The imaginary view of the moonlit pond garden: Katsura-rikyu (Kyoto)

The tradition of admiring the moon (Tsuki) beautifully shining in the dark night sky has existed in Japan since ancient times. It is said that the custom of Kangetsu-kai (moon-viewing banquet) was introduced to Japan from China during Heian period (794-1185) and became popular among the nobility of those days.

In those days, the moon-viewing party was the elegant event in which noble people enjoyed boating on the pond, tea ceremonies, improvised poems, and Kangen (wind and string music) associated with the beautiful moon, while drinking liquor, in the grounds of their mansions softly lighted up by moonlight.

The "Tsukimidai" (the platform to view the moon) of the main palace of Katsura Imperial Villa, which is built adjacent to the tranquil pond, is designed to face the optimal direction for viewing the bright harvest moon and its reflection on the calm water of the pond.

Moon and clouds: Yuigahama-beach

 

The evening moon: Yuigahama-beach (Kamakura)

The sun has just set beneath the distant horizon. In the swiftly fading twilight sky, the first quarter moon is shining brightly in silver above a series of low clouds.

The serene moon is reflecting the lucid light of the sun which has already disappeared from sight.

The gray fleecy clouds are gently drifting away on the soft sea breeze while changing their figures successively.

The moon is silently gazing at the people standing still at this seaside, like the eye which can see through all things wisely.

Half-moon: Yuigahama-beach

The daytime moon above the grove of Tokei-ji

Above the trees which had dropped all their leaves, the silver-gray moon was shining brightly in the chilly winter sky.

The seasons are turning unceasingly and the moon mirrors and emits light gently like a serene and awakened spirit.