World Heritage Ninna-ji Temple in Kyoto is holding a one-day-only moon-viewing event on Saturday, September 26, 2026. Called Kangetsu-sai, the festival is jointly hosted by Tomo Co., Ltd. and Weft Hospitality Co., Ltd., both based in Kyoto, with the cooperation of Ninna-ji Temple. Highlights include a harvest-moon light-up over a sea of clouds, a goeika hymn concert, poem-writing on the temple's moon-viewing platform, and matcha served with a specially made wagashi called "Ninna no Tsuki." Advance reservations for the evening viewing start at ¥4,200 (tax included).
A Moon Emperor Uda Loved More Than a Thousand Years Ago
Emperor Uda, who completed Ninna-ji Temple, is said to have praised the harvest moon he saw there as peerless — more beautiful than any other. His words are considered one of the origins of the Japanese custom of moon viewing. Kangetsu-sai is a once-a-year occasion at that same temple to wait for the moon, gaze up at it, and compose a poem on the theme of the moon. No experience with tanka poetry or knowledge of its etiquette is required.
Highlights Available Only on This Day
Hitōtei (Important Cultural Property, Normally Closed to the Public)
A tea house said to have been a favorite of Emperor Kōkaku. During the day, visitors can step inside (eight people per session); at night, it can be viewed from outside, rising in the moonlight.
A Goeika Hymn Concert in the National Treasure Kondō
The Kondō, a National Treasure normally closed to the public, fills with the sound of the hymn (special seating at night).
Composing a Poem on the Tsukimidai, With Matcha and the Wagashi "Ninna no Tsuki"
Guests receive guidance from a special instructor. A bowl of matcha and a wagashi made for the occasion are served together under the moon.
A Cloud-Sea Light-Up Under the Harvest Moon, and a Special Display of Emperor Kōkaku's Calligraphy
The harvest moon rising above a sea of illuminated clouds — a scene unique to this one night — is shown alongside calligraphy written by Emperor Kōkaku himself.
Full details on the day's program are available on the official Kangetsu-sai event page.
Seating Guide (Tax Included)
Daytime "Moon-Waiting Seat" — ¥77,000 (eight people per session)
A seat inside Hitōtei to compose a poem together with the special instructor.
The second session (2:00 PM to 4:30 PM) is sold out; the first session (12:30 PM to 3:00 PM) is still accepting reservations.
Evening Viewing of the Cloud Sea and Harvest Moon — ¥4,200 in advance / ¥5,000 on the day
Gates open at 5:30 PM, with final entry at 8:30 PM and closing at 9:00 PM. Includes the light-up and the special calligraphy exhibition.
Special Evening Seat to Appreciate the Moon — ¥24,800 in advance / ¥28,000 on the day (two sessions, up to 20 people each)
Includes the goeika concert, a view of Hitōtei's exterior, poem-writing on the Tsukimidai, and matcha.
Seats may fill up, so early booking is recommended.
Also Running: A NiKEYA Photo Exhibition (September 24 to 26, Kuro-shoin Hall)
A photo exhibition by NiKEYA, a creator with more than 900,000 followers across social media. Viewing is available until 5:00 PM with only the temple's regular admission fee (¥800).
More on the NiKEYA photo exhibition
Event Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Kangetsu-sai, World Heritage Ninna-ji Temple |
| Date | Saturday, September 26, 2026 |
| Venue | World Heritage Ninna-ji Temple (33 Omuro Ouchi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto) |
| Organizers | Tomo Co., Ltd. / Weft Hospitality Co., Ltd. |
| Cooperation | World Heritage Ninna-ji Temple |
The event is held on September 26, 2026 only.
Reservations
Daytime Session
Daytime "Moon-Waiting Seat" — ¥77,000 (eight people per session)
Inquiries: Weft Hospitality Co., Ltd. — contact the daytime session organizer
Evening Sessions
Evening Viewing of the Cloud Sea and Harvest Moon — ¥4,200 in advance / ¥5,000 on the day
Event information is also listed on the Kyoto Travel official event guide.
Special Evening Seat to Appreciate the Moon — ¥24,800 in advance / ¥28,000 on the day (up to 20 people per session)
Reserve the special evening seat
Event information is also listed on the Kyoto Travel official event guide.
