Moon Viewing at Mukojima-Hyakkaen

Towards the end of the Japanese Clover Festival, the Mukojima-Hyakkaen garden extends its opening hours until 9:00 PM for the annual autumn “moon viewing” event (Tsukimi no Kai). You might be wondering why you need to trek over to a garden in Sumida Ward to view the moon, but what makes the moon viewing event special are the hand-painted lanterns which are lit around the garden. These lanterns, alongside traditional offerings of pampas grass, recreate the refined aesthetic of the Edo-period literati who established the garden over 200 years ago.

Last entry to the grounds is strictly enforced at 8:30 PM, and as the illumination relies heavily on the soft glow of hand-painted andon lanterns, flash photography and tripods are not permitted to protect the traditional atmosphere. During the peak evening hours, traditional koto music is typically performed in the main gazebo, though seating for these performances is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The garden is a ten-minute walk from Higashi-Mukojima Station.