With COVID-19 restrictions eased in 2023, the New Year's sunrise in 2024 is expected to be the most bustling in several years.
There are many recommended spots for the New Year's sunrise in Miyagi Prefecture, so this time we will introduce them all together.
We've also included predictions for the 2024 New Year's sunrise and tips for viewing it, so if you're looking for New Year's sunrise spots in Miyagi Prefecture, be sure to check it out.
According to the Sunrise/Sunset Time and Direction Map, the sunrise time in Miyagi Prefecture on New Year's Day 2024 is predicted to be [6:53 AM (for Sendai City)].
Also, when I calculated the direction of the sunrise using the Sunrise/Sunset Calculation – High-Precision Calculation Site, it was calculated to be [Azimuth: approximately 119 degrees] on New Year's Day 2024.
Readers should generally understand this as [rising from almost the southeast].
(From the Sunrise/Sunset Time and Direction Maphttps://hinode.pics/. The line on the right indicates the direction of the sunrise)
The author, a "New Year's Sunrise Hunter" who has viewed the New Year's sunrise almost every year for the past 15 years, will introduce tips for fully enjoying the New Year's sunrise.
If you are going to view it for the first time, please check the following points.
Public transportation is usually not running at the time of the New Year's sunrise.
Unless it's within walking distance, you'll have to go to the New Year's sunrise spot by car, so check in advance if there's parking nearby (and if it's not too far).
It's also a good idea to look for parking lots with plenty of space.
It would be the worst to miss the sunrise because you couldn't park, and since it's cold, you'll have the option of parking early and waiting in your car until just before.
Even if you check the direction and sunrise time and head to the New Year's sunrise spot accordingly, if there are obstacles like mountains or buildings, the time you can see the sun will naturally be slightly delayed.
The sunrise time that appears in searches is merely the "time the sun shows its face above the horizon," so if there are obstacles, it's a good idea to keep that time in mind when preparing.
Also, one strategy is to find a place without obstacles, such as a spot not hidden by mountains, and view it from there.
This kind of strategizing is one of the joys of the New Year's sunrise.
It's early morning in January and outdoors, so it's naturally cold.
You need to take sufficient cold weather precautions, such as wearing warmer clothes than usual and bringing warm drinks like hot tea.
As an aside, hot coffee might make you want to go to the restroom during the wait due to the diuretic effect of caffeine, so I would recommend tea over coffee.
This is also obvious, but you can't see the sunrise if it's cloudy.
Also, waiting in the rain or snow can make you sick, so pay attention to the weather a few days in advance and have the option to give up on viewing the New Year's sunrise if it's not good.
Showing a healthy face to your family and friends is the top priority, and since it's the first day of the year, we want you to spend it in good health.
Now, we will introduce recommended New Year's sunrise spots in Miyagi Prefecture.
If there's a place near where you live that interests you, please go visit.
Seapalpia Onagawa, a commercial facility located directly in front of Onagawa Station and registered as a roadside station, is one of Miyagi Prefecture's representative New Year's sunrise spots.
The promenade extending from the station to the sea was actually designed with the direction of the sun at sunrise in mind, and the sun rising exactly as intended is simply "magnificent."
I also went to see the New Year's sunrise in 2023, and it was the best start to the year, beginning with a spectacular view.
Address: 2 Chome-60 Onagawa, Onagawa-cho, Oshika-gun, Miyagi 986-2265
From Hiyoriyama Park, one of Ishinomaki's symbols, you can also see the New Year's sunrise rising from the vast Pacific Ocean.
Watching the New Year's sunrise while gazing at the nature-rich Oshika Peninsula and the Minamihama area, which is recovering from the Great East Japan Earthquake, will make you feel invigorated and help you make your New Year's resolutions.
There is also Kashima Miko Shrine within the same grounds, so it is bustling every year with people who come to see the New Year's sunrise and visit the shrine together.
Address: 2 Chome-2 Hiyorigaoka, Ishinomaki, Miyagi 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 see the New Year's sunrise from the sea while on the cruise ship.
Kinkasan is also known as a prominent power spot, and it is popular every year for bringing good luck by viewing the New Year's sunrise and visiting the shrine on the Kinkasan Sightseeing Cruise.
Cruise ships on New Year's Day fill up quickly, so we recommend booking as early as possible.
Address: 70 Ayukawahama Minami, Ishinomaki, Miyagi 986-2523 (Ayukawa Port)
Parking: Available
From Oshika Gobansho Park on the Oshika Peninsula, you can see the New Year's sunrise and Kinkasan illuminated by the sun.
Oshika Gobansho Park itself is a small hill-like terrain, and viewing the sun, mountains, and sea from there is simply exhilarating.
You can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, making it a recommended tourist spot all year round, not just on New Year's Day.
Address: 1-643 Ayukawahama Kurosaki, Ishinomaki, Miyagi 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
Shidaikan Sokan Otakamori, which is about a 10-minute drive from Roopt's share house "Roopt Okumatsushima," is a scenic spot where you can enjoy both the sunrise rising from the Oshika Peninsula and the sunset sinking behind the Matsushima landscape.
The sunrise after a moderate 20-minute hike will give you a sense of accomplishment along with its beauty.
However, the mountain path before sunrise is dark, so be sure to bring a light or similar to ensure sufficient brightness.
Address: Otakamori, Miyato, Higashimatsushima, Miyagi 981-0412
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 Sagakei Course, which allows you to enjoy the beautiful islands of Matsushima Bay and Japan's Three Great Gorges "Sagakei," also offers a New Year's sunrise cruise.
