Long before New Year’s Eve countdown parties became the norm, Japan celebrated a quieter, more auspicious tradition: hatsuhinode, the ritual of watching the first sunrise of the New Year. In Osaka, you can partake in this cherished custom on January 1 at some of the city’s sky-high observation decks, especially Harukas 300 and Kuchu Teien Observatory.
Topping the iconic Umeda Sky Building, Kuchu Teien Observatory is bringing back its exclusive New Year’s Day sunrise event on Thursday January 1. This early-morning session runs from 6am to 8am, allowing visitors to catch the sun rising for the first time in 2026 over the distant Ikoma mountain range. You can choose to witness this auspicious sight from the open-air rooftop 173 metres above ground or, more comfortably, from the indoor viewing area on the 40th floor.
For this special event, attendance is capped at 250 people. Tickets are priced at ¥6,000 and will be sold online only, on a first-come, first-served basis starting Friday December 12 at 12noon JST. If you’re hoping to welcome 2026 from one of Osaka’s best vantage points, be sure to set a reminder, as these tickets are sure to sell out fast.
Your experience will include more than just the sunrise view. As the city slowly awakens to a new year, you’ll already be up and about, enjoying otoso (traditional New Year’s Day sake) from a hinoki wood sake cup, which you can take home as a souvenir.
You’ll also receive matcha warabi mochi and a bowl of luxurious zenzai – sweet red bean soup with grilled mochi, chestnuts and warabi mochi – both prepared by Bashodo, a long-established wagashi maker with a confectionery shop on Umeda Sky Building’s B1 floor.
Before you leave, make sure to collect the limited-edition New Year goshuin paper from Takimikoji Inari Shrine, located in the building’s retro basement shopping street, Takimikoji. Decorated with auspicious motifs such as treasure chests and beckoning cats, this charming keepsake is designed to help attract good fortune in the year ahead.
Remember, tickets go on sale Friday December 12 at 12pm JST, and only 250 spots are available. For more details, check the event page (in Japanese only).
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