The imaginary view of the moonlit pond garden: Katsura-rikyu (Kyoto)

The tradition of admiring the moon (Tsuki) beautifully shining in the dark night sky has existed in Japan since ancient times. It is said that the custom of Kangetsu-kai (moon-viewing banquet) was introduced to Japan from China during Heian period (794-1185) and became popular among the nobility of those days.

In those days, the moon-viewing party was the elegant event in which noble people enjoyed boating on the pond, tea ceremonies, improvised poems, and Kangen (wind and string music) associated with the beautiful moon, while drinking liquor, in the grounds of their mansions softly lighted up by moonlight.

The "Tsukimidai" (the platform to view the moon) of the main palace of Katsura Imperial Villa, which is built adjacent to the tranquil pond, is designed to face the optimal direction for viewing the bright harvest moon and its reflection on the calm water of the pond.