Jun. 22, 2022 UPDATE
Kangetsu-no-yube (Moon-viewing party)
- 観月の夕べ -Traveler Friendly
Even if you don’t understand Japanese, you will surely enjoy the elegant atmosphere in this event. Please also check the official English website!
Information
English brochure is available
Languages spoken
Japanese
PeriodSeptember 10 - 12, 2022
VenueDaikaku-ji Temple
Story & Recommendation
Enjoy beautiful moon reflected on the surface of the river and in the sky from the boat
Kangetsu-no-yube, the moon-viewing party, is an annual event held in Daikaku-ji Temple where is well known as a flower temple since Ikebana (the Japanese art of flower arrangement) was originated in this temple. Daikaku-ji Temple was established in 876 in Arashiyama area and it used to be a Rikyu (villa) of Saga emperor at the early Heian period, about 1,200 years ago. Since the premises in the site are really large, there are a lot of enjoyable spots, including a pond with a beautiful garden, a picture of dragon on the ceiling, and some traditional buildings that you can’t miss!
Kangetsu-no-yube (Moon-viewing party) began when Emperor Saga floated a boat on the Osawa-no-ike Pond on the night of the harvest moon and had a party with persons of culture and aristocrats. Enjoy the precious occasion when you can see both the brilliant moon in the night sky and the reflection on the calm surface of the water. An altar from where you can view the moon is set up and Buddhist service under the moon (6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.) is held during the term (referred to an official website). This event will be held during the moon-viewing season (normally in October) for three days.
▼Click here for Writer's Blog (Part1)
http://sharing-kyoto.com/Blog/b_Kangetsu_no_YubePart1/
▼Click here for Writer's Blog (Part2)
http://sharing-kyoto.com/Blog/b_Kangetsu_no_YubePart2/
1Highlight
Ryu-tou Gekishu boat
You can enjoy the boat called Ryu-tou Gekishu which is the boat decorated with the head of the dragon. Boat tickets will be sold around 3PM on the event day (￥1,000/ person) in front of the imperial envoy gate. Please note that the tickets are sold up to 4 tickets per person. Boarding time will be as follows; 5PM, 6PM, 7PM and 8PM. It is about a 20 minutes ride and you can enjoy both the lotus flowers in the twilight and the beautiful moon after the sunset. *Depending on the weather, the boarding time may give or take few minutes, or be canceled.
2Highlight
The picture of Yasuido-tenjyo-unryu-zu
You can see the two styles of ceilings in Mieido that was moved from Yasui-monzeki Renge-koin Temple in Higashiyama of Kyoto in 1871.
The dragon with power is painted on the ceilings called Kagami Tenjo whereas delicate and lovely birds and flowers on the other ceiling, Gou-Tenjo. Although both of them are at the same hall, they have totally different images.
3Let's join!
Enjoy the special event for moon-viewing party
This event will be held to pray for the bumper crop by setting the altar where you can view the moon and give offerings such as the sweet dumplings, potatoes, beans, vegetables, teas and flowers. Please enjoy the solemn and sacred atmosphere.
