Tsukimi (月見), also known as the “Moon Viewing” festival, is a Japanese tradition that celebrates the beauty of the harvest moon, typically in September or October. It’s only fitting that the September boxes for TokyoTreat and Sakuraco both feature lunar themes with MoonFest Snacktacular and Autumn Moon Festival.

Tokyo Treat and Sakuraco are monthly Japanese snack boxes, both packed with up to 20 seasonal snacks and artisan treats.

You can get them as a single box, or multi-month subscriptions. Bu sure to use my code SEWGEEKMAMA to save $5 off your first box: Click here for Tokyo Treat and here for Sakuraco.

What is Tsukimi?

The Tsukimi festival dates back to the Heian period (794–1185) and is held on the 15th night of the eighth month in the traditional Japanese lunar calendar, a time known for clear, crisp skies and a prominent full moon.

During Tsukimi, people gather to admire the moon, offer seasonal foods such as rice dumplings called tsukimi dango, and decorate with pampas grass (susuki), a symbol of the autumn harvest.

The festival is a time to express gratitude for the bounty of the harvest while enjoying the serenity and beauty of the moon. Moon-viewing parties, poetry, and contemplation are common during this festival.

Some modern adaptations include “tsukimi” foods, such as fast-food items topped with eggs, which are meant to resemble the full moon. You’ll find lots of moon-inspired treats in both boxes this month!

TokyoTreat: MoonFest Snacktacular

As the seasons change and head toward fall, it’s almost time for Tsukimi, Japan’s Lunar Party. This festive time is all about family and enjoying seasonal treats. Get a jump start on the fun with September’s TokyoTreat box filled with Tsukimi-inspired snacks.

Snack highlights: Enjoy both sweet and savory snacks like KitKat Matcha, Golden Moon Senbei, Garlic Shrimp Japanese Style Chips, Banana Castella, Premium Black Thunder Butter Flavor and many more!

See the full unboxing and Tokyo Treat taste test:

Sakuraco: Autumn Moon Festival

The Autumn Moon, often celebrated in many cultures, is the full moon that occurs during the autumn equinox, typically in September or October. In Japan, it is honored during the Tsukimi festival.

The Autumn Moon is admired for its brilliance and clarity in the cool, crisp autumn sky, symbolizing the harvest and the changing of the seasons. This time of year is associated with gatherings, gratitude for the harvest, and the beauty of nature, often accompanied by moon gazing, storytelling, and sharing seasonal foods, all which you can do with the September box from Sakuraco!

Snack highlights: Enjoy both rich and authentic snacks like: Tsukimi Mikan Cream Cookie, Black Sesame Miso Arare, Usagi Hozui, Kokuto Kinako Mochi, Kodaimai Senbei, and many more! All pairs perfectly with the special Tsukimi Ryokucha Tea. This month’s tableware item is the Tsukimi Dish Plate.

Get your order in before September 15th to get this special moon themed box! And use code SEWGEEKMAMA to save $5 off your first box: Click here for Tokyo Treat and here for Sakuraco.

Check out the TokyoTreat and Sakuraco Unboxing Reel: