Watching the first sunrise of the year is a very popular event in Japan. Many people travel long distance to watch it over their favorite location. It's best to watch it from a hill or a mountain but usually mountains are cold at that time of year. This year I watched it over a hill in Hanamaki. It's amazing to see how the sky goes from dark to very colorful as the sun appears. Then it changes quickly ans it looks like the sky is on fire. It is also the coldest part of the night just before the sun comes out.
- 1 min read
First Sunrise over Hanamaki 2016
Getting an early start to the new year
Leave a comment
Top Articles
-
![Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026]( "Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026")
1Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
![Azumino, Japan’s Peaceful Highland Getaway]( "Azumino, Japan’s Peaceful Highland Getaway")
2Azumino, Japan’s Peaceful Highland Getaway
Nagano - Sponsored -
![Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road]( "Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road")
3Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road
Chiba -
![Explore Kujukuri, Chiba and Beyond]( "Explore Kujukuri, Chiba and Beyond")
4Explore Kujukuri, Chiba and Beyond
Chiba - Sponsored -
![Asakusa GYUUNA Yadoki: Premium Eel & Wagyu Beef in Asakusa]( "Asakusa GYUUNA Yadoki: Premium Eel & Wagyu Beef in Asakusa")
5Asakusa GYUUNA Yadoki: Premium Eel & Wagyu Beef in Asakusa
Tokyo -
![I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation]( "I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation")
6I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
![Tokyo Named As World's Top Breakup Vacation Spot]( "Tokyo Named As World's Top Breakup Vacation Spot")
7Tokyo Named As World's Top Breakup Vacation Spot
Tokyo -
![Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2025 Guide)]( "Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2025 Guide)")
8Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2025 Guide)
Culture -
![One Full Day in Kamogawa From Kamenoi Hotel Kamogawa]( "One Full Day in Kamogawa From Kamenoi Hotel Kamogawa")
9One Full Day in Kamogawa From Kamenoi Hotel Kamogawa
Chiba - Sponsored -
![Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters]( "Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters")
10Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture
-
![Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan]( "Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan")
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
![Edogawa Fireworks Festival]( "Edogawa Fireworks Festival")
2Edogawa Fireworks Festival
Tokyo -
![The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo]( "The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo")
3The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
![Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo]( "Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo")
4Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
![Yodogawa Fireworks Festival]( "Yodogawa Fireworks Festival")
5Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka -
![Summer Comiket]( "Summer Comiket")
6Summer Comiket
Tokyo -
![September Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)]( "September Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)")
7September Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
![Gion Matsuri]( "Gion Matsuri")
8Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
![Nara Tokae Lantern Festival]( "Nara Tokae Lantern Festival")
9Nara Tokae Lantern Festival
Nara -
![Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition]( "Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition")
10Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo
