In Japan, Ganjitsu is not just New Year’s Day—it’s a symbol of renewal and hope. The term is deeply rooted in the characters that signify the year’s first sunrise (hatsuhinode), carrying profound cultural significance. This revered moment, believed to herald the arrival of Toshigami-sama (歳神様), the deity of harvest and prosperity, is seen as an auspicious start to the year. Witnessing the first sunrise is a time-honored tradition thought to invite good fortune, health, and happiness for the year ahead.
Japanese tradition extends beyond mere observation. Families prepare special offerings, such as kagami mochi (mirror-shaped rice cakes), as a token of gratitude and reverence to Toshigami-sama. Homes across Japan are adorned with traditional decorations like kadomatsu (pine and bamboo arrangements) and shimekazari (sacred straw ornaments), each symbolizing longevity, prosperity, and protection from evil spirits.
Heart Land Hiraodai Co., Ltd.
Hatsuhinode Spots in Fukuoka
• Ohori Park (Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City)
• Fukuoka Castle Ruins Tenshudai (Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City)
• Washio Atago Shrine (Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City)
• Nokonoshima Island (Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City)
• Aburayama Fukuoka (Minami-ku, Fukuoka City)
• Shikanoshima Island (Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City)
• Mount Mikazukiyama (Hisayama-cho, Kasuya-gun)
• Mount Tenpaizan (Chikushino City)
• Mount Homanzan (Dazaifu City)
• Hiraodai (Kitakyushu City)
Ohori Park
Known as a relaxing retreat for Fukuoka locals, Ohori Park features a flat, open landscape that makes it easy to view the eastern sky without needing to climb hills or observation decks. On New Year’s morning, the sun rises between buildings and trees, casting reflections on the still surface of the pond—a serene way to welcome the year. The park’s central location makes it especially convenient for those wanting a low-effort hatsuhinode. A 2 km running path circles the pond, offering a pleasant option for a light jog after sunrise.
Sunrise: Around 7:23
1-2 Ohorikoen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
https://www.ohorikouen.jp/
Fukuoka Castle Ruins Tenshudai
Located within Maizuru Park, the Tenshudai (former castle keep base) of the Fukuoka Castle ruins is an elevated observation spot built atop a stone wall. Climb the stairs for sweeping views of the city and watch the first sunrise of the year rise above the skyline. Easily accessible from central Fukuoka, it’s a great place to welcome the New Year while taking in the urban landscape.
Sunrise: Around 7:23
Jonai, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka (inside Maizuru Park)
https://fukuokajyo.com/historic/tenshudai/
Washio Atago Shrine
Washio Atago Shrine, known for blessings in matchmaking, academic success, and family safety, is one of Fukuoka’s most popular hatsumode (first shrine visit) spots. At midnight on Jan 1, the shrine is lit up as taiko drums mark the countdown to the New Year. From this hilltop location, visitors can enjoy sweeping night views of Fukuoka Tower, PayPay Dome, Nokonoshima, and Uminonakamichi. As the sun rises from the direction of Mt. Abura, the city and sea are bathed in light—an unforgettable way to welcome the year.
Sunrise: Around 7:23
Open all day on January 1
2-7-1 Atago, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
https://washioatago-jinja.com
Nokonoshima Observation Tower
Welcome the first morning of the year on Nokonoshima, a tranquil island in Hakata Bay just off the coast of Fukuoka. From the central observation point, take in sweeping views of the city and sea, where landmarks like Fukuoka Tower and PayPay Dome are softly silhouetted by the first light of dawn—a sunrise scene that captures the essence of Fukuoka.
For a quieter experience, head to the beach east of the ferry terminal, where the sound of waves accompanies the sun rising near the horizon. Offering both the glow of the city and the stillness of island air, Nokonoshima is an ideal spot to reflect and welcome the New Year.
Photo: Oscar Boyd
Sunrise: Around 7:23
1608-26 Noko, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
https://yokanavi.com/spot/65111/
*First ferry on Jan. 1 2026 from Meinohama Ferry Terminal: 7:15 (estimated arrival time: 7:25)
Ferry service is suspended from 5:00 to 6:45 on Jan. 1 and 2.
Ferry service is suspended from 5:00 to 6:15 on Jan. 3. (timetable)
Aburayama Fukuoka Observation Deck
Located about a 40-minute drive from Tenjin, Aburayama (597m) is a well-loved local mountain offering easy access to nature. On Jan 1, the central observation deck in the Citizen’s Forest area (approx. 347m elevation) opens early, offering panoramic views of Hakata Bay, Fukuoka Tower, and the city below—an ideal spot to catch the first sunrise of the year.
While most ABURAYAMA FUKUOKA facilities close from Jan 1 to 3, parking and restrooms near the observation area are open from 6:00. For a unique experience, walk across the 52-meter-long suspension bridge, 30 meters above ground, and watch as the city’s nightscape slowly shifts into morning light.
ABURAYAMA FUKUOKA
Sunrise: Around 7:23
6:00~13:00 (on Jan. 1)
Parking fee: car ¥300/3 hours
855-4 Hibaru, Minami-ku, Fukuoka
https://www.aburayama-fukuoka.com/
Shikanoshima Shiomi Park
Perched atop a modest hill in the central area of Shikanoshima, Shiomi Park offers a vantage point like no other. As the highest spot on the island, it provides a 360-degree panoramic view, allowing visitors to take in the breathtaking sights of Fukuoka. From this scenic overlook, you can gaze across Hakata Bay and see the cityscape of Fukuoka unfold before you, framed by the picturesque backdrop of the sea and the Uminonakamichi sandbar.
