Tsukimi, Autumn Moon Viewing, in 2026

It is the time of year for Tsukimi to take center stage in Japan. If you are in Japan, you may have noticed Tsukimi themed food and treats dominating shop displays. As a reader of City-cost, you may also have seen genkidesu sharing reviews lately for the seasonal Tsukimi desserts and burgers available at this time of year. 

But if you are new to Japan, you may be wondering what Tsukimi (月見) actually is. In simple terms, it is a moon viewing custom that dates back to the Heian period. This traditional practice celebrates the beauty of the autumn moon and gives thanks for the harvest. Influenced by moon-viewing traditions from China, Tsukimi gradually developed into a uniquely Japanese seasonal event.

The main Tsukimi night, known as Jugoya ("the fifteenth night"), falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the traditional lunar calendar. Because it follows the lunar calendar, the date changes each year, usually falling in September or October. This year, 2026, Tsukimi (Otsukimi) is on Friday September 25th.