Tokyo sunrise - generic — Photo: Nuttawut Parasert/Dreamstime

Where to watch the first sunrise of 2023 in Tokyo

New year, new day: catch the first rays of 2023 from parks, beaches and even cruise ships

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Thursday 15 December 2022

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The curtain is coming down on 2022, which means it's time to draw up your plans for the New Year holidays. Watching the first sunrise of the year, called hatsuhinode, is a New Year tradition in Japan as it supposedly brings good luck. People gather at observation decks, camp out at beaches and board cruise ships to witness this while praying for a successful year ahead.

While tickets for the first-sunrise viewing sessions at some of the city’s most popular places like Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Sky and Cruise Club Tokyo have all sold out, there are still many ways you can spend this special morning. Here's our list of breathtaking vantage points in and near Tokyo for catching the first rays of 2023.

RECOMMENDED: Looking to celebrate before the first sunrise? Here are the best New Year's Eve parties in Tokyo

The best sunrise spots

Photo: Makotomo/Photo-AC

Osanbashi

Attractions
Yokohama

Yokohama's Osanbashi Terminal is one of the city’s top spots for viewing the first sunrise of the year, and crowds start gathering around the ship-shaped pier long before the main event. No entrance fees are required – a fact that only adds to the merriment.

Photo: Joyful Joyful/Photo-AC

Miura Beach

Things to do
Kanagawa

Always one of the most popular spots for watching the first sunrise of the new year outside the city, Kanagawa’s expansive Miura Beach offers spectacular views of the sun emerging from beyond the Boso Peninsula on the other side of Tokyo Bay. And best of all, it’s free.

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Photo: Naoto Shinkai/Dreamstime

Mt Takao

Things to do
Takaosan

At Mt Takao, just 50 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station, you can see the sunrise at around 6.50am and get in a hatsumode visit at the mountain's Yakuoin Temple at the same time.

The cable car runs throughout the night and brings you half-way up the mountain, while the lift starts operating from 5am on January 1.

Check how to reach Mt Takao with our guide to New Year holiday train times.

Photo: Kisa Toyoshima

Kasai Rinkai Park

Attractions
Parks and gardens
Kasai

Central Tokyo’s biggest park is only a 15-minute train ride from Tokyo Station, so there’s plenty of time to get there for the sunrise if you hop on the first train. There are many vantage points along the coast, but we recommend visiting the area around Amedas Edogawa Seaside Observatory facing Disneyland, where you’ll see the sun rising from behind the Cinderella castle.