As September heat fades in Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen enters moon-viewing season. Special nighttime openings for Mid-Autumn Festival, silver grass landscapes, and dango sweets—4 moon-viewing activities curated.
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In September, Tokyo is still hot during the day, but the nights begin to cool down.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Jūgoya, the 15th day of the 8th lunar month each year) is a traditional moon-viewing celebration in Japan. Shinjuku Gyoen holds **special evening hours**, making it the closest moon-viewing spot in Shinjuku Ward.
4 Moon Viewing Activities
01 | Shinjuku Gyoen Night Special Opening | Mid-Autumn 3 Days
The garden, which normally closes at 17:00, extends its hours until 21:00 for three days around the autumn equinox. **Admission ¥500** includes illuminated pampas grass and complimentary matcha tea tasting.
Dates are announced every September (estimated September 15-17 for 2026).
02｜Susuki (Japanese Pampas Grass) Booking
Pampas grass is a symbol of mid-autumn and is displayed together with dumplings. **The plaza in front of the Gyoen Grand Greenhouse** will be decorated.
After sunset (from 18:30 onwards), the illuminated pampas grass creates a traditional moon-viewing atmosphere.
03 | Tsukimi Dango | Wagashi Shop Exclusive
Mid-Autumn Festival limited pastries. Available at **Shinjuku Isetan Basement and Toraya Honten**. ¥300–600 per box.
You can enjoy a meal while admiring the moon at the edge of Gyoen.
04 | Matcha and Wagashi Tea Ceremony
Goen Nai Rakuu Tei Teahouse offers matcha sets during the Mid-Autumn Festival season. **¥800–1,200 per serving**, including matcha + Japanese sweets + garden moon-viewing seating.
Reservations begin at 09:00, and seating is limited on the day.
For moon viewing in Tokyo in September, **Gyoen is the most convenient choice in Shinjuku Ward**. A 12-minute walk from IGO HOTEL.
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