NY Seasonal Tea Ceremony: Harvest Moon Viewing 2026

Experience Kōshomō, a rare chanoyu incense ritual, followed by matcha in a quiet Obon gathering honoring memory, season, and stillness.
About this Event

For centuries in Japan, Otsukimi — literally moon viewing — has been a cherished autumn tradition. People honor the harvest and give thanks for the abundance of the season by setting out offerings to the moon. Among them are tsukimi dango: small round rice dumplings whose shape calls up the full moon, and which carry wishes for happiness and prosperity.

In the United States, the full moon closest to the autumn equinox is known as the Harvest Moon. This year our Otsukimi gathering falls on the day of the full moon itself, bringing the Japanese and American traditions of the season together.

Guests are served a seasonal kaiseki meal — the multi-course meal that opens a formal gathering — made with freshly harvested grains and other autumn ingredients, followed by matcha in a formal tea setting. Both seatings are held by the light of traditional Japanese candles.

For one day, step out of the pace of ordinary life and into the slower rhythm of the seasons. Let us mark the harvest, the passing of the year, and the quiet beauty of the full moon together.

What you will experience

• Afternoon seating — a serene, candlelit gathering
• Evening seating — with time to watch the full moon, weather permitting
• A seasonal kaiseki meal of freshly harvested grains and autumn ingredients
• An individual bowl of matcha for every guest

Detail of this tea ritual

1. Seasonal kaiseki meal

• The meal, and an explanation of the part it plays in a formal gathering

2. Tea Ritual

• Tea ritual performance
• How to drink matcha
• Each person has a cup of Matcha.

3. Discussion time

• The history of the Japanese tea ritual
• The relationships between samurai and tea ceremony
• The spirituality of tea ceremony
• Introduction of the tools that we use
• Question and answer

*The contents are subject to change.

*If you have allergies, vegetarianism, or other dietary requirements, please contact us at least three days prior to the tea ritual.

Dress code:

Western-style clothes are acceptable. No sleeveless shirts, or short mini skirts. Please bring a clean pair of white socks. (We have some extra)

Please take off jewelry and watches.

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*If you cancel for any reason, no refund or change of ticket to another tea ceremony will be given.

*The images are a record of the tea ceremonies we have held so far. They do not show the contents of this tea ceremony.

*The staff will take pictures of the tea ceremony. Please note that the images taken may be used for publicity purposes at a later date.

Sponsor:

Globus Family / Nippon Cha / Ueda Soko-ryu