Today is the Mid-autumn moon festival (Jugoya) , a traditional autumn event.

In 2026, the Mid-autumn moon festival (Jugoya) falls on September 25.
Since the “Jugoya” refers to the moon on the night of the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, the date varies each year in modern times.
Autumn in the lunar calendar spans from July to September, and since the Mid-Autumn Festival—which falls in the middle of autumn—is a time when the sky is clear and the moon appears at its most beautiful, people began to admire the moon to pray for a bountiful harvest.

It is also said that the origins of the Jugoya lie in the Chinese “Mid-Autumn Festival,” which was introduced to the aristocracy during the Heian period.

Although it was originally a custom exclusive to the aristocracy, it spread to the common people around the Edo period. It evolved into a festival to give thanks for the autumn harvest—combined with celebrations for the harvest of root vegetables—and has been passed down as a traditional event to this day. For this reason, it is also known as the “Imomeigetu.”

During the Jugoya, three main offerings are made: tsukimi dango (moon-viewing rice dumplings), Japanese pampas grass, and taro or other agricultural produce.

・Tsukimi Dango
　Fifteen round dumplings, symbolizing the full moon, are prepared in honor of the Jugoya. They express gratitude for the harvest and pray for a bountiful harvest in the future.

・Japanese pampas grass
　It is considered a vessel for the moon god. Originally, people wanted to offer rice ears, which symbolize a bountiful harvest, but since the rice harvest had not yet taken place, it is said that they began using Japanese pampas grass, which resembles rice ears.

・Taro and Other Crops
　As the festival is also known as the “Imomeigetu,” people offer taro and other root vegetables, as well as seasonal fruits, to pray for a bountiful autumn harvest.

Furthermore, a long-standing Japanese legend tells of a rabbit pounding mochi (rice cakes) on the moon. For this reason, people enjoy the Moon Viewing Festival in various ways on the Jugoya, such as eating rabbit-themed sweets or decorating their homes with rabbit-themed ornaments.

The weather in Kyoto has become pleasant, and you can now feel the approach of autumn.
In celebration of the Jugoya, our hotel has also decorated the lobby with moon-viewing displays, Japanese pampas grass, and origami rabbits.

Why not come and experience this quintessential autumn tradition for yourself.