NOTICE: Reduced hours on Saturday 11/16:
Open 9 AM–4 PM.
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Otsukimi
2022
Moon Viewing Exhibit
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Join us for an evening of moon viewing
October 8 & 9
5 - 9 pm (members gain early access 4 - 5 pm)
Experience the garden in its evening splendor, as it comes alive in this special celebration of the Autumn Moon.
Our exhibit theme this year is : "明月清風 Meigetsu Seifu."
Meigetsu Seifu (明月清風) is a Zen phrase that means "a clear moon and cool breeze brings to mind the serenity of moments of deep peace that clear the mind.” This phrase gives one the feeling of longing for the night when the world calms down and the air becomes refreshing after a hot summer day. Meigetsu Seifu brings us into this cooling and calming mood.
What is Otsukimi?
The word "Otsukimi" means to literally gaze at the moon (月 tsuki means moon and 見 mi means to look).
This tradition of enjoying the beauty of the full moon in September and October dates back to the Heian period, from 794 to 1185 A.D. In those days, aristocrats would gather together to admire the moon, recite poetry, and play instruments.
They would admire the reflection of the moon on the surface of ponds or on the surface of their cups of sake. Many poems written during Otsukimi can be found in the Kokinshu, a famous ancient Japanese poetry anthology.
Enjoy traditional Japanese arts and music
Experience traditional Japanese musical performances, a calligraphy booth, Ikebana flower arrangement, and Japanese art installations as you stroll through our garden.
Traditional Japanese food like okonomiyaki and oden will also be available for purchase, as well as sake and beer at our garden bar.
We will also have Japanese Musical Performances with the Shamisen (Japanese lute), Shakuhachi (bamboo flute), and Taiko drums in the main performance area!
These performances are included with general Otsukimi admission.
Experience a rare musical performance in our tea house
Enjoy an exclusive performance on traditional Japanese musical instruments and a rare look inside our tea house. Our musical artists will be performing on the Japanese Koto, and the Chinese Niko.
As our tea garden is closed to the public, additional ticketing is required for this performance.
For those purchasing the bundle tickets, be sure to check in early before your performance time.
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Members gain early access
As a special thank you to our members, JFG members can gain early access to both Otsukimi vendors and installations, as well as tea house musical performance times, along with discounted prices.
Take advantage of these early admission times to have the garden to yourself!
Reserve your ticket now
Space is limited for both performances and festivities.
Includes general admission to the moon viewing festival, with access to vendors, installations, and activities.
General Otsukimi Admission
Adult $30 / Youth $20 / Member $25
Includes general admission to the moon viewing festival, with access to vendors, installations, and activities.
Also includes access to the limited tea house performances and special exhibit.
Bundle Otsukimi
Admission
Adult $60 / Youth $50
Includes early access admission to the moon viewing festival, with access to vendors, installations, and activities.
Also includes early access to the limited tea house performances and special exhibit.
Members must log in to purchase.
Member Exclusive
Otsukimi Admission
Adult $45 / Youth $35
