the god of alcohol.
It is also well known for its yamabuki, which adorns the grounds from April to May.

The "Kangetsu Matsuri" is held every year on the day of the harvest moon in mid-autumn.

After the 5:15 p.m. ceremony, there will be a Kinko-ryu shakuhachi blowing dedication, a koto dedication performance, a Japanese drum performance, a haiku contest, and a free reception of tsukimi manju (steamed buns) and sake barrels. Tarusake (sake from sake barrels) is a unique feature of Matsuo Taisha Shrine.

Facility Name:Matsuo Grand Shrine
Address: 3 Ranzanmiyamamachi, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-871-5016

HP:https://www.matsunoo.or.jp/

On Mid-Autumn Meigetsu, why not enjoy viewing the moon at a shrine or temple in an elegant and solemn atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life?