With restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic expected to ease in 2023, the first sunrise of 2024 is anticipated to be the most crowded in recent years.
There are many great spots in Miyagi Prefecture to watch the first sunrise of the year, so this time I'll introduce some of them all together.
This article includes predictions for the first sunrise of 2024 and tips for when you go to see it, so if you're looking for a spot to watch the first sunrise in Miyagi Prefecture, be sure to check it out.
According to the Sunrise and Sunset Time Direction Map, the expected sunrise time in Miyagi Prefecture on New Year's Day 2024 is 6:53 AM (for Sendai City).
Furthermore, when I used the Sunrise/Sunset Calculation – High-Precision Calculation Site to calculate the direction of sunrise, it was calculated that the azimuth angle for New Year's Day 2024 was approximately 119 degrees.
For our readers, it would be helpful to understand that, in general terms, it rises from roughly the southeast.
(Sunrise and Sunset Time Direction Map)https://hinode.pics/(The line on the right indicates the direction of sunrise.)
This article, written by a "first sunrise hunter" who has gone to see the first sunrise of the year almost every year for the past 15 years, will introduce some tips for fully enjoying watching the first sunrise of the year.
If this is your first time seeing the show, be sure to check out the following points.
Public transportation is usually not running at the time of the first sunrise of the year.
Unless it's within walking distance, you'll have to drive to the sunrise viewing spot, so be sure to check in advance whether there's parking available nearby (and not too far away).
It's also a good idea to look for a parking lot with plenty of space.
It would be terrible if you couldn't find a parking spot and missed the sunrise, and because it's cold, you might also consider parking early and waiting in your car until just before sunrise.
Even if you check the direction and sunrise time and head to the designated spot to watch the first sunrise of the year, if mountains or buildings are in the way, the time you can actually see the sun will naturally be a little later.
The sunrise times you find through searches are simply the times when the sun appears above the horizon, so if there are any obstructions, it's a good idea to take those times into consideration when making your preparations.
Another strategy is to find a place that isn't hidden by mountains or any other obstacles and observe from there.
These kinds of interactions and negotiations are part of the fun of watching the first sunrise of the year.
It's cold, as you'd expect, since it's early morning outdoors in January.
You will need to take sufficient precautions against the cold, such as dressing warmer than usual when going out and bringing warm drinks like hot tea with you.
As a side note, with hot coffee, the diuretic effect of caffeine might make you need to go to the restroom while you wait, so I would recommend tea over coffee.
This is obvious, but you can't see the sunrise if it's cloudy.
Also, waiting in the rain or snow can easily make you sick, so keep an eye on the weather for a few days in advance and have the option of giving up on watching the first sunrise of the year if the weather is not good.
Showing a healthy face to family and friends is the top priority, and since it's the first day of the year, we want everyone to be in good health.
Now, let's introduce some recommended spots in Miyagi Prefecture to watch the first sunrise of the year.
If there's a place near where you live that interests you, please do go and check it out.
Located right in front of Onagawa Station, the commercial facility "Seapalpia Onagawa," which is also registered as a roadside station, is one of Miyagi Prefecture's leading spots for viewing the first sunrise of the year.
The pedestrian walkway extending from the station to the sea was actually designed with the direction of the sun at sunrise in mind, and the sight of the sun rising in that direction is simply magnificent.
I also went to see the first sunrise of 2023, and it was a fantastic start to the year, beginning with a breathtaking view.
Address: 2-60 Onagawa, Onagawa-cho, Oshika-gun, Miyagi Prefecture 986-2265
From Hiyoriyama Park, one of Ishinomaki's symbols, you can also see the first sunrise of the year rising over the vast Pacific Ocean.
Watching the first sunrise of the year while gazing at the lush Oshika Peninsula and the Minamihama district, which is making progress in recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, will surely help you feel refreshed and more inclined to make your New Year's resolutions.
Because the Kashima Mikojinja Shrine is located on the same grounds, it is bustling with people who come to see the first sunrise of the year and to make their first shrine visit of the year at the same time.
Address: 2-2 Hiyorigaoka, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture 986-0833
HP:http://www.city.ishinomaki.lg.jp/cont/10452000b/-kanko/-kankomap/d0050/20130224152525.html
If you board this Kinkasan sightseeing cruise from Ayukawa Port in the southern part of the Oshika Peninsula, you can watch the first sunrise of the year from the sea while aboard the cruise ship.
