The Japanese Otsukimi Festival, literally meaning “moon-viewing”, celebrates the Harvest Moon that typically falls on the 5th day of the eighth month of the traditional Japanese calendar. In 2026, Otsukimi falls on Saturday September 26. It is said that the Otsukimi moon-viewing custom was first introduced to Japan by China, during the Heian period. The celebration is culturally important across East and Southeast Asia, where festivities often include outdoor evening picnics, seasonal cuisine, and giving thanks for the bountiful harvest of the year. In Japan, the most important imagery and objects associated with Otsukimi is rabbits pounding mochi on the full moon!

Make your own rabbit ear headgear at 2026 Otsukimi.