New Year's Day is just around the corner, and with it comes the first sunrise, or 'hatsu-hinode'! This tradition is considered auspicious, as it's a time to pray to the 'Toshigami-sama' (New Year's deity) for happiness and a bountiful harvest for the year ahead. Here, we introduce the best spots and events to witness the first sunrise! Of course, these are also fantastic places to see a beautiful sunrise any day, so use this as a guide for your winter holiday plans.

Famous as the spot where you can meet the morning sun earliest, Cape Nosappu attracts many visitors each year to see the first sunrise from the easternmost point of Japan's mainland. The Habomai Islands, such as Kaigara Island and Suisho Island, as well as Kunashiri Island of the Northern Territories, float before your eyes, creating a beautiful scene with the sunrise.

Many people gather on New Year's Day to see the first sunrise at Cape Soya, the northernmost point of Japan. An event called 'First Sunrise in Teppen (the Top)' is held to warmly welcome visitors. It features gifts of zodiac keychains, warm bonfires, and a fireworks display.

This is one of Japan's leading scenic spots, with sheer cliffs of about 100 meters stretching along the coast. On a clear day, you can see a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean from the observatory. It's also a popular spot for viewing the first sunrise, bustling with not only locals but also tourists from afar on New Year's Day. The sunrise amidst the beautiful natural scenery is truly spectacular.

From the Bihoro Pass observatory, you can look down on Lake Kussharo, Japan's largest caldera lake. Beyond that, a magnificent panorama unfolds, including the still-smoking Mount Iō and, in the distance, the peaks of the Shiretoko and Daisetsuzan mountain ranges, earning it the nickname 'a view of unparalleled beauty.' Many people gather here to see the early morning sea of clouds and the first sunrise on New Year's Day.

The Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center is a place where you can fully experience the natural charm of the Notsuke Peninsula. On New Year's Day, an event called the 'First Sunrise Viewing at the Nature Center' is held, and many people gather on the peninsula to welcome the start of the year.

Daisetsuzan National Park is home to numerous 2,000-meter-class mountains, each with its own unique charm, making it an endlessly fascinating range for climbers. At the top of the Kurodake Ropeway lies the grand scenery of Daisetsuzan. On New Year's Day, there's a special operation allowing visitors to see the first sunrise from the 5th station, with mochi-maki (rice cake scattering) and warm drinks also planned.

Cape Erimo is a place where you can experience the grand drama of nature. You can see the Hidaka Mountains, known as the backbone of Hokkaido, gradually decrease in elevation and sink into the Pacific Ocean. The first sunrise seen amidst the dynamic scenery of crashing waves is truly moving.

A cape jutting out into the Sea of Okhotsk, this spot allows you to enjoy nature and views with only a lighthouse and its office at the tip. To the west, you can see Lake Notoro and the coast of Tokoro Town; to the north, the entire Sea of Okhotsk; and to the east, the distant Shiretoko mountain range. The sunrise over the Sea of Okhotsk is a magnificent sight.

1 39th Kita no Daimonji (Kamifurano Town)

This is a New Year's Eve event held at the snow-covered Hinode Park, which overlooks Kamifurano Town. The character '大' (dai, meaning big) set up on the snow is lit by the flames of 'Goshinka Runners' (sacred fire runners), appearing on the dark, snow-covered slope. A fireworks display and Ansei Daiko drum performances will also take place, further livening up the venue.

2 Garinko-go III ~2026 New Year's Day Cruise~ (Mombetsu City)

A special cruise will operate to let you worship the first sunrise from the Garinko-go icebreaker to start the year 2026. The sea offers an unobstructed view, making it a perfect place to see the first sunrise over the vast ocean. You can experience a sunrise with a different charm from viewing on land, feeling the sea breeze.

3 Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum First Sunrise Viewing (Abashiri City)

The Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum's observation terrace will be specially opened for viewing the first sunrise. From the terrace, you can enjoy the first sunrise with a 360-degree panoramic view that includes Lake Abashiri, Lake Notoro, Lake Tofutsu, Lake Mokoto, the Sea of Okhotsk, and even the Shiretoko and Akan mountain ranges. Additionally, complimentary amazake (sweet fermented rice drink) is planned to be served in front of the 'Dolce Aqua' restaurant inside the museum.

4 Goryokaku Tower First Sunrise (Hakodate City)

Welcome the first sunrise at a popular tourist spot in Hakodate. The city's landmark, Goryokaku Tower, will have special opening hours from 6:30 AM on New Year's Day for the first sunrise. From the tower, you can enjoy a 360-degree view including Mount Hakodate, the city, the Tsugaru Strait, and Hakodate Bay along with the sunrise. Immediately after the sunrise, a 'First Sunrise Lion Dance Performance' will be held at the observatory to pray for good health and protection from evil for the year.

5 nORBESA SunRise 2026.1.1 ~See the First Sunrise from the Ferris Wheel~ (Sapporo City)

The Ferris wheel at the 'nORBESA' commercial complex in Sapporo will operate early in the morning exclusively on New Year's Day. A limited 20 groups, selected by lottery, can enjoy the dawn from the Ferris wheel, a view not usually available. Participants will also receive a photo and a commemorative medal as a souvenir.

6 Rusutsu Resort New Year's Eve Fireworks & Torchlight Skiing (Rusutsu Village)

A collaboration of 1,200 fireworks and music to cap off the year. There will be a perfectly synchronized formation skiing performance by school instructors, as well as a participatory event where you can ski down the slope with a torch, brilliantly illuminating the mountain. A limited number of hot drinks will also be distributed, so why not welcome the new year with a warm drink in hand, enjoying the magical atmosphere?

*All information is current as of the article's publication in December 2025.
*All information is subject to change. Please check official websites for the latest details.