The definitive edition for 2026: 10 sunrise spots in the Kanto region for the first sunrise of the year.
🌅 The light that colors the start of the year—the charm of the first sunrise
The first sunrise of the year is a special moment symbolizing the beginning of a new year. In the crisp winter air, the sun slowly emerges from the horizon, transforming the world from darkness to gold—a sight that never fails to move the heart, no matter how many times you witness it.
The Kanto region and its surroundings offer diverse locations—seaside, mountains, riversides, and city streets—each revealing its own unique “morning.” By the sea, you can enjoy the powerful sunrise rising straight above the horizon; in the mountains, the light that seems to permeate the land spread out below; and in the city, the dramatic glow filtering through the gaps between buildings.
The great appeal of photographing the first sunrise of the year lies in welcoming the start of the year with a moment of light that feels like a cleansing of the soul.
📸 Tips for Capturing a Beautiful First Sunrise
To capture a more beautiful first sunrise, there are a few points you might want to keep in mind.
💨 On days with light winds, the reflections appear beautifully.
This is a point to be especially mindful of when photographing lakes and rivers.
🌅 Exposure is slightly underexposed.
The sun's outline becomes sharply defined, and its color deepens and intensifies. A guide value of -0.7 to -1.7 EV is recommended.
🔭 When you want to capture the sun large, a telephoto lens is effective.
Combining distant mountains, torii gates, lighthouses, and such often creates powerful images.
🌊 Utilizing the “reflections” on water surfaces and sandy beaches
The path of light created by the morning sun is unique to the first sunrise of the year. Whether on a lake or the sea, the mere presence of reflection can dramatically change the impression of a photograph.
🌈 Enjoy the changing colors of the blue hour
The few minutes before dawn are a beautiful time when the sky transitions from purple to blue. Being able to capture this moment is one of winter's charms.
✨ Golden hour brings sudden shifts in color
Immediately after sunrise, the sky's color changes almost by the minute. Shooting continuously while adjusting exposure yields a rich variety of shots.
🧭 Check the direction of the sunrise beforehand
When you want to align with landmarks like Mount Fuji, torii gates, or lighthouses, it's crucial. Using a compass app ensures you won't make mistakes.
📐 Testing switching between portrait and landscape orientation
Vertical shots emphasize the height of the light, while horizontal shots emphasize the breadth of the scenery. Capturing both will increase your satisfaction.
🥶 Cold Weather Protection on Location
Shooting the first sunrise of the year is essentially a battle against the cold. Especially at the seaside and mountaintops, it gets colder than you can imagine, so preparation is crucial.
🚗 If traveling by car, always keep a blanket on hand.
It serves as a very useful “refuge” before and after filming.
🧥 Outerwear should be winter gear as a basic rule
The coastal area is windy, causing the temperature to drop significantly. A down jacket or windproof jacket is recommended for comfort.
🧤 Gloves are worn in a “thin + thick” double layer
Using a thin layer for camera operation and a thick layer for waiting times is incredibly convenient.
🔥 Carry multiple disposable hand warmers
The warmth from heating three points—pockets, waist, and soles—is completely different.
🧦 Keeping your feet warm is the top priority.
With just thick socks and insulated boots, my focus during shoots is on a whole different level.
🧣 Keeping your neck warm is essential.
A neck warmer makes a big difference in how well you retain body heat.
🧃Bring a warm drink
Highly effective for post-shoot recovery. We recommend an insulated bottle.
🎒 Aim to arrive at the location 30 to 60 minutes before sunrise.
Being able to prepare calmly in the dark reduces cold stress.
🌅 The morning glow tints the Kanto sky. 10 places for the first sunrise of the year.
There are many places in and around the Kanto region where you can take beautiful pictures of the first sunrise of the year. The sunrise that marks the beginning of the new year is fascinating in that the same "sunrise" can have a completely different appearance depending on the location.
Here are 10 spots that I recommend for photographing the first sunrise of the year, which I actually visited and found to be "really great.