Furthermore, Kinkasan is considered one of the most powerful spiritual spots, and every year it is popular for tourists to take a Kinkasan sightseeing cruise to watch the first sunrise of the year and visit the shrine, believing that good fortune will come their way.
Cruise ships on New Year's Day fill up very quickly, so we recommend booking as early as possible.
Address: 70 Ayukawahama Minami, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture 986-2523 (Ayukawa Port)
Parking: Available
From Oshika Gobansho Park on the Oshika Peninsula, you can see the first sunrise of the year and Kinkasan Mountain illuminated by the sun.
Oshika Gobansho Park itself is situated on a hilly terrain, and the view of the sun, mountains, and sea from there is simply breathtaking.
With its stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, this is a recommended tourist spot year-round, not just on New Year's Day.
Address: 1-643 Kurosaki, Ayukawahama, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture 986-2523
Parking: Available
Access: 1 hour by car from JR Ishinomaki Station
HP:https://www.city.ishinomaki.lg.jp/cont/10452000b/-kanko/-kankomap/d0060/20130224153230.html
Located just a 10-minute drive from Roopt's share house "Roopt Okumatsushima," "Shidaikan Sokan Otakamori" is a spectacular viewpoint where you can enjoy both the sunrise over the Oshika Peninsula and the sunset sinking behind the Matsushima landscape.
The sunrise you see after a pleasant 20-minute hike will be beautiful and give you a great sense of accomplishment.
On the other hand, the mountain trails are dark before sunrise, so please bring a flashlight or something similar to ensure you have enough light.
Address: 981-0412 Miyagi Prefecture, Higashimatsushima City, Miyato Otakamori
Parking: Available
Access: 15 minutes by car from JR Senseki Line Nobiru Station to the trailhead, 20 minutes to the summit.
HP:https://www.matsushima-kanko.com/miru/detail.php?id=132
The luxurious Okumatsushima sightseeing boat, which allows you to enjoy the beautiful islands of Matsushima Bay and the Sagakei Gorge, one of Japan's three great gorges, also offers a New Year's sunrise cruise.
Watching the first sunrise of the year while enjoying the scenery of Matsushima, one of Japan's three most scenic spots, up close is sure to be a memory you'll cherish for a lifetime.
Since you can also enjoy sightseeing in Matsushima from New Year's Day after the cruise, this cruise ship is especially recommended for families.
Address: 98-1 Matsushima-machi, Matsushima-cho, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0213 (Matsushima Island Cruise Boat Terminal)
Parking: Available (for a fee)
Access: 7-minute walk from Matsushima-Kaigan Station on the JR Senseki Line.
HP:https://higashimatsushima-kanko.com/pleasure_boat/
Nobiru Beach in Higashimatsushima City, a popular spot for surfers, is also a popular spot for watching the first sunrise of the year because it opens up to the Pacific Ocean.
This coast offers a variety of views, from the magnificent natural scenery of Okumatsushima to the west, to the factory complex of Ishinomaki to the east.
The beach itself is spacious, so you'll be able to enjoy the first sunrise of the year without being disturbed by anyone.
Address: 981-0411 Miyagi Prefecture, Higashimatsushima City, Nobiru Minamiyokei
Parking: None (parking available near the beach)
Access: 5 minutes by car from Nobiru Station on the JR Senseki Line
The "First Sunrise Viewing Cruise," departing from Marine Gate Shiogama in Shiogama City, allows you to enjoy the scenery of the islands between Shiogama and Matsushima while watching the first sunrise of the year.
As with all cruise ships, the New Year's Day sunrise cruise is very popular, so early booking is essential.
Furthermore, Shiogama Shrine, which boasts a history of over 1,000 years, is within walking distance, so visiting it before or after the cruise would kill two birds with one stone.
Address: 1-4-1 Minatomachi, Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture 985-0016 (Minato Oasis Marine Gate Shiogama)
Parking: Available (for a fee)
Access: 5-minute walk from Hon-Shiogama Station on the JR Senseki Line
HP:https://www.marubun-kisen.com/wakuwaku/hatsuhinode.php
Saigyo-modoshi-no-matsu Park in Matsushima Town, which is also famous for its cherry blossoms, is gaining popularity as a spot to watch the first sunrise of the year, as you can see the sun rising over Matsushima Bay.
