Speaking of New Year's Day, which is just around the corner, it's the first sunrise of the year! It is considered auspicious, as it also means praying to the Toshigami-sama for happiness and a good harvest for the year. Here are some recommended spots to see the first sunrise! Of course, these are spots where you can see beautiful sunrises on a regular basis, so please use them as a reference for your winter vacation outings.

Cape Nosappu is famous as the spot where you can encounter the earliest sunrise, and many people visit every year to watch the first sunrise at the easternmost point of the mainland. At the "Cape Nosappu First Day Visit" held on New Year's Day, commemorative votive plaques are distributed and local performing arts such as "Nemuro Taiko" are performed. The Northern Territories, including Kaigara Island, Suisho Island, and Kunashiri Island of the Habomai Islands, float in front of you as if you could touch them, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery as the sunrise approaches.

Every year on New Year's Day, many people gather to watch the first sunrise of the year at Cape Soya, the northernmost point of Japan and the top of Japan. To warmly welcome visitors, an event called "First Sunrise at Teppen" is also held. Warmly lit bonfires and fireworks are displayed.

Located almost in the center of Sapporo, Mount Moiwa offers a panoramic view of the Sapporo cityscape, Ishikari Bay on the Sea of Japan, and even Mashike-Shokanbetsu-dake. On New Year's Day, the ropeway operates a special "First Sunrise Special Operation," allowing visitors to enjoy the first sunrise and scenery that cannot usually be seen at that time of day. The sunrise in the clear winter air is a magnificent sight.

It is one of the most scenic spots in Japan, with a series of cliffs about 100 meters high, and on clear days you can see the Pacific Ocean from the observation deck. It is also popular as a spot to see the first sunrise of the year, and on New Year's Day it is crowded with locals and tourists from far away. The sun rising amidst the beautiful natural scenery is a spectacular sight.

From the Bihoro Pass Observatory, you can see Lake Kussharo, the largest caldera lake in Japan, below you. In addition, you can see the still-spewing Mount Iou, and in the distance the magnificent panorama of the Shiretoko mountain range and the Daisetsu peaks spread out, and it is touted as the "best view in the world." Many people gather here to see the sea of clouds in the early morning and the first sunrise on New Year's Day.

At the Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center, you can experience the natural charm of the Notsuke Peninsula to the fullest. On New Year's Day, an event called "First Sunrise Viewing Party at the Nature Center" is held, and many people gather at the Notsuke Peninsula to welcome the start of the new year.

Daisetsuzan National Park is made up of many 2,000-meter-class mountains. Each mountain has its own unique charm, making it an endless source of interest for climbers. The magnificent view of Daisetsuzan is at the top of the Kurodake Ropeway. On New Year's Day, there will be a special operation where you can see the first sunrise from the fifth station, and there will also be mochi-throwing and hot drinks provided.

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 lower in elevation and sink into the Pacific Ocean. The first sunrise seen against the dynamic backdrop of rough waves is also a moving sight.

This is a spot where you can enjoy the beautiful, jewel-studded night view of Otaru. From the ropeway or the summit, you can see the city below like a miniature garden, Otaru Port, Ishikari Bay, and on clear days, the distant Shokanbetsu mountain range and Shakotan Peninsula. The ropeway operates from 6am on New Year's Day. You can watch the first sunrise from the observation deck at the summit and make your first visit of the year at Tenguyama Shrine, the highest point in Otaru.

A cape jutting out into the Sea of Okhotsk, with only a lighthouse and management office at its tip, it's a spot where you can enjoy nature and the view. To the west you can see Lake Notoro and the coast of Tokoro Town, to the north the Sea of Okhotsk, and to the east the distant Shiretoko mountain range. The sunrise over the Sea of Okhotsk is a spectacular sight.

1 The 38th Kita no Daimonji (Kami-Furano Town)

This New Year's Eve event will be held at the snow-covered Hinodeyama Lavender Park in Kamifurano Town, overlooking the town of Kamifurano. The sacred fire runners will pass the flames around one after another, and the character "大" (big) placed in Hinode Park will appear on the dark, snow-covered slope. Fireworks will also be launched and Ansei Taiko drums will be played.

2 Garinko New Year's Day Cruise (Monbetsu City)

At the start of 2025, a special cruise will be operated from the Garinko, where you can watch the first sunrise of the year. The sea is unobstructed, making it the perfect place to watch the first sunrise rising over the vast ocean. You can enjoy the sunrise while being blown by the sea breeze, which has a different charm from watching it on land.

3 Viewing the first sunrise at the Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum (Abashiri City)

The Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum observation terrace will be temporarily opened so that visitors can see the first sunrise of the year. You can enjoy the first sunrise from the terrace, which offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Lake Abashiri, Lake Notoro, Lake Tofutsu, Lake Mokoto, the Sea of Okhotsk, and even the Shiretoko Mountain Range and the Akan mountain range. In addition, the restaurant "Dolce Aqua" inside the Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum will be offering free sweet sake.

4 First sunrise at Goryokaku Tower (Hakodate City)

The first sunrise of the year is greeted at a popular tourist spot in Hakodate. Goryokaku Tower, which boasts a 360° panoramic view of the city, will be open for special business only on New Year's Day. Immediately after the first sunrise, a "First Sunrise Lion Dance Performance" will be shown on the observation deck, and prayers will be made for good health and prosperity in the year ahead.

5 First sunrise viewing party 2025 (Shibecha Town)

An event where you can watch the first sunrise of the year at a venue with a 360-degree view. An altar will be set up at the venue, and the head of the tourism association will clap his hands as the sun rises, praying for a bright new year. Free hot milk will also be provided, so you can warm yourself up while watching the sunrise.

5 Rusutsu Resort New Year's Eve Fireworks Festival & Torchlight Skating (Rusutsu Village)

A collaboration of 1,200 fireworks and music to close the year. School instructors will perform perfectly synchronized formation skiing, and there will also be a participatory skiing run in which participants will hold torches and light up the slopes. A limited number of hot drinks will also be distributed, so you can welcome in the New Year in a fantastical way with a hot drink in hand.

5 First sunrise from Rausu Kunashiri Observation Tower (Rausu Town)

You can see the first sunrise of the year from the observation deck, which offers a panoramic view of the center of Rausu Town and the magnificent Northern Territories and Kunashiri Island. Although part of the facility is closed for the New Year holidays, the rooftop observation deck will be open for a special event.

*All information posted is current as of the time of article publication in December 2024. *All published information may be subject to change, so please check the official website for details.