To take full advantage of the October 2024 supermoon, Tokyo’s Hamarikyu Garden is remaining open until 9:00 pm, with special lighting and small events, from October 15 through 19, 2024.
Centuries ago Hamarikyu Garden, on the banks of the Sumida River near Shiodome, was the residence of a feudal lord. It then became a favorite duck hunting ground of the Tokugawa shoguns and their retinue. With tidal ponds and water channels, it was easy to attract water birds to the area, and remains so to this day.
When the Emperor Meiji relocated from Kyoto to make Tokyo his seat in the mid-nineteenth century, the garden was restyled as a “detached imperial palace”, complete with moat and stone walls. It was also re-designed into a classic strolling garden centering on the large pond, with an expansive tea house on a small island accessible by bridges. Other charming small teahouses and rest-houses, as well as various sculpted land features were also installed. This late nineteenth century design is pretty much what visitors to the garden experience today, with the modern city skyline as its backdrop.
A daytime visit to the garden offers visitors a green escape from the bustle of the city just outside its gates. A nighttime visit to enjoy the full moon and other special lighting is an even more complete diversion.
The October 2024 moon is 14% brighter than the average full moon because it is occurring at nearly the same time as the moon has reached its perigee (closest point to Earth). This phenomenon, referred to as a supermoon, will also cause higher and lower than usual tides, although these won’t necessarily be so obvious to garden visitors.
Besides discreetly lit garden paths, several of the garden’s stately and venerable pine trees will be specially lit, often in ways that show off their gnarled branches. The most famous of these is the 300 year old pine near the garden entrance, many of its low, spreading branches held up by wooden supporting beams.
On the long path leading from the garden entrance to the pond, occasionally the steam of dry ice is released from a pipeline to create a mysterious mood-enhancing misting effect.
There are various moon effigies placed around the pond that also contribute to the overall atmosphere.
Did you know that in Japan, it is not a “man in the moon” but a “bunny in the moon”?
Of course, the actual moon (show here the day before full moon) is the primary driver behind this special nighttime opening.
Each night of the special opening, there are also brief special events. On October 15, a special opening ceremony was held, with autumn harvest offerings.
On October 16, weather permitting, there will be a special guided tour from the Matsu-no-ochaya teahouse for the first 20 to join (5:30 and 7:30 in Japanese; 6:30 in English; JPY500). October 17-19 there is a special “Shogun’s gagaku on a boat”, 20 minute musical performance from a boat on the garden’s side moat. There will be three performances each night: 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00. Inquire at the ticket window.
Even without the various special events one can enjoy a stroll around the pond admiring the full moon and various reflections on the pond.
If all this perambulation makes you feel peckish, there is a small food court halfway between the entrance and the pond. Or, take a more elegant option at Nakashima no Ochaya, the large teahouse on the pond. Choose from a green tea set or a sake set, each drink adorned with gold flake and served with an autumn-themed sweet. Sit on the deck to enjoy autumn breezes off the pond and admire the moon as you sip and nibble. Or sit at one of the indoor tables and imagine yourself in the same teahouse a century or more ago.
Hamarikyu Garden is open daily 9:00-17:00, but from October 15 to 19 will remain open until 21:00. In either case, last entry is 30 minutes before closing. (The only time the garden closes is for the 3 days before New Year’s; it also hosts special New Year’s events during the first three days of the year.)
Admission is JPY300 (JPY150 for seniors and children). There is also a special JPY400 (JPY200 for seniors and children) open-ended ticket providing entry to both Hamarikyu Garden and nearby Shibarikyu Garden, which will also have a special nighttime opening November 2-4, 2024.
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