With COVID-19 restrictions eased in 2023, the first sunrise of 2024 is expected to be the most bustling in recent years.
Miyagi Prefecture has many recommended first sunrise spots, so this time we will introduce a compilation of such spots.
We've also included predictions for the 2024 first sunrise and tips for viewing it, so if you're looking for first 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, calculating the sunrise direction using the Sunrise/Sunset Calculation – High Precision Calculation Site, the azimuth for New Year's Day 2024 was calculated to be [approximately 119 degrees].
Readers can generally understand this as [rising almost from the southeast].
(From Sunrise/Sunset Time and Direction Maphttps://hinode.pics/. The line on the right indicates the direction of sunrise)
The author, a "first sunrise hunter" who has gone to see the first sunrise almost every year for the past 15 years, will introduce tips for fully enjoying the first sunrise viewing.
If you are going to view it for the first time, please check the following points.
Public transportation is usually not operating at the time of the first sunrise.
Unless it's within walking distance, you'll have to drive to the first sunrise spot, so check in advance if there's parking nearby (and not too far away).
It's also a good idea to look for parking lots with ample 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 first sunrise spot accordingly, if there are mountains or buildings obstructing the view, 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, finding a place without obstacles, such as a spot not hidden by mountains, and viewing it from there is one strategy.
This kind of strategy is also one of the joys of the first sunrise.
It's early morning in January, so it's naturally cold.
You need to take sufficient measures against the cold, 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 due to the diuretic effect of caffeine while waiting, so the author recommends 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 first sunrise if it's 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 you to spend it in good health.
Now, we will introduce recommended first sunrise spots in Miyagi Prefecture.
If there's a place near you that interests you, please go and visit.
Seapalpia Onagawa, a commercial facility located right in front of Onagawa Station and registered as a roadside station, is one of Miyagi Prefecture's representative first 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 along it is simply "magnificent."
The author also went to see the first sunrise in 2023, and it was the best start to the year with a spectacular view.
Address: 2-60 Onagawa, Onagawa-cho, Oshika-gun, Miyagi 986-2265
From Hiyoriyama Park, one of Ishinomaki's symbols, you can also see the first sunrise rising from the vast Pacific Ocean.
Viewing the first sunrise while gazing at the rich natural beauty of the Oshika Peninsula and the Minamihama area, which is recovering from the Great East Japan Earthquake, will surely make you feel refreshed and help you make your New Year's resolutions.
Kashima Miko Shrine is also on the same grounds, so it's bustling every year with people who come to see the first sunrise and make their first shrine visit at the same time.
Address: 2-2 Hiyorigaoka, Ishinomaki City, 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 first sunrise from the sea while on the cruise ship.
Kinkasan is also known as a prominent power spot, and seeing the first sunrise and making a first shrine visit on the Kinkasan Sightseeing Cruise is said to bring good fortune, making it popular every year.
New Year's Day cruise ships fill up quickly, so early booking is highly recommended.
Address: 70 Ayukawahama Minami, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi 986-2523 (Ayukawa Port)
Parking: Available
From Oshika Gobansho Park on the Oshika Peninsula, you can see the first 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 Kurozaki, Ayukawahama, Ishinomaki City, 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, about a 10-minute drive from Roopt's share house "Roopt Okumatsushima," is a spectacular spot where you can enjoy both the sunrise rising from the Oshika Peninsula and the sunset sinking behind the scenery of Matsushima.
The sunrise after a moderate 20-minute walk will allow you to experience a sense of accomplishment along with its beauty.
However, the mountain path before sunrise is dark, so be sure to bring a light and ensure sufficient brightness.
Address: Otakamori, Miyato, Higashimatsushima City, 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 Okumatsushima Sightseeing Boat Sagakei Course, which allows you to enjoy the beautiful islands of Matsushima Bay and the "Sagakei" (one of Japan's three great gorges), also offers a first sunrise cruise.
Viewing the first sunrise while enjoying the scenery of Matsushima, one of Japan's three most 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 this cruise ship particularly recommended for families.