Watching the New Year's sunrise while enjoying the scenery of Matsushima, one of Japan's Three Scenic Views, up close is sure to be a lifelong memory.
After the cruise, you can also enjoy Matsushima sightseeing from New Year's Day, making it a highly recommended cruise ship for families.
Address: 98-1 Matsushima Machinai, Matsushima-machi, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi 981-0213 (Matsushima Island Tour Sightseeing Boat Pier)
Parking: Available (paid)
Access: 7 minutes walk from JR Senseki Line Matsushima-Kaigan Station
HP:https://higashimatsushima-kanko.com/pleasure_boat/
Nobiru Coast, a popular surfing beach in Higashimatsushima City, is also popular as a New Year's sunrise spot because it opens up to the Pacific Ocean.
It is also a beach where you can enjoy various views, with the magnificent nature of Okumatsushima to the west and the factory complex of Ishinomaki to the east.
The beach itself is spacious, so you can enjoy the New Year's sunrise without being disturbed by anyone.
Address: Nobiru Minamiyoke, Higashimatsushima, Miyagi 981-0411
Parking: None (parking spaces available near the coast)
Access: 5 minutes by car from JR Senseki Line Nobiru Station
The New Year's Sunrise Worship Cruise departing from "Marine Gate Shiogama" in Shiogama City allows you to enjoy the New Year's sunrise while viewing the scenery of the islands between Shiogama and Matsushima.
As with all cruise ships, New Year's sunrise cruises are popular, so early booking is essential.
Also, Shiogama Shrine, with over 1000 years of history, is within walking distance, so visiting the shrine before or after the cruise is killing two birds with one stone.
Address: 1 Chome-4-1 Minatomachi, Shiogama, Miyagi 985-0016 (Minato Oasis Marine Gate Shiogama)
Parking: Available (paid)
Access: 5 minutes walk from JR Senseki Line Hon-Shiogama Station
HP:https://www.marubun-kisen.com/wakuwaku/hatsuhinode.php
Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park in Matsushima Town, also famous for its cherry blossoms, is popular as a New Year's sunrise spot where you can worship the sun rising from Matsushima Bay.
It's also recommended because you don't often get to view the Matsushima scenery from above, allowing you to see the spectacular view from a different angle than usual.
Parking in the park is expected to be crowded, so you might consider parking in a coin parking lot a little further away and walking.
Address: 2 Inuta, Matsushima, Matsushima-machi, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi 981-0213
Parking: Available
Access: 5 minutes by car from JR Senseki Line Matsushima-Kaigan Station
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 New Year's sunrise spot that brings hope to Natori City.
There are no islands beyond Yuriage Coast, so you can fully feel the sun rising from the horizon.
A new commercial facility called "Kawamachi Terrace Yuriage" has also been built nearby, making it an area to check out not just on New Year's Day.
Address: Yuriage Higashisuga, Natori, Miyagi 981-1213
Parking: Available
Access: 15 minutes by car from JR Natori Station
If you climb Anbasan in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, for about 15 minutes, you can see the New Year's sunrise rising from beyond Karakuwa Peninsula and Oshima.
The New Year's sunrise after a moderately strenuous hike will be a memorable experience along with a sense of accomplishment.
There is also an observation deck along the way, so viewing the New Year's sunrise from there is one way to enjoy it.
Address: Oiwayama, Kesennuma, Miyagi 988-0812
Parking: Available
Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Sanriku Expressway Urashima Oshima IC to the trailhead, approximately 15 minutes to the summit
HP:https://kesennuma-kanko.jp/anbasan/
The New Year's sunrise viewed from Iwaizaki, also in Kesennuma City, will leave a lasting impression as a powerful scene, accompanied by the spray of waves hitting the rocks.
Also, there are no obstacles in the southeast direction where the New Year's sunrise rises, so you can see the sun rising from the horizon.
Kesennuma has many places open to the east, so it might be fun to change your New Year's sunrise viewing spot each year.
Address: Hageshi Iwaizaki, Kesennuma, Miyagi 988-0241
Parking: Available
Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Sanriku Expressway Iwaizaki IC to the trailhead
HP:https://hashikami-kanko.jp/
The New Year's sunrise viewed with the large monolithic rock known as Moai Rock is one of Minamisanriku Town's proud scenic views.
In summer, it bustles with swimmers, and food trucks gather, making it a particularly popular spot in Minamisanriku.
Arashima Shrine, located on a detached island, can be reached on foot, making it an auspicious place where you can enjoy both the New Year's sunrise and Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year).
Address: 1 Shizugawa Sodehama, Minamisanriku-cho, Motoyoshi-gun, Miyagi 986-0717
Parking: Available
Access: 6 minutes by car from Sanriku Expressway Minamisanriku Kaigan IC
HP:https://www.m-kankou.jp/sun-ole/
The first sunrise of the year, visible from Izunuma, where greater white-fronted geese live, is a popular spot for its auspiciousness, including the symbolism of "taking flight."
Also, since it is a marsh surrounded by land on all 360 degrees, you can enjoy the sunset by changing your viewing angle.
With lotuses blooming every summer, it's a recommended tourist spot where you can enjoy stunning scenery all year round.
Address: 17-2 Shikimi, Kamihatooka, 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
In this article, we've compiled a list of recommended spots for the first sunrise of the year in Miyagi Prefecture.
If you live in Miyagi, or are returning to Miyagi for the New Year holidays, please refer to this when looking for a first sunrise spot.
Roopt hopes to get off to a good start in 2024, together with all our readers.
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