The Otsukimi moon-viewing party takes place on the the full harvest moon each October. The harvest moon is a symbol of blessing and abundance for many cultures, including Japan.

Similar to tea parties, the moon viewing parties are occasions for sharing food and stories, while enjoying what is considered the most beautiful moon of the year. These parties, featuring traditional Japanese entertainment, authentic Obento dinners, and astronomers with powerful telescopes, have been held at the lake  since 1965.

Sunday, October 9,
2011 from 5:30-8:00 pm

Lakeside Park Garden Center

666 Bellevue Avenue,
Oakland, CA

5:30 pm Bento Dinner
& Bonsai Garden Viewing
Open House hosted by  the GSBF Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt
Japanese Bento box dinners created by Musashi of Berkeley. Sushi & skewered meats & fish, with vegetarian Bentos
available upon request. $15.*

Come see the magnificent Torii Gate, dedicated to the memory of late Oakland Council member Frank Ogawa.
Visit the Silent auction

6:30 pm Entertainment

• Ensohza, traditional Japanese folk dancing
• Jiten Taiko, traditional Japanese drums
• Performance by our Oakland delegates to the Asian  Pacific Children’s Convention

7:30 pm Moon Viewing

Telescopic viewing of the moon and other celestial points of interest provided by the East Bay Astronomical Society

For more information go to http://sites.google.com/site/ofsca1/home/programs/otsukimi-moon-viewing-party