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 in Miyagi Prefecture to watch the first sunrise of the year, 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 a spot 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, after calculating the sunrise direction using the Sunrise/Sunset Calculation – High Precision Calculation Site, the azimuth for New Year's Day 2024 was found to be [approximately 119 degrees].
Readers can generally understand this as [rising almost from the southeast].
(From the Sunrise/Sunset Time and Direction Maphttps://hinode.pics/. The line on the right indicates the direction of sunrise)
The author, a 'New Year's Sunrise Hunter' who has watched the first 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 watch it for the first time, please check the following points.
Public transportation is usually not operating at the time of the New Year's sunrise.
Unless it's within walking distance, you'll have to drive to the 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 spot accordingly, if there are mountains or buildings obstructing the view, the time you can actually see the sun will naturally be a little later.
The sunrise time you find in searches is merely 'the time the sun appears above the horizon,' so if there are obstructions, it's a good idea to keep that in mind when preparing.
Also, one strategy is to find a place without obstructions, such as a spot not hidden by mountains, and watch from there.
This kind of strategizing is one of the joys of watching the New Year's sunrise.
It's early morning in January and outdoors, 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 during the wait due to caffeine's diuretic effect, so I, as the author, 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 watching the 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, let's introduce the recommended New Year's sunrise spots in Miyagi Prefecture.
If there's a place near you that interests you, please go check it out.
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 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 along it is simply 'magnificent'.
I 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 first 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 on the same grounds, so it is crowded every year with people who come to see the first sunrise and make their first shrine visit together.
Address: 2 Chome-2 Hiyorigaoka, Ishinomaki, Miyagi 986-0833
Website: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 on a cruise ship.
Kinkasan is also known as a prominent power spot, and it is popular every year for bringing good luck by watching the first sunrise and making the first shrine visit on the Kinkasan Sightseeing Cruise.
Reservations for the New Year's Day cruise ship fill up quickly, so we recommend booking as early as possible.
Address: 70 Ayukawahama Minami, Ishinomaki, Miyagi 986-2523 (Ayukawa Port)
Parking: Available
Website:http://kinkasan.com/
From 'Oshika Gobansho Park' on the Oshika Peninsula, you can view the New Year's sunrise and Kinkasan illuminated by the sun.
'Oshika Gobansho Park' itself is a small hill-like terrain, and gazing at 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
Website:https://www.city.ishinomaki.lg.jp/cont/10452000b/-kanko/-kankomap/d0060/20130224153230.html
'Shidaikan Sokkan 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 morning sun viewed 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 and 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
Website: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-minute walk from JR Senseki Line Matsushima-Kaigan Station
Website:https://higashimatsushima-kanko.com/pleasure_boat/
The Nobiru Coast in Higashimatsushima City, popular with surfers, is also a popular spot for the New Year's sunrise because it opens up to 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 factory complex of Ishinomaki to the east.
The coast 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 space 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 see the New Year's sunrise while enjoying the scenery of the islands between Shiogama and Matsushima.
As with all cruise ships, the New Year's sunrise cruise is popular, so early booking is essential.
Also, Shiogama Shrine, with over 1000 years of history, is within walking distance, so visiting for Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) before or after the cruise is hitting 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-minute walk from JR Senseki Line Hon-Shiogama Station
Website: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.
The park's parking lot is expected to be crowded, so consider parking in a coin-operated 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
Website: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 spot for the New Year's sunrise that brings hope to Natori City.
There are no islands beyond the Yuriage Coast, allowing you to 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, Miyagi 981-1213
Parking: Available
Access: 15 minutes by car from JR Natori Station
After climbing Mount Anba in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, for about 15 minutes, you can see the New Year's sunrise rising from beyond the Karakuwa Peninsula and Oshima Island.
The first sunrise viewed after a moderately strenuous hike will be a memorable experience, filled with a sense of accomplishment.
There is also an observation deck along the way, so watching the sunrise from there is another way to enjoy it.
Address: Oiwayama, Kesennuma, Miyagi 988-0812
Parking: Available
Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Sanriku Expressway Ura-Oshima IC to the trailhead, approximately 15 minutes to the summit
Website: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 obstructions in the southeast direction where the first sunrise rises, allowing you to see the sun rising from the horizon.
Kesennuma has many places that open to the east, so it might be fun to change your sunrise viewing spot each year.
Address: Harioji Iwaizaki, Kesennuma, Miyagi 988-0241
Parking: Available
Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Sanriku Expressway Iwaizaki IC to the trailhead
Website: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, is accessible on foot, making it an auspicious place where you can enjoy both the first sunrise and your 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 Coast IC
Website: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 viewing the first sunrise, partly due to the auspiciousness 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, making it a recommended tourist spot where you can enjoy magnificent 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 have compiled a list of recommended spots for the first sunrise in Miyagi Prefecture.
If you live in Miyagi or are returning to Miyagi for the New Year holidays and are looking for a spot to see the first sunrise, please refer to this list.
We hope that Roopt, along with all our readers, can get off to a good start in 2024.
FIND YOUR STAY
Feel free to contact us for inquiries regarding accommodation reservations, move-in consultations, viewing appointments, interviews, etc.
Contact Us
