The Escape Society & Women On the Go
Otsukimi Moon Viewing at the Japanese Friendship Garden
Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 4:30 PM (Arizona time)
Women only
Japanese Friendship Garden, 1125 N 3rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Photo: Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
A look at Otsukimi
Photos from past Otsukimi nights at the garden. Tap any photo to see it bigger.
Photo: Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
See the garden
Two short films from the garden itself, shot in the daytime.
Welcome to the Japanese Friendship Garden
Video: Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, on YouTube
A quiet walk through the garden on a spring morning
Video: Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, on YouTube
Come spend an evening under the autumn moon with The Escape Society and Women On the Go at the Japanese Friendship Garden in downtown Phoenix. This one is a women-only evening, so bring a girlfriend or come on your own and meet new friends.
Otsukimi means "moon viewing." It is a Japanese tradition that goes back more than a thousand years, to when people gathered to write poetry and watch the harvest moon on the water. This year's theme is Tsuki no En, "Moonlit Connections," a celebration of friendship and community. That sounds like us.
WHAT'S HAPPENING THAT NIGHT:
- Lantern and bamboo lit paths through the garden after dark
- Traditional Japanese dance and live music: shakuhachi, shamisen, bamboo flute and taiko drums
- A sake talk with Mark Fukushima, an Ozeki sake sommelier
- Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) displays and a live demonstration
- Calligraphy scrolls, a bamboo and candlelight art display, and local artists' booths
- Food and drinks from Kakigori Addict, Shimogamo, Mochinut Tempe and the garden's own sake bar
The garden says the lineup may change a little before the night.
TIMING, ARIZONA TIME:
- Gates open at 4:30 PM
- The opening performance starts at 4:50 PM
- The evening wraps up at 9:00 PM
TICKETS: Everyone buys their own ticket straight from the garden at japanesefriendshipgarden.org, so there is nothing to pay us. The garden runs Otsukimi two nights, so pick Saturday, November 21 when you buy.
- Adults $35
- Youth $25
- Japanese Friendship Garden members $30
- Tickets are $2 more if you buy them at the gate
OPTIONAL EXTRA: The Tea House and Tea Garden experience is $20 more, paid at the Tea Gate that night. It includes matcha and a traditional Japanese sweet in the Tea House, a walk through the Tea Garden and a special art exhibit.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- This event is for women only. The Escape Society itself is open to everyone.
- Only clear bags or small clutches (4.5" x 6.5" or smaller) are allowed in the garden during Otsukimi.
- Add your name below and Maren will be in touch with where we're meeting.