p>With clear skies only second to Winter, Autumn is the best season to get together and enjoy the night sky. Coincidentally it is also the season where residents of Japan gather to celebrate the harvest moon.

The harvest moon gets its name from the fact that in ancient times, farmers who had to work late into the darkening nights would rely on the bright light of the mid-autumn moon to tend their land.
In Asia, the Mid-Autumn Moon festival is one of the most popular events held throughout the year, and each region celebrates the festival in it’s own way. Traditionally in Japan, the calendar was designed so that the full moon would fall onto the 13th day of each month. During the autumn season people would gather together and hold moon-viewing parties. In the Heian period, moon viewing was so popular amongst aristocrats, that they would head out by boat and enjoy the reflections of the bright light upon the water.

This October 1st, Tokyo City View and Sky Deck in Roppongi Hills will hold a special ‘Mid-Autumn Moon Viewing Party’ on the rooftop of the building. Following the party, a further two celestial appreciation events are also set to be held at the building during the month.
Check out below for further details on the events.

Mid-Autumn Moon Viewing Party

Enjoy the brilliance of the Autumn harvest moon right from the center of Tokyo city. The evening event will be accompanied by explanation and commentary from an astronomical expert.

Date: 1 October 2020
Time: 19:00 - 21:00 (last entry 20:30)
Location:Rooftop Sky Deck, Mori Tower, Roppongi Hills
Sky Deck entry price:500 yen
Event entry price:free

To apply for the event register your interest here. 60 lucky applicants will be chosen from a lottery of names to attend the event. Those who are lucky to be given a place will be notified by email on September 18th.

Mars Close Approach Observation Party

Every two years and two months, the orbit of our neighbouring planet, Mars, brings it closer to earth. During the time when it is closest to the earth, it is easy to see even with the naked eye.
This event gets you even closer to the big red planet. Stand on top of the Roppongi Hills Mori building and take in the red glow of Mars with your own eyes.

Date: 6 October 2020
Time: 19:00 - 21:00 (last entry 20:30)
Location:Rooftop Sky Deck, Mori Tower, Roppongi Hills
Sky Deck entry price:500 yen
Event entry price:free

To apply for the event fill out this form. The attendees will be chosen at random from a lottery of applicants, and will be notified of their place at the event by September 18th.

‘Waxing Moon’ Viewing Party

The waxing moon that follows Japan’s Harvest Moon is known as ‘the moon of the 13th night’ and was used traditionally to mark the end of the Autumn harvest season. Traditionally, offerings of beans and chestnuts are made to the waxing moon to ‘nurture’ it back to it’s full moon appearance.
This event at the Roppongi Hills Mori Building Sky Deck allows you to take a closer look at the waxing moon and the night sky.

Date: 29 October 2020
Time: 19:00 - 21:00 (last entry 20:30)
Location:Rooftop Sky Deck, Mori Tower, Roppongi Hills
Sky Deck entry price:500 yen
Event entry price:free

Apply for a space at the event by filling out this form by the 30th of September. Winners of a place at the event will be notified by email on the 2nd of October.