O-Tsukimi, Moonviewing
Stephen Bridges
There is no better place in Portland to share the romance and mystery of the full moon in autumn than from the eastern courtyard of the Portland Japanese 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 enjoy a quiet evening in the Garden, observe a candle-lit tea ceremony in the Kashin Tei Tea House, and listen to the elegant music of talented musicians performing on traditional Japanese instruments. Past featured artists include accomplished koto player Mitsuki Dazai and highly respected shakuhachi players Larry Tyrrell and Hanzaburo Araki.
Poetry reading and writing have been part of traditional moonviewing events in Japan for centuries. Guests are invited to write their own poetry in honor of the autumn moon and listen to poetry readings in the Garden Pavilion. Sip sake or tea, enjoy a light sampling of seasonal Japanese foods, and experience a rare walk through the lantern-lit Garden during moonlit hours. From the Garden's spectacular east-facing overlook with a view of the city skyline below, watch breathlessly as the moon rises over the mountains and downtown Portland. A romantic evening in the Garden not to be missed!
