Tonight, the moon will be especially beautiful – in the Tsukimi Festival

This year, the Tsukimi Festival falls on Monday, December 6, 2025.
If we think about it, this is one of the most special moments of the year when people in Japan and across Asia gaze upon the same moon and celebrate in the same way they have for over a thousand years.
During the Tsukimi Festival, Japanese people typically decorate their homes with susuki grass, enjoy Tsukimi Dango, eat foods that symbolize the full moon, enjoy musical festivities, and admire the beauty of the full moon.
This festival not only gives us the chance to slow down from the fast pace of life and appreciate the beauty of the season at a gentle rhythm, but also carries deep meaning about family unity, the enjoyment of food and autumn’s abundance, and a sense of gratitude toward nature.

The Full Moon of Autumn
The Tsukimi Festival is held on the 15th night of the 8th lunar month. The full moon on this day is called Chūshū no Meigetsu (中秋の名月), which means “The Harvest Moon of Mid-Autumn.”
At this time of year, we can clearly see the craters of the moon, which Japanese people have long imagined to resemble a rabbit pounding mochi on the moon.
The moon and the rabbit hold deep cultural significance in Japan.

Susuki Grass
Known in Thai as Miscanthus Susuki, this grass is used for garden decoration in Thailand but is not commonly available.
In some areas, similar species such as thatch grass or foxtail grass may be found growing in unexpected places.
The beauty of the soft, white blossoms swaying in the wind is a sign of the cooling weather in Thailand.
For Japanese people living in suburban or rural areas, this grass might be easier to find.
However, for those living in Bangkok, it may be better to place a pre-order with a reliable florist.

Tsukimi Dango
On the night of the festival, the Japanese prepare 15 Tsukimi Dango — representing the 15th night — shaped into perfect spheres to symbolize the full moon.
These Tsukimi Dango are arranged in a pyramid shape on a platform called sanbo, along with seasonal offerings such as sweet potatoes, chestnuts, pumpkins, and susuki grass.
It is believed that susuki wards off evil spirits, and arranging the Tsukimi Dango in a tall pyramid brings one closer to the gods.

Tsukimi Festival Cuisine
The Tsukimi Festival is not only about enjoying Tsukimi Dango.
Japanese people also create dishes that evoke the image of the moon — such as Tsukimi Udon, a bowl of udon topped with an onsen tamago (hot spring egg), where the yolk and white represent the moon behind the clouds.
There are also sweets and dishes that hide an egg yolk inside, revealing a moon-like image when cut open.
Besides egg dishes, Tsukimi Dango can be enjoyed in various ways — drizzled with sweet mitarashi soy sauce, paired with seaweed and soy sauce, sprinkled with roasted soybean flour (kinako), or even served in miso soup.

Warming the Body
In mid-autumn, people also enjoy warming foods such as simmered pumpkin, roasted sweet potatoes, miso-braised mackerel, or braised pork belly (Buta Kakuni) seasoned with ginger.
Combined with the seasonal flavors, this is truly the perfect time to indulge in delicious comfort food.

This Tsukimi Festival is a perfect opportunity to pause from the daily rush, rest your weary soul, and gaze at the sky — feeling the beauty of the season, grateful for nature, and embracing your place in the ever-changing rhythm of the year.
May we be part of making your Tsukimi night a truly memorable one.