[2024-25] 8 recommended spots to see the first sunrise in Tokyo. From popular spots to hidden gems

Amazing view! First sunrise seen from a high-rise building

The first sunrise seen from the high floors of a row of buildings is a view that can only be seen in the city center. In 2025, Tokyo Skytree and other facilities will be open for special business hours for the first sunrise. Since the number of people allowed will be limited, this is a recommended spot for those who want to take their time to watch the sunrise.

[Sumida Ward] "Tokyo Skytree": See the first sunrise from the highest point in Japan

Tokyo Skytree will be open for a special first sunrise viewing event every year. In 2025, only 800 people will be able to see the first sunrise from the observation deck of Tokyo Skytree. The first sunrise seen from the world's tallest tower, which stands at 634m, is exceptionally beautiful. The sight of the metropolis of Tokyo turning orange is indescribable. Tickets will go on sale from December 2nd on the official Tokyo Skytree website. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you're interested, check it out early.

In addition, on New Year's Day, we will open earlier than usual from 8am. How about starting the year off with a beautiful view of Tokyo?

Tokyo Sky Tree

[Toshima Ward] "Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbo Park": A first sunrise with a great sense of openness

Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbo Park in Ikebukuro's Sunshine City is a recommended spot for watching the first sunrise of the year, as there are no tall buildings blocking the view. During the special first sunrise viewing on New Year's Day, only 200 people can enjoy the spectacular view of the morning sun from a height of 251m above sea level.

For those who want to feel even more special, there are also ring-shaped swing-style benches for one person and pair seats limited to 10 pairs (20 people). You can fully enjoy the start of the new year from special seats located in the front row on the east side where you can get a good view of the first sunrise. Those who come on the day will also receive special benefits such as a first sunrise commemorative medal, which is sure to become the first memory of the year.

Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbo Park

A beautiful first sunrise to enjoy along with the sense of accomplishment of climbing

If you go a little further from the city center, you can see the first sunrise of the year from a mountain. The sight of the rising sun after climbing the mountain will make you feel a sense of accomplishment and make it even more beautiful. We will introduce mountains that are easy for beginners to climb, but the temperature at the summit is low, so be sure to dress warmly.

[Ome City, Hinode Town] "Mt. Mitake" & "Mt. Hinode": A fantastic first sunrise seen in the clear air

Mt. Mitake, which is relatively easy even for beginners to climb, is also a popular spot to see the first sunrise of Tokyo. It takes about 60 minutes to walk up to Mt. Mitake Station, but if you take the cable car, it's only 6 minutes from Takimoto Station at the foot of the mountain.

There are several spots to see the sunrise around the summit, but the easiest is the Fujimineenchi Observatory, which is about a 5-minute walk from Mitakesan Station. After another 30 minutes of walking, you'll arrive at the summit of Mt. Mitake. The first sunrise from the summit is also spectacularly beautiful.

Musashi Mitake Shrine is also located at the summit of Mt. Mitake, so after watching the first sunrise, you can go there to make your first visit of the year.

There is also a nearby mountain called "Hinodeyama", but it takes about 90 minutes from Mr. Mitake Station and you have to climb it in complete darkness, so make sure you are well equipped before climbing.

Mount Mitake

Sunrise Mountain

[Hachioji City] "Mount Takao": Sunrise seen from a popular hiking spot

Speaking of seeing the first sunrise from the mountaintop, Mount Takao is also a must-see. The cable car here also operates all night from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day, and the area is bustling with people who come to see the first sunrise and visitors to Takao-san Yakuoin Temple, located halfway up the mountain. At Takao-san Yakuoin Temple, various events are held, such as the ringing of the bell on New Year's Eve and the "Geiko Festival" before sunrise, where people pray for good health and prosperity for the year.

Mount Takao is one of the "100 Best Views of Mount Fuji in the Kanto Region," where you can see the most beautiful view of Mount Fuji. If you can see the sunrise and Mount Fuji early in the new year, you're sure to have an auspicious start to the year.

The summit is a particularly popular spot, so if there are a lot of people, restrictions on entering the mountain may be implemented. If you really want to see the sunrise from the summit, make sure to dress warmly and arrive early.

Mt. Takao

You can see a view that is "unique to this place." First sunrise seen from the park

We will also introduce parks where you can enjoy the collaboration of Tokyo's iconic scenery and the first sunrise.

[Minato Ward] "Shibaura Minamifuto Park": An urban first sunrise peeking through the gaps of the buildings

At Shibaura Minamifuto Park, located at the foot of the Rainbow Bridge, you can enjoy the first sunrise of the year with a harbor view of Tokyo Bay and Odaiba. The park is usually open from 6am on New Year's Day, and you can watch the first sunrise rising from the Odaiba area while feeling the sea breeze.

Additionally, the Rainbow Bridge promenade will be open all night from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day, allowing you to watch the first sunrise of the year while walking across the bridge.
The promenade connecting the Odaiba and Shibaura districts is about 1.7 km long. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to walk there. Watching the first sunrise of the year rising between the buildings of the big city of Tokyo from Rainbow Bridge is a way to enjoy the city.

