Moon Viewing Boat

Imaginary bird-headed moon viewing boat

Opening ceremony: chanting the Han-nya Shingyo
Matcha with a rabbit marked wagashi

Around this time of the year, various moon viewing events are held in Kyoto. We attended the Daikakuji moon viewing event which enjoys viewing moon boarding a dragon-headed boat or an imaginary bird-headed boat. The moon was one day after full moon, Izayoi. We had matcha with a rabbit marked wagashi during the opening ceremony, which includes chanting the sutra of Han-nya Shingyo, offering harvests to the god, and honoring Emperor Saga. And then we got on a moon viewing boat and enjoyed seeing the moon and the reflection of it on the Osawa pond.

Moon view from the boat
Reflection was so beautiful