What else can you do on New Year’s Day

New Year's Day Sunrise

It may sound weird but it's a tradition to watch the first sunrise of the new year in Japan. Some people go to open areas to watch the sun rise up from the horizon, others go to the beach, while a more enthusiastic person will actually climb Mt. Fuji to witness the first sunrise. Watching the first sunrise brings of the new brings you good luck, or so it's believed. If you are in Japan on New Year's Day, do not this rare experience. It only happens once a year!! Below is a list of recommeneded places.

In Tokyo

Telecom Center Observatory

You can enjoy the panorama view of Tokyo Water Front City from the 21st Floor, it's famous for its splendid night view. The sun rises from the Boso Peninsula, painting the entire ocean orange and creating a rather wonderous sight. On New Year's Day, the building will be open for visitors to watch the first sunrise, though it may be subject to change due to weather conditions.

Address

2-5-10, Aumi, Koto-ku, Tokyo

Tel

03-5500-4415

Regular Hours

Weekdays 15:00 – 21:00
Weekends and Holidays 11:00 – 21:00
Closed on Mondays

Ticket

Adult 500 yen
Child 300 yen
This is one of the best places to watch the first sunrise of the year!

Access

Directly connected from Telecom Center Station on Yurikamome Line

New Year Schedule

The main observatory will be open for the first sunrise
5:00 – 8:00
The observatory can only accommodate up to 800 people. Based on first-come first-served basis.

Web

http://www.i-house5.com/index.html

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Kasai Rinkai Park

This is the largest park operated by Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Tokyo Bay lies right in front of the beautiful park. There are Aquarium and the Big Wheel in the park, which are popular tourist spots too. Climb up the observatory to watch the first sunrise. The park is actually just a stone's throw away from Tokyo Disney Land and when the sun rises you can see the silhouette of the beautiful Cinderella Castle under the glowing sunshine.

Address

Rinkai Cho, Edogawa, Tokyo

Tel

5696-1331

Access

1 min walk from Kasai Rinkai Kouen Station on JR Keiyo Line

Web

http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/english/park/detail_02.html#kasairinkai

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Umihotaru PA

This place is a small artificial island in the middle of the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, which is a bridge-tunnel highway across Tokyo Bay. The island itself is located in the middle of the ocean and the view is just simple gorgeous. The only problem is you have to rent a car or take a bus from Kawasaki Station. Taxi is another option, though you may not be able to enjoy much watching your taxi meter fare ticking away...><

Location

Middle of Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line

Tips to see the first sunrise

If you are planing to take a bus
The bus line is active even on New Year's Eve. The schedule is based on the weekend schedule, so the last bus to Umihotaru leaves Kawasaki Station at 20:10 and the returning bus to Kawasaki Station does not come until 9:07 in the morning on New Year's Day, if you take the bus you should be ready to spend some time there.
If you are planning to go by car
The parking area will be very crowded. The parking lot only has space for 408 cars, so if you want to see the first sunrise it is better to go there before the sun sets and enjoy the beautiful twilight of the end of year, then perhaps dine at a restaurant. Enjoy the beautiful night view of Tokyo Bay, before the long-awaited sunrise.

Access

About 45 min from Tokyo by Car
About 40 min from Kawasaki Station Bus Terminal 22 on Aqualine Bus

Web

http://www.umihotaru.com/
Also website for the bus here
http://www.keikyu.co.jp/worldwide/index.html

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Rainbow Bridge

The Rainbow Bridge is a suspension bridge across Tokyo Bay, connecting Shibaura Pier and the Odaiba waterfront area. The bridge itself is very famous for the beautiful night time view. During the first sunrise the walkway of the bridge will be open to the public!

Address

Between Shibaura Pier and the Odaiba waterfront area

Information about the Walkway

There are two walkways on the north and south side of bridge of the lower deck. The North Walkway you can see the Tokyo harbor and Tokyo Tower, the South Walkway you can see Tokyo Bay and maybe Mt Fuji. The walkway is usually open 9:00 – 21:00 in summer, 10:00 – 18:00 in winter.

New Year's Special

Walkway will be open 12/31 17:00 – 1/1 10:00 to enjoy the first sunrise.

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Out of Tokyo, in Kanto region

If you are tired of Tokyo, get out to the greater Kanto region!

Inubosaki Lighthouse

The lighthouse is located at the easternmost point of the Japan's main island Honshu, so you can see the fastest sunrise of main island of Japan. The contrast of white light house and beautiful sun is just stunning.

Location

9576 Inubōsaki, Chōshi-shi, Chiba-ken, Japan

Access

About 3 Hours from Tokyo Station
10 min walk from Inubou Station Choushi Line
JR and Choshi line will operate on the first sunrise schedule, it will be crowded but you can enjoy the beautiful view of the first sunrise of the year.

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Cape Manatsuru

It is very hard to describe the beauty of the first sunrise at the cape Manatsuru, the sun will come from the just middle of the three sacred rocks at Cape Manatsuru. Unfortunately, you need a car to get there, but what you are going to experience will definitely last a lifetime. Head to Cape Manatsuru for an awesome start of the year!

Location

1175 Manatsuru, Manazuuru, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan

Access

1 hour and 30 min from Tokyo Station
20 min bus ride from Manatsuru Station on Toukaido Main Line
The spot is located near the Yugawara, which is a famous hot spring town in Kanagawa Prefecture, so if you want to go to Cape Manazuru, it may be a good idea to reserve a hotel room at Yugawara and enjoy the hot spring as well!!

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