Globus Chashitsu

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
• The day+
  1. 1

     Seasonal kaiseki meal

     • The meal, and an explanation of the part it plays in a formal gathering
  2. 2

     Tea ceremony

     • A formal tea ceremony, performed
     • Guidance on how to receive and drink matcha
     • An individual bowl of matcha for each guest
  3. 3

     Conversation and questions

     • The history of the Japanese tea ceremony
     • Samurai culture and the Way of Tea
     • The spiritual philosophy behind the practice
     • The utensils used during the gathering
     • Your questions, answered

Photographs shown are from previous tea ceremonies and do not represent the exact menu or presentation of this event.