“Gantan” means New Year’s Day in Japanese. The term has particular significance given that the Chinese characters relate to the importance placed on the first sunrise of the year. The age-old belief that this event is auspicious comes from the belief that the first sunrise represents the emergence of Toshigami-sama, the god responsible for harvest. It is custom in Japan to pray for health and happiness for the coming year during the first sunrise.
Japanese households also make offerings of kagami-mochi (mirror-shaped sticky rice cakes) to Toshigami-sama during the New Year. Some families celebrate by putting up traditional decorations, such as kadomatsu (pine) and shimekazari (knotted rope), around their homes!
After seeing the first sunrise of the year, next it’s time for Hatsumode!
Fukuoka Now Hatsumode Guide 2023 is based on the latest information obtained directly from temples and shrines. On New Year’s Day, many temples and shrines offer Hatsumode but times vary.
ハートランド平尾台株式会社
Hatsuhinode Spots in Fukuoka
• Atago Shrine (Nishi-ku, Fukuoka)
• