Stephen Bridges
There is no better place in Portland to share the romance and mystery of the full moon in mid-September than from the eastern courtyard of the Garden Pavilion, cup of sake in hand, gazing at the harvest moon as it rises above the city.
Moonviewing, or O-Tsukimi, is a traditional Japanese festival which honors the full moon in autumn. Guests enjoyed a quiet evening in the Garden, observed a tea ceremony in the Kashin Tei Tea House and listened to the music of Mitsuki Dazai as she performed traditional melodies on a stringed instrument called the koto. Some heard a poetry reading by Peter Kendall and wrote their own haiku in honor of the autumn moon. Some sipped sake or tea, enjoyed a light sampling of seasonal Japanese foods, and experienced a rare walk through the lantern-lit Garden during moonlit hours. From the Garden's spectacular east-facing view, we watched breathlessly as the moon rose over the mountains and downtown Portland. A romantic evening in the Garden not to be missed!
Photographers: flash photography and tripods are not allowed.
This is an adult event and children 12 and under will not be admitted.