The park’s true spectacle is the sunrise. From the eastern coastline of the island, waves reflect the morning sun as it rises above the horizon, creating a shimmering dance of light on the water. The sky glows with a soft gradient from sea to clouds—an unforgettable start to the year.
Visit Shikanoshima Shiomi Park to witness this magnificent dawn, where the day’s first light brings the island’s beauty to life in a glorious blend of sea, sun, and sky. The open setting and natural elevation make it one of the best spots on the island to welcome the New Year.
Photo from STA3816
Sunrise: Around 7:23
968-1 Shikanoshima, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
https://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/kowan/miryoku/fu-kei/shiomipark.html
Mount Mikazukiyama
Discover the charm of Mikazukiyama, a modest 272-meter mountain popular for its easy access and variety of hiking routes. Depending on the trail, the hike to the summit takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, making it a favorite among locals—including kindergarten field trips! With several well-maintained paths, it’s a great option for a New Year’s sunrise hike, but be sure to check your chosen route and estimated time in advance.
At the summit, hikers are rewarded with a sweeping panoramic view that stretches across Island City, Shikanoshima, Nokonoshima, and as far as the Itoshima Peninsula. It’s a compact but satisfying climb with views that deliver a strong sense of accomplishment—the perfect way to welcome the first sunrise of the year.
Sunrise: Around 7:23
Yamada, Hisayama-cho, Kasuya, Fukuoka (Climbing Map)
https://www.crossroadfukuoka.jp/spot/11018
Mount Tenpaizan
Embrace the beauty of Tenpaizan, a 257-meter peak named for the legend of Sugawara no Michizane, who is said to have climbed it repeatedly to plead his innocence while exiled in Dazaifu. This gentle mountain is popular for early morning hikes and is especially beloved as a hatsuhinode (first sunrise) spot.
The well-maintained trails make it accessible even for beginners. From the summit’s observation deck, enjoy sweeping views of Fukuoka City, Dazaifu, and Chikushino as they catch the first light of the new year. Sunrise can also be seen from the area around Araho Shrine and near Tenpai Lake—each offering a peaceful vantage point to welcome the year ahead.
Photo: Oscar Boyd
Sunrise: Around 7:22
Musashi, Chikushino City, Fukuoka
Inside Tenpaizan Historical Park
https://www.crossroadfukuoka.jp/spot/10615
Mount Homanzan
Mount Homanzan, one of the most iconic and beloved peaks in the Fukuoka region, stands at 829 meters and offers a remarkable hiking experience year-round. On New Year’s Day, it becomes a popular destination for hatsuhinode—the first sunrise of the year. From the summit, panoramic views stretch from the coastline of Fukuoka City in the north to the southern plains of Chikushino. On crisp winter mornings, you can watch as the lights of the city slowly fade into the soft glow of dawn—a dramatic and rewarding start to the year.
The most common ascent takes about two hours one way. Though the route is well-used, it’s still a serious hike—so if you plan to reach the summit in time for sunrise, come prepared with proper hiking gear, warm clothing, and allow enough time for both the climb and the descent. Homanzan’s combination of natural beauty, spiritual atmosphere, and sweeping views makes it a memorable place to welcome the New Year.
Photo from Koda6029
Sunrise: Around 7:22
Kitadani, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
https://www.city.dazaifu.lg.jp/site/kanko/15851.html
Sola Land Hiraodai
Sola Land Hiraodai is part of a sweeping karst plateau in northern Kyushu, stretching 6 km north to south and 2 km east to west, with gentle elevations between 300 and 700 meters. Known for its wide-open skies, it’s an exceptional place to welcome the first sunrise of the year. As the sun rises from the direction of the Kunisaki Peninsula, the sky and land gradually shift into warm hues, casting a soft orange glow over the distinctive limestone landscape—a quiet yet powerful scene to start the new year.
The park offers excellent facilities for early visitors, including observation decks, indoor rest areas, and toilets. During the sunrise hours on Jan 1, temporary stalls open to serve warm drinks and light refreshments, making it a comfortable and memorable hatsuhinode spot.
Heart Land Hiraodai Co., Ltd.
Sunrise: Around 7:21
Open on Jan.1, 2026: 6:00~8:00
Parking fee: car ¥300
1-1-1 Hiraodai, Kokuraminami-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
https://cocokite-yokatta.jp/
The dawn of the new year brings more than just a beautiful sunrise—it marks the time for hatsumode, the first temple or shrine visit of the year. Our Fukuoka Now Hatsumode Guide 2026 has been carefully compiled with the latest information from local temples and shrines. While many offer hatsumode services on New Year’s Day, times and practices vary, making each visit a unique experience.
Join us in embracing this cherished Japanese tradition, and may your first steps into the new year be filled with peace and joy.
Note: This guide has been compiled and summarized by the Fukuoka Now team. We strive for accuracy and thoroughness, but some details may change or contain errors despite our best efforts.
If you notice any discrepancies or have updates to share, please don’t hesitate to contact us. This guide was last updated in December 2025.
Thank you for helping us keep our information accurate and reliable.
