Where to watch Hatsune 2025

I will never forget the moment we started the new year on the top of a mountain, hungrily enjoying the sun rising above a sea of ​​foaming clouds. We said this was going to be the best year of our lives. Of course, this was the year of the pandemic, but at that moment, on the morning of January 1, 2020, we felt like this was going to be our year. The Japanese custom of catching the first sunrise of the year, known in Japanese as very special.

What is the first sunrise?

The first sunrise refers to the custom of watching the sunrise on January 1st. Many people go to great lengths to make this sunrise an unforgettable memory, climbing to the highest point they can or traveling somewhere special.

First sunrise time around Tokyo

Knowing sunrise time is important in planning your first sunrise. Here are the times when the first sun is expected to rise in 2025 in Tokyo and nearby areas:

• Chiba: 6:48 AM
• Ibaraki Prefecture: 6:49 AM
• Saitama: 6:51 AM

Best place to watch the sunrise over the mountain

Watching the sun rise from the top of a mountain is a popular custom. Some destinations have food stalls waiting for you on your first hike of the year.

Mount Ontake and Mount Hinode in Tokyo

Mount Ontake, 929 meters above sea level, and nearby Mount Hinode, 902 meters above sea level, are less than two hours away from Shinjuku Station and are both famous for their sunrise views. The hike to the top of both mountains is not too strenuous, and the panoramic views of Tokyo and the Kanto Plain make these mountains a prime destination for sunrise lovers.

Mount Takao, Tokyo

Mount Takao has two modes: slightly strenuous and very easy, depending on whether you take the cable car or not. Less than an hour away from Shinjuku Station, it’s a popular choice for sunrise lovers.

Away from the capital, Mount Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture is well worth a visit. Just over two hours’ drive from central Tokyo, it is known as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, and its summit offers stunning views of the sunrise. During the colder months, there is a fixed ropeway to the top of the mountain, so visitors can admire the stars before the sun rises.

Tokyo high-rise buildings

While some places, like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, open very early on New Year’s Day (7:30 a.m.), it’s a bit late for sunrise itself. There are two options: find a friend with a roof, or head to the Tokyo Skytree.

tokyo skytree

Tokyo Skytree is a special place for the first sunrise in the city. The Tembo Deck is 350 meters away and offers clear, unobstructed views of the sunrise over the city. Tickets for January 1 usually need to be purchased in advance, so plan ahead. New Year’s special events usually open earlier than usual, starting around 5:30 a.m.

Please check the Tokyo Skytree website for details on New Year’s opening times and ticket availability.

Best beaches to watch the sunrise

Miura Beach, Kanagawa Prefecture

Miura Beach offers a tranquil seaside sunrise experience. The Pacific Ocean is on the horizon and the morning sun paints the sky in stunning colors. The beach is spacious and perfect for individual reflections and group gatherings.

Kawara Beach, Chiba Prefecture

Known for its vibrant sunrise views, Hewon Beach is a hidden gem in Chiba. About two hours from Shinjuku, it has an unspoilt coastal atmosphere. Gentle waves and soft sand create a peaceful setting to welcome the New Year.

Best parks to watch the sunrise

Famous for its seasonal blooms, Kurihama Flower Park transforms into a peaceful Hatsukazu destination during the New Year period. Its elevated vantage point offers stunning sunrise views, while its tranquil surroundings make it a great choice for families.

Yokosuka Kannonzaki Park opens at 3 a.m. on January 1, making it a great place for early risers. The park’s coastal cliffs offer stunning views of the sunrise over Tokyo Bay.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Saitama Prefecture

If you want to have a quiet Hatsuka no 1 experience with few crowds, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Saitama Prefecture is an ideal location. Its elevated position provides a peaceful and historic setting for watching the sunrise.

Learn more about its significance on the World War of the Unknown Soldier Wiki.

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