When is the 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival (Tsukimi)? Here's the exact date!
When is Jugoya in 2025? Find out the exact date!
A full moon floats in the clear autumn night sky. For Japanese people, "Jugoya" (the fifteenth night) is a beautiful custom that has been cherished since ancient times.
Decorating with tsukimi dango and pampas grass and gazing at the moon enriches the soul.
Do you know when Jugoya will be this year, 2025?
This article will explain not only the exact date of Jugoya in 2025, but also how it is calculated, what kind of event Jugoya is, its history and origin, and how to enjoy moon viewing and its decorations, from a florist's perspective, in an easy-to-understand manner.
Find tips to make this year's moon viewing even more special.
When is Jugoya in 2025?
The date of Jugoya changes every year. In 2025, Jugoya is on Monday, October 6th.
This day is also known as "Chushu no Meigetsu" (Mid-Autumn Moon) and is cherished as the day to see the most beautiful full moon of the year.
The date of Jugoya changes every year according to the new calendar, so it's a good idea to check a calendar or similar source.
How is the date of Jugoya calculated?
The date of Jugoya is based on the lunisolar calendar of the old calendar.
In the old calendar, dates were determined based on the phases of the moon. The 15th day of the 8th month in the old calendar corresponds to Jugoya.
This is because in the old calendar, autumn was from July to September, and the full moon of August, which is in the middle of autumn, is called "Chushu no Meigetsu."
Since it is related to the cycle of the full moon, when converted to the new calendar, it falls between September and October each year.
What exactly is Jugoya?
Jugoya is not just a day for moon viewing. It is a traditional Japanese culture with a long history and deep origins.
History and Origins of Jugoya
The origin of Jugoya is said to be in China's "Mid-Autumn Festival."
In China, there was a custom of admiring the moon from the Tang Dynasty, and this was introduced to Japan during the Heian period through envoys to Tang China.
At that time in Japan, among the aristocracy, it was enjoyed as "Kangetsu no En" (Moon Viewing Parties), where they would float boats on ponds to view the moon or compose poetry on the theme of the moon.
In the Edo period, Jugoya spread to commoners. In the agricultural society of that time, the full moon of Jugoya, which falls during the autumn harvest season, became an important day to give thanks for a good harvest.
In this way, the gratitude for a good harvest and the custom of admiring the moon merged, and the unique Japanese culture of Jugoya was formed.
What should I do on Jugoya?
There are various ways to enjoy Jugoya, but by knowing the traditional "Otsukimi" (moon viewing), you can make this day even more special.
Practice "Kangetsu" on Jugoya
The focus of Jugoya is preparing offerings and "Kangetsu" (moon viewing).
・Prepare offerings: Prepare tsukimi dango (moon-viewing dumplings), pampas grass, taro, persimmons, grapes, and other seasonal crops. These symbolize gratitude to the moon and prayers for a good harvest.
・Enjoy "Kangetsu" (moon viewing): Display the offerings in a place where the moon can be seen well, and quietly appreciate the beauty of the moon.
・Gather with family and friends to gaze at the moon: Sharing offerings while looking up at the moon and enjoying conversation is also a good idea. Jugoya is a precious opportunity to connect with loved ones.
・Eat the offerings: The tsukimi dango and seasonal crops offered are later eaten as offerings from the moon. There is a belief that this incorporates the moon's power and wishes for health and happiness.
In some regions, the unique custom of "Otsukimi Dorobo" (moon-viewing thieves) still remains.
It is a traditional and fun event where children "steal" offerings from each household on the night of Jugoya, and the household from which items are stolen is considered lucky.
What do you decorate with for Jugoya?
Each decoration for Jugoya has a deep meaning.
・Tsukimi Dango: Tsukimi dango, symbolizing the full moon, carry the meaning of wishing for a good harvest, family harmony, and health. Since it's Jugoya, typically 15 pieces are stacked in a pyramid shape.
・Pampas Grass (Susuki): Pampas grass is indispensable for Jugoya decorations. It is believed to symbolize a good harvest because it resembles rice ears, and its sharp tips are thought to ward off evil. It also serves as a yorishiro (object where a deity resides) to welcome messengers from the moon. Decorating with fresh pampas grass greatly enhances the atmosphere of moon viewing.
・Seasonal Crops: Taro (which is why Jugoya is also called "Imomeigetsu" or "Potato Moon"), edamame, chestnuts, persimmons, grapes, and other fresh seasonal crops are offered. This expresses gratitude for the bounty.
It is important to display these offerings in a purified place where the moon can be clearly seen. If you have a tokonoma (alcove), place them there; otherwise, decorate a window sill or other bright spot where the moon is visible.
&YOUKAEN is currently selling seasonal pampas grass!
At &YOUKAEN, we are selling pampas grass to beautifully adorn Jugoya 2025.
We carefully select high-quality pampas grass and have it ready so that everyone can easily prepare for moon viewing.
While pampas grass itself is charming, we can also suggest arrangements and bouquets that combine pampas grass with autumn flowers perfect for moon viewing.
Combining autumn flowers such as bellflowers, gentians, and chrysanthemums with pampas grass will create an even more splendid moon-viewing decoration.
Also, while fresh pampas grass is only available for a limited time, it can be enjoyed as a dried flower for a long time, so you can display it as interior decor regardless of the season.
It is perfect for decorating your home, as a shop display, or as a seasonal gift for a loved one.
By giving it with meanings such as warding off evil and praying for a good harvest, your feelings will be conveyed even more deeply.
Recommended Pampas Grass Products
Autumn "Susuki" 10-stem bouquet, 70cm tall
¥5,500-
Summary
Jugoya in 2025 is on Monday, October 6th, 2025.
It's a special day once a year. Why not take some time to admire the moon?
Jugoya is not just another day on the calendar; it's a wonderful traditional Japanese culture that has been passed down through generations. By decorating with tsukimi dango and pampas grass and gazing at the moon, you can enjoy a spiritually rich moment.
Of course, just decorating is fine too. How you enjoy it is up to each individual.
At &YOUKAEN, we offer high-quality pampas grass and various autumn bouquets and flower arrangements to help everyone have a beautiful Jugoya.
Please visit our online store to easily purchase the essential pampas grass for your Jugoya decorations.
Our professional florists will assist you in preparing for your moon viewing.
This year, on Jugoya, experience Japanese aesthetics and history under the full moon, and enjoy a spiritually fulfilling time.
Jul 31, 2025
