How to Welcome the New Year with Hatsuhinode in Japan

One of the most beautiful and meaningful traditions in Japan is to watch the first sunrise of the year, or Hatsuhinode (初日の出) in Japanese. It is believed that the sun goddess Amaterasu brings happiness and prosperity to those who witness her first appearance in the sky on January 1st. Many people wake up early and head to the best spots to see the golden rays of the sun illuminate the horizon and the land.

If you are in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, one of the best places to enjoy Hatsuhinode is the Nakatajima Dune (中田島砂丘), one of the three largest sand dune areas in Japan. The dunes extend for about 4 kilometers along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, and offer a stunning view of the vast sea and the sky. The wind creates beautiful patterns on the sand, called fumon, that resemble artworks. You can also see the Hamamatsu Festival Pavilion, where the history and culture of the famous Hamamatsu Festival and kites are displayed, from the dunes.

To get to the Nakatajima Dune, you can take the Entetsu Bus from Hamamatsu Station to Nakatajima Kaihin Koen (中田島海浜公園) bus stop, which is about a 10-minute walk from the dunes. The Entetsu bus service will be increased on January 1st to accommodate the visitors who want to see the first sunrise. The sunrise time on January 1st, 2024 is expected to be around 6:50 a.m., so make sure you arrive early to secure a good spot. You may also want to bring warm clothes, a camera, and a thermos of hot tea or coffee to keep yourself comfortable and enjoy the moment.

Watching the first sunrise of the year is not only a visual feast but also a spiritual experience. Many people pray for their wishes and goals for the new year or express their gratitude for the past year. Some people also visit a nearby shrine or temple after sunrise, to perform Hatsumode (初詣), the first shrine or temple visit of the year. This is another way to receive blessings and fortune from the gods for the new year.

If you are looking for a unique and memorable way to celebrate the new year in Japan, why not try Hatsuhinode at the Nakatajima Dune? Getting up early may be a challenge, but it is totally worth it. You will surely be amazed by the beauty and the meaning of this ancient tradition.

For more information, please check inhamahatsu website on how to spend New Year's.

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