The best places to observe the moon in Japan 日本の月を観察する
Under the moonlight
September 24, 2018, was Tsukimi, a day of moon gazing and a Mid-Autumn Celebration. For this occasion, it seemed pretty appropriate to point out the best places in the archipelago where you can enjoy the lunar star at your leisure. Natural sites, temples, sanctuaries, observatories in large cities… the possibilities are endless, but if it were only possible to retain five, it would be these!
Fujisawa (Kanagawa Prefecture)
From Kugenuma beach, near Enoshima, the moon and the sacred mountain of the archipelago offer you an incredible spectacle, a majestic scene that is nicknamed "the pearl of Mount Fuji." On full moon days, the lunar star seems to gently land on the summit of Mount Fuji like a sparkling precious pearl sheltered in its comfortable setting. You can also gaze at the moon from the Enoshima Sea Candle, the Samuel Cocking Garden observation tower.
See: The best views of Mount Fuji.
The "Pearl of Mount Fuji"
こまってぃ さん
Enoshima's reputation for observing the moon is not new. Hasui Kawase, grandmaster ofshin-hanga printmaking, immortalized the view in his 1934 print "The Moon at Enoshima." The moon, the Enoshima peninsula, and Mount Fuji are a winning combination!
- Kugenuma Beach, Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture 251-0037, Japan
Official site
Matsushima (Miyagi Prefecture)
To the northeast of Sendai, 260 islets of Matsushima have been renowned since the beginning of the Edo period (1603-1868) as one of the three most beautiful landscapes in the country. This century-old glory, Matsushima or "the island of pines," owes it to the scholar Shunsai Hayashi who compiled this classification in his book Nihonkoku Jisekikou. Once night has fallen, the lunar star leaves its golden reflections in the bay's waters and magnifies the pines in a sumptuous shadow theatre. In the 17th century, the poet Matsuo Basho made a long journey to appreciate Matsushima in this spectral light. While writing countless haikus throughout his journey, Basho leaves no poems about this extraordinary sight. Legend has it that he was so overwhelmed by the scene's beauty that words failed him, unable to write a single verse. The rising moon of Matsushima, therefore, literally offers a breathtaking view!
- Matsushima Bay, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0213, Japan
Official site
Matsushima Bay
http://japan100moons.com
Gifu Castle (Gifu Prefecture)
Perched atop Mount Kinka, Gifu Castle towers over the entire city. On the last level of the fortress, the panoramic observatory reveals a 360° view allowing you to appreciate as far as the plain of Nobi and the city of Nagoya on a clear day. During September and October, the castle remains open in the evening on weekends and public holidays, allowing visitors to enjoy the city's lights. However, this is not the only way to enjoy a magical view.
Full moon behind Gifu Castle
http://japan100moons.com
Indeed, when the moon makes its appearance behind the fortress, the places are contemplated from below. Gifu Castle looms thinly in the darkness with the full moon as a backdrop. Mystical atmosphere guaranteed!
- 18, Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, 500-0000, Japan
Official site
Ishiyama-dera Temple (Shiga Prefecture)
Overlooking Lake Biwa in Otsu, Ishiyama-dera Temple is famous among lovers of Japanese literature for being the place where Dame Murasaki Shikibu began writing the Genji Monogatari. One night, in 1004, the author who stays in this temple of the Shingon sect founded in 749 finds inspiration by contemplating the reflection of the round and blond moon in the waters of Lake Biwa. Therefore, this incredible moon of beauty above the Ishiyama-dera temple would be the origin of the most famous Japanese novel.
Ishiyama dera under the moon
http://www.otsu.or.jp
Centuries later, ukiyo-e artists also succumbed to its charm. In 1834, Hiroshige depicted the "Autumn Moon at Ishiyama" in his Eight Views of Omi series. And you, will you find inspiration by raising your eyes to the sky?
- 1-1-1 Ishiyamadera, Otsu City, Shiga
Official site
Villa Saito (Niigata Prefecture)
A few days a year, Villa Saito remains open in the evening, a unique opportunity to appreciate the traditional garden lit by the moon and the soft light of the candles. The former summer residence of the wealthy Saito family, built between 1917 and 1920, and its lush green setting have been designed as an inseparable whole. Taste this perfect harmony from the villa's tea house, where you can enjoy the moonrise over the garden like nowhere else.
- 576 Nishi-Ohatacho, Chuo-ku, Niigata
Official site
Enjoy Villa Saito under the moon
http://saitouke.jp/
