Hama-rikyu Gardens

Admire the autumn full moon this autumn in the beautifully illuminated gardens of Hamarikyu. This sprawling green space, which once belonged to the ruling Tokugawa shogunate, will stay open until 9pm from October 21 to 23. The special night opening is held to celebrate Kurimeigetsu (October 23), traditionally considered to be the second most beautiful evening of the year to catch the harvest moon. What's more, the programme is extended with a second late-opening session from October 30 to November 3 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Hamarikyu becoming a public garden. Stemming from the moon-viewing tradition known as tsukimi, which dates back to the Heian period (794–1185), the event will begin with an offering ceremony on October 21 at 6pm at the lawn near the Shiojiri pond. This will be followed by a flute performance by shinobue performer Riki Yokosuka. Guided moon-viewing tours (¥500, cash only) in English are available on October 23 at 6pm and 7.30pm. The meeting point is at the Matsu no Ochaya teahouse. Slots are limited and apportioned on a first-come, first-served basis through an online booking form. The Nakajima no Ochaya teahouse, which boasts spectacular views of the garden, is offering a special tsukimi-themed nerikiri sweet and tea set from October 21 to October 23, making for a perfect light evening snack. Afterwards, enjoy traditional instrumental music performed near the Umashide no Mikoto statue. There are multiple 30-minute performances from two...

Always wanted to learn more about the Japanese tea ceremony but never found a suitable opportunity? Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony is a large-scale tea ceremony where even those who aren’t familiar with the custom are welcome to participate. The event will be held at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum on Saturday October 24 and Sunday October 25, and then a week later at the Hamarikyu Gardens on October 31 and November 1. Seven to eight tea ceremony sessions happen daily between 10.30am and 4.15pm, and sessions cost ¥800 per person (¥500 for children's sessions, accompanied by an adult on Oct 24 & 25). Check the schedule of each venue here: Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum and Hama-rikyu. Aside from the tea ceremonies, you’ll find plenty of other cultural programmes including live performances of daikagura (traditional Shinto acrobatic dance), kodan (narrative storytelling), ikebana (Flower arrangement), kabuki (on Oct 31 at Hama-rikyu) and more across both venues. Check the website to see what’s on at each venue. Entrance to the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is free during the event.