Japanese traditions, Tsukimi, the Moon-viewing festival

Tsukimi is a moon-viewing festival dating since the ancient times, with a history of more than 1000 years. Originally, during tsukimi the members of the aristocracy were reciting tanka poetry while boating, admiring the moon's reflection on the water. Later, the tradition was also adopted by the samurai class, and many castles were built with turrets designed especially for this festival, Tsukimi yagura.

This year the festival is held on September 15, and the most sought for places are the observatories, where the beauty of the full moon combines with the beauty of the surrounding landscape. This photo was taken at the observatory on top of Mount Hakodate, a place that offers one of the Three Major Night Views of Japan (Nihon Sandai Yakei).