Shibaura Minamifuto Park

Surprisingly hidden spots!? First sunrises seen from around Haneda Airport

There are several popular spots to see the first sunrise in Ota City, including around Haneda Airport, Tokyo's gateway to the skies. We will also introduce you to a little-known spot where you can watch the first sunrise while soaking in a hot spring.

[Ota Ward] "Haneda's Great Torii": Be empowered by the first sunrise passing between the great torii

The "Haneda Otorii" (formerly Anamori Inari Shrine Otorii) in a corner of Haneda Airport is a photogenic spot for taking first sunrise photos. This was once the torii of Anamori Inari Shrine, which was enshrined near Haneda Airport's Runway B, but with the expansion of Haneda Airport, only the shrine building was relocated and the Otorii was left within the airport.

The "Haneda Otorii" is known as a popular photo spot for airplane enthusiasts because there is a runway right in front of the torii, and on New Year's Day, it is crowded with many people who want to catch a glimpse of the first sunrise rising between the torii. If you're lucky, you might be able to see the first sunrise and planes taking off and landing inside the torii.

After watching the first sunrise, why not start the year off right with a visit to Anamori Inari Shrine, located about an eight-minute walk away?

Anamori Inari Shrine

[Ota Ward] "Jonanjima Seaside Park": Watch the first sunrise rising from the horizon

Jonanjima Seaside Park faces Haneda Airport and the sea route of Tokyo Port. Among the many spots around Haneda Airport for taking photos of airplanes, this is also a great place to view the first sunrise of the year, known for being particularly close to the planes.

There is nothing to obstruct your view, and the sea continues as far as the eye can see, so you can see the first sunrise of the year rising from the horizon. It is located right next to the runway of Haneda Airport, so if you are lucky, you may be able to see the first sunrise and the planes together.

The parking lot fills up soon after it opens at 6am every year, so be sure to come early.

Jonanjima Seaside Park

[Ota Ward] "Izumi Tenku no Yu Haneda Airport": Enjoy watching the first sunrise while soaking in the open-air bath.

"Izumi Tenku no Yu Haneda Airport" is a natural hot spring directly connected to Haneda Airport. This facility has hot springs, saunas, and bedrock baths, and is available 24 hours a day (※). You can see the first sunrise of the year from the open-air bath (men's bath) and the lobby of the bedrock bath area.

*The baths are not available from 10:00 to 12:30 due to cleaning hours.

Watching the first sunrise while relaxing in the hot water is such a luxurious experience.

The amber-colored water is effective for treating poor circulation, relieving fatigue, and moisturizing the body. The open-air bath area is equipped with two types of full-scale saunas, so you can enjoy the first sunrise of the year while taking a bath in the open air.

You can see the first sunrise of the year from the open-air bath in the men's bath, but you can also see Mt. Fuji from the open-air bath in the women's bath and the indoor bath in the men's bath. Why not stop by before or after your trip home for the New Year holidays or a flight on your trip?

Izumi Tenku no Yu Haneda Airport

"First Sunrise Flight" offers an exciting experience of watching the first sunrise from the sky

Every year, JAL operates the "First Sunrise Flight," a special flight only available on New Year's Day that starts with an early morning departure and allows passengers to enjoy beautiful scenery and the moment of the first sunrise from the sky.

You can enjoy New Year's meals such as gorgeous Osechi-style bento lunches and sparkling sake from Hokkaido's Kamikawa Daisetsu Sake Brewery, which is served in JAL first class. In addition, there are other hospitality exclusive to the first sunrise flight, such as pilots explaining the route and aircraft on board, and cabin attendants wearing traditional uniforms. (only on flights departing from Haneda Airport and Narita International Airport).

Flights depart from Haneda Airport, Narita Airport, and Chubu Centrair International Airport, and all flights take you on a course that allows you to see the first sunrise of the year. The first sunrise seen from an airplane is something special.

Those who board the flight will receive a boarding certificate and souvenirs such as the "Origami Japanese Crane" with the JAL logo, which many customers have requested to be resurrected, and other special commemorative items available only on this day. Why not spend the start of 2025 on board the plane?

Apply here​

Celebrate the start of the year with a special first sunrise

We have introduced you to the best spots to enjoy the first sunrise in Tokyo, from skyscrapers in the city center to flights. Start 2025 on a bright note by viewing the beautiful sunrise in a special place.

Related article

Highlights and recommended worship routes at Meiji Shrine, a power spot. Useful for sightseeing and New Year's visit!

Introducing the highlights, worship routes, and access to the surrounding area of Meiji Shrine, one of Tokyo's leading power spots. Let's enjoy sightseeing at Meiji Shrine even more by learning about its history and spots that are talked about as having divine blessings.

ontrip.jal.co.jp

24 popular illuminations in Tokyo. Recommended for sightseeing and Christmas dates!

Illuminations are an event you can't miss when visiting Tokyo in the winter. In Tokyo, many sophisticated illuminations are held, each with its own unique design. In this article, we will be featuring popular illuminations to be held in Tokyo from 2024 to 2025, from the annual classics to the latest events!

ontrip.jal.co.jp