Have you ever been to the Seattle Japanese Garden? This September they have something very special planned that will let you view the garden in a whole new way. Seattle Japanese Garden is hosting a Moon Viewing event for two nights this week—and a limited amount of tickets are still available.
Read on for all the details!
The Seattle Japanese Moon Viewing will take place on the evenings of Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6. The Moon Viewing is not merely an evening of sky-gazing. Here is an explanation of moon viewing from the Seattle Japanese Garden:
お月見 (otsukimi), moon viewing, dates back to 8th century Japan, when on the 8th month of the old Japanese calendar, aristocrats celebrated the beauty of the autumnal full moon with poetry and music.”
In the spirit of this tradition, Seattle Japanese Garden will be lit up by lanterns and luminaries for two nights. This year, not only will there be luminaries on the ground but the garden staff will also be lighting up the trees for “an extra layer of drama.” The luminary lighting starts around 7:30 p.m. when the sun goes down.
In addition to the visual spectacle of light displays, there will be performances and activities! There will be modern dancers performing at 7:00 p.m., traditional Okinawan music performed at 8:00, and a Haiku station open the entire time. You can write a poem of your own and submit it to the contest at the Haiku station. The evening wraps up around 9:00 p.m., with the garden closing at 9:30.
There are only four tickets allowed per customer. Tickets cost $35 for regular admission (the higher tier tickets include a tea ceremony but are now sold out for this year). You can bring water and a blanket to sit on, and you should wear closed-toe shoes.
Tickets are going fast; you can get yours and more info on the garden’s website.
Seattle Japanese Garden Moon Viewing 2025
When: September 5 and 6 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: 1075 Lake Washington Boulevard East, Seattle, WA
Cost: $35+