Address: 98-1 Matsushima Machinai, Matsushima-machi, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi 981-0213 (Matsushima Island Tour Sightseeing Boat Terminal)
Parking: Available (paid)
Access: 7 minutes walk from JR Senseki Line Matsushima Kaigan Station
HP:https://higashimatsushima-kanko.com/pleasure_boat/
The Nobiru Coast in Higashimatsushima City, popular with surfers, is also a popular first sunrise spot because it's an open coast facing the Pacific Ocean.
It's also a coast where you can enjoy various views, with the magnificent nature of Okumatsushima to the west and the industrial complex of Ishinomaki to the east.
The coast itself is spacious, so you can enjoy the first sunrise without being disturbed by anyone.
Address: Nobiru Minami Yokage, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi 981-0411
Parking: None (parking space available near the coast)
Access: 5 minutes by car from JR Senseki Line Nobiru Station
The "First Sunrise Worship Cruise" departing from Marine Gate Shiogama in Shiogama City allows you to see the first sunrise while enjoying the scenery of the islands between Shiogama and Matsushima.
Like all cruise ships, first sunrise cruises are popular, so early booking is essential.
Also, Shiogama Shrine, with over 1000 years of history, is within walking distance, so visiting it before or after the cruise for your first shrine visit is killing two birds with one stone.
Address: 1-4-1 Minato-machi, Shiogama City, 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 also popular as a first sunrise spot where you can worship the sun rising from Matsushima Bay.
It's also recommended because you don't often see the Matsushima scenery from above, allowing you to view the spectacular scenery from a different angle than usual.
The park's parking lot is expected to be crowded, so it might be a good idea to consider parking in a coin-operated parking lot a little further away and walking.
Address: 2 Matsushima Inuta, 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
The Yuriage Coast in Natori City, one of the areas severely damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake, is a spectacular first sunrise spot that brings hope to Natori City.
There are no islands beyond the Yuriage Coast, so you can fully feel the sun rising from the horizon.
A new commercial facility called "Kawamachi Terrace Yuriage" has also opened nearby, making it an area to check out not just on New Year's Day.
Address: Yuriage Higashisuga, Natori City, Miyagi 981-1213
Parking: Available
Access: 15 minutes by car from JR Natori Station
After climbing Anbasan in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture for about 15 minutes, you can see the first sunrise rising from beyond the Karakuwa Peninsula and Oshima.
The first sunrise seen after a moderately strenuous climb will be a memorable experience with a sense of accomplishment.
There's also an observation deck along the way, so viewing the first sunrise from there is another way to enjoy it.
Address: Oiwaizan, Kesennuma City, 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 first sunrise seen from Iwaizaki, also in Kesennuma City, will leave a lasting impression as a powerful sight, along with the spray of waves hitting the rocks.
Also, there are no obstacles in the southeast direction where the first sunrise rises, so you can see the sun rising from the horizon.
Kesennuma has many open areas to the east, so it might be fun to change your first sunrise viewing spot each year.
Address: Iwaizaki, Hageshi, Kesennuma City, 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 first sunrise viewed with the large monolithic rock known as Moai Rock is one of Minamisanriku Town's proud spectacular views.
In summer, it's bustling with swimmers, and food trucks gather, making it a particularly popular spot in Minamisanriku.
You can walk to Arashima Shrine on a detached island, making it an auspicious place where you can enjoy both the first sunrise and your first shrine visit.
Address: 1 Shizugawa Sodehama, Motoyoshi-gun, Minamisanriku-cho, Miyagi 986-0717
Parking: Available
Access: 6 minutes by car from Sanriku Expressway Minamisanriku Coast 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 360 degrees, you can enjoy the sunset by changing your viewing angle.
Every summer, lotuses bloom in profusion, making it a recommended tourist spot where you can enjoy magnificent scenery all year round.
Address: 17-2 Shikimi, Uehataoka, Wakayanagi, Kurihara City, Miyagi Prefecture 989-5504 (Miyagi Izunuma-Uchinuma Sanctuary Center)
Parking: Available
Access: 6 minutes by car from Kurikoma-Kogen Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen
In this article, we have 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 and are looking for a first sunrise spot, please refer to this list.
Roopt hopes to make a good start to 2024 together with all our readers.
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