Join us for extended evening hours, Fri-Sun 9am-8pm.
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Otsukimi Moon Viewing Exhibit
お月見
October 19th & 20th, 2024
Otsukimi - Moonviewing Exhibit
EVENT
October 19th & 20th, 5pm - 9pm
(last admission at 8:00 pm)
Instead of going star gazing, the Japanese go moon gazing!
Similar to the traditions of cherry blossom viewing and autumn leaves viewing, the Japanese take time to enjoy the moon when it is most beautiful.
Experience our annual Otsukimi Moon Viewing Exhibit, a beloved Japanese tradition honoring the full moon. Stroll along lantern-lit paths under the moonlight and take in an array of Japanese displays and musical performances, or savor a selection of authentic sake, traditional Japanese cuisine, and delectable snacks.
Our exhibit theme this year is : "Mizukagami" 水鏡.
水鏡 (mizukagami), meaning "water mirror," captures the essence of this phenomenon where still bodies of water, such as ponds or lakes, reflect the night sky and its celestial wonders like a perfect glass mirror.
Continue reading to learn more about the event, or purchase your ticket now!
General Admission:
General $35
Youth 7-17: $25
Youth 0-6: Free
Member: $30
Tea Bundle Tickets:
Includes Otsukimi Tickets and Tea House Concert
General $75
Youth 7-17: $65
Youth 0-6: Free
What to Expect
The word "Otsukimi" means to literally gaze at the moon (月 tsuki means moon and 見 mi means to look).
This tradition of enjoying the beauty of the full moon in September and October dates back to the Heian period, from 794 to 1185 A.D. In those days, aristocrats would gather together to admire the moon, recite poetry, and play instruments.
They would admire the reflection of the moon on the surface of ponds or on the surface of their cups of sake. Many poems written during Otsukimi can be found in the Kokinshu, a famous ancient Japanese poetry anthology.
During our event, witness the grace of traditional Japanese Arts as skilled artists create intricate characters for you at our calligraphy booth, or create works of art via language at through haiku. Admire the elegance of Ikebana flower arrangements, where nature and art merge in perfect harmony, and explore Japanese art installations that blend tradition and creativity, resulting in glowing beauty unique to our Garden.
ASU Astronomy Group will also be providing telescopes for stunning moon and star viewing!
Enjoy mesmerizing Traditional Japanese Musical Performances featuring local favorites Ken Koshio & Kenzoo, with their thundering beats Taiko, and visiting performers Bentenaya from Japan!
Our main stage will also be hosting a visiting sake sommelier from Ozeki Sake, as well as bamboo flute and shamisen performances, celebrating all forms of traditional Japanese music!
Indulge in delectable Traditional Japanese food, including both savory and sweet snacks. Pair your culinary delights with sake and beer from our garden bar for a truly authentic experience!
Tea House Concert Bundle: As an exclusive treat you can experience a traditional Japanese musical performance on the Koto along with a serving on sencha tea exclusively in our tea house.
Learn more below!
Join us for a magical evening under the moonlit sky, celebrating the centuries old tradition of Otsukimi in the heart of the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix.
Tea House Bundle Tickets
These bundle tickets include tickets to Otsukimi as well as a special exhibit inside our Tea House!
Get the opportunity to view the roji decorated for Otsukimi, as well as inside the tea house where a private musical performance will be taking place.
Bundle tickets will include a koto performance and a tea garden and exhibit tour led by our docents.
Tea House Bundle Admission:
General $75
Youth 7-17: $65
Youth 0-6: Free
Adult Member (4pm timeslot): $55
Youth Member (4pm timeslot): $45
Event Schedule
Enjoy performances and activities throughout the evening! All performances are included with admission.
Programming
Subject to Change*
October 19th & 20th
4pm - Early Entry (Members Only)
Members can gain early access to the event without the crowds.
4:30pm - Gates Open
5:15pm - Opening by Bentenya
Japanese Chindon Girls, BENTENYA, from Aichi, Japan, have been traveling down route 66 to introduce people to the excitement of Japanese culture and music!
5:30pm & 7:15pm - Sake Lecture by Sake Sommelier from Ozeki Sake USA
Learn about Japanese sake crafting and tasting straight from the source, Ozeki Sake, and visiting sommelier Mark Fukushima! (included with Admission).
5:45pm & 7:30pm - Niko Performance by Ted Niko and Friends
Enjoy the traditional sounds of the niko, a Chinese two-stringed bowed musical instrument, by Ted Niko and company.
6pm & 7:45pm - Chindoya Performance by Bentenya
Japanese Chindon Girls, BENTENYA, from Aichi, Japan, have been traveling down route 66 to introduce people to the excitement of Japanese culture and music! In this performance, they will introduce the history of chin-don culture.
6:15 pm & 8:15pm - Japanese Traditional Music Performance by Ken Koshio and Kenzoo
Witness the sound of booming Taiko and accompanying instruments with this traditional performance from Ken Koshio and Kenzoo.
6:30 & 8:30pm - Group Musical Performance
Enjoy a group musical performance from all of our guests: Bentenya, Ken Koshio & Kenzoo, and Ted Niko & Friends!
9 pm - Gates Close
Vendors
Himeji Sister City Information Booth
Participate in a silent auction with beautiful Japanese items.
Rohoen Market
Pop-up Rohoen Market with Japanese gifts, snacks, drinks and more!
Kimono and traditional Japanese goods from Junko.
Haiku Poetry Writing by Robb Tyler
Write Haiku on request with a beautiful 1923 portable Underwood typewriter!
Sogetsu Ikebana Pottery by Ping Wei
View or purchase Ping Wei's (Our ikebana, pottery, and tai chi instructor) stunning handmade pottery.
Shodo (Japanese calligraphy) - Get your name written in Japanese by Tomomi Ishiko
Get your name or beautiful Japanese Kanji written by traditional calligraphy artists.
Karen O'Hanlon is internationally trained in Japan in the creation of special Japanese paper Kimonos.
Moon and Star Viewing by ASU Astronomy Group
Participate in true moon viewing with ASU Astronomy Group.
Learn how to play Shogi from Arizona's premier Shogi Organization!
Art Displays
View beautiful glowing art displays as you stroll our Garden. With their soft light illuminating the pathway and their unique theming, these displays of Ikebana, candles, and more are sure to immerse you in the Otsukimi holiday.
Food Vendors
Kakigori Addict
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Fukashi-imo (Steam potato with topping)
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Takoyaki
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Kakigori
Mochinut
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Mochi donuts
AZ Buddhist Temple
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TBD
Rohoen Garden Bar - Supported by Sake Sommelier/唎酒師 from Ozeki Sake U.S.A.
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Authentic Japanese Sake and Craft Beer
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Prepackaged Japanese Sweets/Snacks
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Non-Alcoholic Japanese Drinks
We hope to see you at our next exciting event, October 19th and 20th, 2024!
