Guide to Tackling the Arashiyama Kangetsu no Yube: Full Moon Viewing

Situated in the north of Kyoto's Sagano area, Daikaku-ji Temple is home to a sprawling precinct. Every year on the night of the mid-autumn harvest moon, a full moon viewing party is held on the Osawa pond to pray for a bountiful harvest and the happiness of the people. This yearly event is popular among not only Japanese locals, but visitors from overseas as well.

 

 Every year on the night of the mid-autumn harvest moon, a

full moon viewing party is held on the Osawa pond to pray for a bountiful

harvest and the happiness of the people. This yearly event is popular among not

only Japanese locals, but visitors from overseas as well.

 During the "Kangetsu no Yube" event, you can gaze

out at the moon while being boated around the gigantic pond. 

 In this article, we would like to introduce everyone to the

different ways of getting to and purchasing tickets for the event.

 If you're in Kyoto around the harvest, definitely take the

opportunity to enjoy this unique event.

Guides to Enjoying “Kangetsu no Yube”

Part1:https://sharing-kyoto.com/Blog/b_Kangetsu_no_YubePart1

Part2:https://sharing-kyoto.com/Blog/b_Kangetsu_no_YubePart2

In 2019, the Kangetsu no Yube: Full Moon Viewing will be held from September 13 (Fri) to September 15 (Sun) at the Daikaku-ji Temple from 17:00 to 21:00.

Via Train

・17 Minute walk from the JR “Saga-arashiyama Station”

・23 Minute Walk from the Keifuku Electric Railroad “Randen-Saga Station”

Via Bus

・From Kyoto Station: Daikakuji Bound – City Bus 28 and 71

・From Hankyu Shijo Omiya or the Karasuma Subway Stations: Daikakuji Bound – City Bus 71 or 91

・From Keihan Sanjo Station: Daikakuji Bound – City Bus 61

Upon entering Daikaku-ji Temple, head to the boat ticket booth in front of the large imperial gate to purchase your tickets.

Price: 1 Ticket/1,000 yen (this does not include refreshments)

*Note that tickets are limited to 4 per person.

Times: Tickets go on sale at around 3 pm.

Tickets can be chosen for the 5 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm, and 8 pm boats.

*Note that times are subject to change and ticket sales will end when all are sold out.

・Mandatory temple viewing tickets are sold separately.

*Entrance to the Odo hall is off-limits during the event.

Notes:

The boat with the best view of the moon is the one at 7 pm, so tickets sell out fast.

If you wish to purchase a ticket to the 7 pm boat, it is suggested that you get to the ticket booth early!

Tickets to view the Daikaku-ji Temple are needed for the event. Tickets: Adults/500 yen | Children/300 yen.

Those who enter the temple prior to the event starting may stay inside as is.

Note:

We suggest heading into Daikaku-ji Temple and seeing the beautiful Japanese garden before the Kangetsu no Yube event begins.

Inside the Daikaku-ji Temple, there is a tea room, where if you purchase a ticket, you can enjoy matcha green tea and Japanese sweets.

Enjoy the beautiful full moon as it reflects off the lake while sipping away at your bowl of matcha.

The Tea Room:

Time: 17:00 –

Price: 800 yen (includes matcha and a Japanese sweet)

*Note that there is a limit of 15 minutes per seat

*The tea room will close if they have run out of stock

Notes:

The tea room has a charming traditional Japanese atmosphere and is very relaxing, so we highly recommend it to those coming to see the full moon.