Spending the new moon and full moon, and how to write your wishes

1.The next new moon and full moon

• Next new moon: Nov 9 (Mon), 2026, 16:02
• Next full moon: Nov 24 (Tue), 2026, 23:53

Japan Standard Time. The moment when the difference in longitude between the Moon and the Sun is 0° (new moon) or 180° (full moon), by this site’s own calculation.

2.Moon phases and the old calendar

The moon goes through its phases in about 29.5 days. The old calendar used in Japan until 1872 (a lunisolar calendar) made the day of the new moon the 1st of each month (tsuitachi). The “fifteenth night” (jūgoya) means the full moon because the moon is full around the 15th day counting from the new moon. How the calendar and the eto work is explained in the calendar and the eto.

3.The new moon: beginnings and sowing seeds

At the new moon, the moon is in the same direction as the sun and can’t be seen. Because it grows from nothing, it is said to be a good time for starting something new and sowing the seeds of your wishes.

How to write new moon wishes

1. It is often said to be best to write them within 48 hours of the new moon (some say within 8 hours is best of all).
2. Write out two to ten wishes in a notebook or on paper.
3. The trick is said to be writing them as already true, “I am…” or “I have…”, rather than “I hope…”.
4. Write mainly about yourself. Avoid wishes that try to change other people.
5. Keep the paper safe and read it again from time to time.

4.The full moon: harvest, thanks and letting go

The full moon is when the moon shines brightest. It is said to be a good time to give thanks for what has come to fruit and let go of what you no longer need.

• Write down what you managed and what made you happy
• Write down a habit or feeling you want to let go of, then tear up the paper and throw it away
• Put your power stones in the moonlight (cleansing power stones)
• Tidy your room and reset with a deep breath (ways to purify)

Emotions are also said to run high around the full moon, so one idea is to sleep on any big decision.

5.New moons and full moons in the year ahead

Use this to plan the days for writing wishes or a full-moon moonlight bath.

Japan Standard Time. Some months have two full moons (a “blue moon”), and some have no new moon.

6.Moon festivals in Japan

• Jūgoya (the harvest moon): the 15th of the 8th lunar month. People offer pampas grass and rice dumplings and admire the moon.
• Jūsanya: the 13th of the 9th lunar month. Seeing both moons, the fifteenth and the thirteenth, is said to be lucky.
• Tsukimachi (“waiting for the moon”): gatherings on the night of a particular moon age to wait for moonrise and pray. Nijūsan’ya-machi, waiting on the 23rd night, survives in many places.

Just gazing at the moon calms the mind. Try bringing wishes and moon-viewing into your life, without fuss.

7.FAQ

How do I find out when the new moon is?

See the “next new moon and full moon” and “the year ahead” tables on this page (updated automatically). In the old Japanese calendar, the new moon fell on the 1st of every month, and the full moon around the 15th.

Do wishes have to be handwritten?

Handwriting is often recommended because it helps you sort out your feelings, but there is no rule. What matters is putting your wishes into words and checking them for yourself.