With restrictions due to the novel coronavirus infection eased in 2023, the New Year's sunrise in 2024 is expected to be the most bustling in recent years.
There are many recommended New Year's sunrise spots in Miyagi Prefecture, so this time we will introduce a compilation of such spots.
We've also included predictions for the 2024 New Year's sunrise and tips for viewing it, so if you're looking for a New Year's sunrise spot in Miyagi Prefecture, be sure to check it out.
The sunrise time in Miyagi Prefecture on New Year's Day 2024 is predicted to be [6:53 AM (for Sendai City)] according to the Sunrise/Sunset Time and Direction Map.
Also, after calculating the direction of the sunrise using the Sunrise/Sunset Calculation – High-Precision Calculation Site, it was determined that the azimuth on New Year's Day 2024 will 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 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 viewing.
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 drive to the New Year's sunrise spot, so check in advance if there's parking nearby (and if it's not too far away).
It's also a good idea to look for parking lots with ample space.
It would be terrible if you couldn't park and missed the sunrise, 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 mountains or buildings acting as obstacles, the time you can see the sun will naturally be slightly delayed.
The sunrise time found in searches is merely "the time the sun appears 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 there is one strategy.
This kind of strategy 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 measures against the cold, such as wearing warmer clothes than usual and bringing warm drinks like hot tea.
As an aside, with hot coffee, the diuretic effect of caffeine might make you need to use the restroom while waiting, so I, as the author, 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 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 along it is simply "magnificent."
I also went to see the New Year's 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 New Year's sunrise rising from the vast Pacific Ocean.
Viewing the New Year's 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 inspire you to make New Year's resolutions.
Kashima Miko Shrine is also on the same grounds, so it's bustling with people who come to combine the New Year's sunrise and Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) every year.
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 on the southern Oshika Peninsula, you can see the New Year's sunrise from the sea while on a cruise ship.
Kinkasan is also known as a prominent power spot, and combining the Kinkasan Sightseeing Cruise with the New Year's sunrise and Hatsumode is said to bring good fortune, making it popular every year.
Cruise ships on New Year's Day fill up quickly, so early reservations are 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 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 offers an unparalleled sense of openness.
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 Sokkan 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 seen after a moderate 20-minute hike will bring both beauty and a sense of accomplishment.
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 luxurious Okumatsushima Sightseeing Boat Sagakei Course, where you can enjoy the beautiful islands of Matsushima Bay and the Sagakei Gorge, one of Japan's three great gorges, 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 most scenic views, up close is sure to be an unforgettable 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 Pier)
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 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 industrial complex of Ishinomaki to the east.
The coast itself is spacious, so you can enjoy the New Year's sunrise undisturbed.
Address: Nobiru Minamiyokei, 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 "New Year's Sunrise Worship Cruise" departing from Marine Gate Shiogama in Shiogama City allows you to view the New Year's sunrise while enjoying 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 for Hatsumode before or after the cruise is hitting two birds with one stone.
Address: 1-4-1 Minatomachi, 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 popular as a New Year's sunrise spot where you can worship the sun rising from Matsushima Bay.
It's also recommended because you rarely get to see the Matsushima scenery from above, offering a spectacular view 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 at 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
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 New Year's sunrise spot that brings hope to Natori City.
Beyond the Yuriage Coast, there are no islands, allowing you to fully experience 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 Higashisuka, Natori City, Miyagi 981-1213
Parking: Available
Access: 15 minutes by car from JR Natori Station
After a 15-minute climb up Anbasan in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, you can see the New Year's sunrise rising from beyond the Karakuwa Peninsula and Oshima.
The New Year's sunrise seen after a moderately strenuous hike will be a memorable experience, accompanied by a sense of accomplishment.
There is also an observation deck along the way, so viewing the New Year's 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, 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 crashing against the rocks.
Furthermore, there are no obstacles to the southeast, the direction from which the New Year's sunrise appears, allowing you to 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: Iwaizaki, Hataji, 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 New Year's 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.
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.
Address: 1 Sodehama, Shizugawa, 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 the first sunrise, partly due to the auspiciousness of "flapping wings."
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, Kamihatooka, 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 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 article.
Roopt hopes to have a great start to 2024, along with all our readers.
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