Jyugoya

JYUGOYA: THE MID AUTUMN HARVEST MOON FESTIVAL 

Have you ever celebrated Jyugoya (known formally as Tsukimi)? A longstanding Japanese holiday dedicated to honoring the Harvest Moon that dates back to 794 AD, families would cruise the sea at night to admire the beautiful reflection of the moon off the dark waters while reading tanka poetry. Since ancient times, the Japanese people have agreed that the eighth solar month was the best time to view the moon in it's full beauty as the moon aligns with the Earth and Sun in such a way that it's brightness is exemplified. 

Traditionally, on the evening of the full moon, families would gather together and decorate their surroundings with pampas grass while serving seasonal treats such as white rice dumplings, edamame, sake and chestnuts as an offering for an abundant harvest. Prior to 1684, the Japanese calendar was actually arranged so that the full moon would be on the 13th day of each month. Even when the entire moon isn't visible, tsukimi parties are still held with the term "Mugetsu" being used to describe this event which means "no-moon". 

This year you can join in on the festivities with some of our Signature Matcha Warabi Mochi paired with our most popular full bodied Sencha Matsuri Green Tea for only $7! (Offer valid only at our Palo Alto / Cupertino Locations from 10/2/17 - 10/6/17) Whether or not you're celebrating Jyugoya, everyone can celebrate having great food with great family and friends this year! ​