Since it's not often you get to view Matsushima's scenery from above, it's highly recommended as you can see the spectacular view from a different angle than usual.
Since the park's parking lot is expected to be crowded, you might want to consider parking your car in a nearby coin-operated parking lot and walking from there.
Address: 2 Inuta, Matsushima, Matsushima-machi, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0213
Parking: Available
Access: 5 minutes by car from Matsushima-Kaigan Station on the JR Senseki Line
HP:https://www.matsushima-kanko.com/miru/detail.php?id=137
Yuriage Coast in Natori City, one of the areas severely damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake, is a spectacular spot to watch the first sunrise of the year, bringing a sense of hope to the city.
There are no islands beyond the Yuriage coast, so you can fully experience the rising sun from the horizon.
A new commercial facility called "Kawamachi Terrace Yuriage" has also opened nearby, making this area worth checking out not just on New Year's Day.
Address: 981-1213 Miyagi Prefecture, Natori City, Yuriage Higashisuga
Parking: Available
Access: 15 minutes by car from JR Natori Station
If you take a 15-minute climb up Mt. Anba in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, you can see the first sunrise of the year rising from the Karakuwa Peninsula and the back of Oshima Island.
Watching the first sunrise of the year after a moderately challenging hike will create a memorable experience filled with a sense of accomplishment.
There's an observation deck along the way, so watching the first sunrise of the year from there would be another way to enjoy the experience.
Address: 988-0812 Miyagi Prefecture, Kesennuma City, Oiwaiyama
Parking: Available
Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Urashima-Oshima Interchange on the Sanriku Expressway to the trailhead, and approximately 15 minutes to the summit.
HP:https://kesennuma-kanko.jp/anbasan/
Similarly, the first sunrise of the year viewed from Iwaizaki in Kesennuma City, along with the spray of waves crashing against the rocks, will leave a lasting impression as a striking and impressive sight.
Furthermore, there are no obstructions in the southeast direction where the first sunrise of the year rises, allowing you to see the sun rising from the horizon.
Kesennuma has many open areas to the east, so it might be fun to change your viewing spot each year to watch the first sunrise of the year.
Address: 988-0241 Miyagi Prefecture, Kesennuma City, Namiji, Iwaizaki
Parking: Available
Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Iwaizaki Interchange on the Sanriku Expressway to the trailhead.
HP:https://hashikami-kanko.jp/
Watching the first sunrise of the year alongside a large, monolithic rock known as the Moai Rock is one of the spectacular sights that Minamisanriku Town boasts.
In the summer, it becomes a popular spot in Minamisanriku, bustling with beachgoers and featuring food trucks.
Since Arashima Shrine is located on a remote island and can be reached on foot, it is an auspicious place where you can watch the first sunrise of the year and make your first shrine visit of the year.
Address: 1 Shizugawa Sodehama, Minamisanriku-cho, Motoyoshi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture 986-0717
Parking: Available
Access: 6 minutes by car from Minamisanriku Kaigan IC on the Sanriku Expressway
HP:https://www.m-kankou.jp/sun-ole/
The first sunrise of the year, as seen from Izunuma Marsh, where greater white-fronted geese live, is a popular spot to watch the sunrise, partly because the image of the geese "soaring" is considered auspicious.
Furthermore, because the swamp is surrounded by ground on all sides, you can also enjoy the sunset by changing your viewing angle.
Because lotus flowers bloom profusely every summer, this is a recommended tourist spot where you can enjoy stunning scenery all year round.
Address: 17-2 Shikimi, Kamihataoka, Wakayanagi, Kurihara City, Miyagi Prefecture 989-5504 (Miyagi Prefecture Izunuma/Uchinuma Sanctuary Center)
Parking: Available
Access: 6 minutes by car from Kurikoma-Kogen Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen line.
This article compiles a list of recommended spots in Miyagi Prefecture for watching the first sunrise of the year.
If you live in Miyagi Prefecture, or are returning to Miyagi for the New Year holidays, please use this as a reference when looking for a spot to watch the first sunrise of the year.
We hope that Roopt can get off to a great start in 2024 together with our readers.
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