FirstArakawa Riverbank (Tokyo/Saitama)is a place with a wide open field of view despite its proximity to the city. You can enjoy the sight of the sun rising straight up from the horizon along the river, and you can clearly feel the boundary between the sky and the earth. On days when the morning mist appears, the light softly blends in, creating a quiet and gentle atmosphere. This is the perfect spot for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a while and start the year in a calm and relaxed manner.
Lake Shojin (Yamanashi Prefecture)Fuji in front of you, you can enjoy the luxurious moment when the sunrise overlaps with the upside-down Fuji reflected on the lake surface. Fuji's silhouette emerges from the sky as the sky changes from blue to red, and the colors are like a painting. The clear winter air makes the colors and contrasts stand out clearly, creating a spectacular view that is perfect for the start of the year.
Where the Pacific's rough waves meet the morning sunOarai Isomae Shrine (Ibaraki Prefecture)is one of the most popular spots for sunrise on the first day of the year in Japan. The moment when the sun rising behind the shrine's torii gate standing on the reef overlaps with the sun rising behind it is a breathtaking sight. The spray from the waves sparkles in the light, creating a sense of power and holiness at the same time. Once you are there, you will immediately realize the reason why so many people gather there even in the darkest hours of the day.
Mt. Sawtooth Mountain (Chiba Prefecture)At the "Sunrise on Tokyo Bay", you can enjoy a dramatic morning as the sun peeks out from behind the sheer cliffs and turns Tokyo Bay into a golden color. The view from the top of the mountain is large in scale, and you can feel the power of the sunrise changing the sea and sky all at once. This is a place where you can feel as if you have wandered into a scene from a movie, and is recommended for both those who like to climb mountains and those who like to photograph landscapes.
The special environment of being at sea is a great way to greet the first sunrise of the year,Umihotaru (Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line)It is. Surrounded by the sea on all sides, the sun rising from the horizon spreads out like a path of light on the surface of the water. Because it is located near the city and yet offers a spectacular view, it is popular with visitors and families who come for a drive. From the observation deck, visitors can take their time to appreciate how the sea and sky slowly change.
Located at the easternmost tip of KantoInubozaki (Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture)is known as "the earliest place in Japan to see the first sunrise of the new year. The view created by the lighthouse, the ocean, and the rising sun is a classic New Year's sunrise. The white lighthouse is illuminated by the morning sun, and the sky and sea gradually become brighter and brighter, creating a refreshing atmosphere that is perfect for the beginning of the New Year.
Fuji, the lake, and the sunrise at the same time.Lake Tanuki (Shizuoka Prefecture)Fuji. Fuji, and if the conditions are right, you can enjoy the beautiful reflections on the lake's surface. The sunrise at the quiet lakeside is very peaceful, making it a perfect spot for those who want to welcome the New Year slowly in the midst of nature.
Mitsuishi Coast at Cape Manazuru (Kanagawa Prefecture)At the "Sotsuishi", you can enjoy the mystical atmosphere of the first sunrise as the sunrise overlaps with the three rocks floating on the sea. The light rising between the rocks and the reflection of the sunrise off the waves creates a scene that is somewhat like the world of a story. Recommended for those who want to capture a fantastic sunrise in the quiet and serene atmosphere.
Haneda Airport (Tokyo)is a spot where you can enjoy the first sunrise from a slightly different perspective. The moment when the sunrise from across the runway overlaps with airplanes taking off and landing is a unique sight. The combination of a moving subject and the sunrise is very picturesque and will leave you with a picture that will remind you of the start of a journey or the beginning of a new day.
FinallyOdawara Beach (Kanagawa Prefecture)The sun softly rises over Sagami Bay. The sun rising softly from across Sagami Bay envelops the entire ocean in soft light. The light reflecting off the lapping waves glistens and sparkles, creating a calm and gentle atmosphere to welcome the New Year. The spacious sandy beach makes it easy to find a good location for shooting, and even first-time sunrise photographers can find a composition that suits their needs.
The first sunrise gives a very different impression and feeling depending on where you view it. Whether it is the ocean, a mountain, a lake, or a city, enjoy the combination of each landscape's charm and the sunrise, and find your own special New Year's moment.
