First Sunrise of the Year in Japan (Hatsuhinode): Where to See It and When to Book

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On January 1, 2027, the sun rises at 6:50 in Tokyo and at 7:05 in Osaka and Kyoto, according to the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ). If you want to watch this hatsuhinode (the first sunrise of the year) from Tokyo Skytree, apply for its sunrise lottery between November 5 and 26, 2026. This guide covers the sunrise times, the places where the sun comes up first, the Tokyo observation decks that open early, the overnight trains and how to stay warm while you wait.

What hatsuhinode is

Hatsuhinode (初日の出) means the first sunrise of the new year, seen on the morning of January 1. Many people in Japan go out before dawn to watch it from the coast, a hilltop or a tall building, and some observation decks open early for it. It often comes together with hatsumode, the first shrine or temple visit of the year, usually made in the first days of January. If you plan to visit a shrine too, read our shrine and temple etiquette guide.

Sunrise times on January 1, 2027

NAOJ publishes sunrise times for each prefectural capital. Its table for Tokyo in January 2027 gives 6:50 for January 1, and the same site gives 7:05 for Osaka and Kyoto. The times are for a flat, open horizon at sea level. Behind buildings or mountains you'll see the sun a little later, and from a high place a little earlier.

Where the sun rises first in Japan

NAOJ's answer to "Where is the first sunrise earliest in Japan?" depends on what you count:

• All of Japan: Minamitorishima, a remote island far out in the Pacific, at about 5:27. No one lives there permanently.
• Where people live: Hahajima in the Ogasawara Islands (Tokyo), at about 6:20.
• Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, including mountains: the summit of Mt. Fuji, at about 6:42, because higher places see the sun earlier.
• The same islands, on flat land: Inubosaki, a cape in Choshi (Chiba), at about 6:46.

Mt. Fuji's summit is not a real choice for January 1. The official Mt. Fuji climbing site says the trails are closed outside the summer season, and it does not recommend climbing then. To see Fuji in winter without climbing, read Mt. Fuji outside the climbing season.

Inubosaki in Choshi (Chiba)

Choshi is on the Pacific coast east of Tokyo, beyond Narita Airport. For New Year's Day 2026, JR East ran a special limited express, the "Inubo Hatsuhinode," with all seats reserved:

• From Takao at 1:30, via Shinjuku (Tokyo) and Chiba, arriving in Choshi at 4:08.
• From Omiya at 2:15, via Shinjuku (Tokyo) and Chiba, arriving in Choshi at 5:05.
• Seats were booked on JR East's "Ekinet" site, and the article advised booking early.

The same article warns that roads around Inubosaki have traffic controls and heavy congestion on New Year's Day, which makes driving very difficult. JR East had not announced a train for January 1, 2027 when we checked, so look for it on JR East's site from November.

Tokyo Skytree's sunrise opening on January 1, 2027

Tokyo Skytree has announced a sunrise opening for January 1, 2027. Here is what the official page says:

• Time: 5:30 to 7:30 (planned). Entry is from 5:30 to 6:00, at Solamachi Plaza on the 1st floor of Tokyo Skytree Town.
• Where: the Tembo Deck (350 m) and the Tembo Galleria (450 m). You can move between them.
• Places: 800 in total; 580 of them are sold by lottery on the official site.
• Price: 11,000 yen per person, all ages, including a 1,000 yen SKYTREE SHOP voucher.
• Lottery: apply from 12:00 on November 5 to 23:59 on November 26, 2026, up to 5 tickets per application. Results are sent by email, planned for December 1. A credit card is needed.
• Rules: no refunds for personal reasons or if clouds hide the sun. Show the QR code on your phone. Chairs, sheets and saving spots are not allowed, and you can't go back in once you leave.

The page is in Japanese, so a translation app helps when you apply. The page also lists a few official hotel packages and tours with their own places. For more on the decks themselves, see our guide to Tokyo's observation decks.

Other Tokyo decks: what happened in 2026

These decks had not announced their plans for 2027 when we checked. Last year's pattern shows when to look:

• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Shinjuku (Tokyo): for January 1, 2026, the South Observatory on the 45th floor let in 600 people chosen by lottery from 6:00 to 7:30. Applications were online only, from November 21 to December 12, 2025. From 7:30, anyone could enter without booking.
• SHIBUYA SKY: for January 1, 2026, it opened from 5:30 to 8:30 with 330 special tickets at 8,200 yen, on sale from 10:00 on November 27, 2025. The rooftop closes in rain, thunder or strong wind.

If you're in Osaka or Kyoto, the sun rises at 7:05 on January 1, 2027. Check the official sites of the deck or viewpoint you have in mind from November, since these plans are usually announced in October or November.

Getting there before dawn: New Year's Eve trains

On the night of December 31, some lines in the Tokyo area run all night. For 2025–2026, JR East ran all-night trains on 6 lines, including the Yamanote Line (about every 10 to 25 minutes from about 1:00 to 5:00) and the Chuo-Sobu local line between Mitaka and Chiba.

To the west of Tokyo, Mt. Takao in Hachioji (Tokyo) is another place people head on New Year's night. For 2025–2026, Keio ran local trains about every 60 minutes all night between Shinjuku (Tokyo) and Takaosanguchi. The Takao cable car started again at 20:00 on December 31 and ran until 18:00 on January 1, and the chairlift opened at 5:00 on January 1.

Plans for December 31, 2026 were not out yet when we checked. Last year JR East announced its winter plans on October 17 and Keio on December 10, so check both companies again in November and December. Shops and restaurants also keep shorter hours over the New Year; see what closes over the New Year.

Cold, weather and crowds

You may wait outside in the dark before sunrise, at the coldest time of day. Japan's weather agency explains that in winter, after the cold wind drops its snow on the Sea of Japan side, it comes down the mountains as dry air, so the Pacific side is usually sunny and dry. Tokyo, Chiba and Osaka are on that side. A low passing along the south coast can still bring clouds or snow, so check the forecast the day before.

• Dress in layers, with a hat, gloves and warm shoes; see what to wear in Japan in winter.
• Use the toilet at the station before you walk to the viewpoint.
• Charge your phone, and keep your e-ticket or QR code ready before you queue.
• Check your return train before you go out.

What to do as a traveler

• Want Tokyo Skytree? Apply for the lottery between November 5 and 26, 2026.
• Want the earliest sunrise you can reach? Watch JR East's site from November for a sunrise train to Choshi.
• Staying in the city? Find a spot with an open view to the east or southeast, and arrive about 30 minutes before sunrise.
• Going out on New Year's Eve? Check the all-night train plans in December.

Last reviewed: October 26, 2026. Sunrise events, lotteries and train plans change every year; check the official pages before you go.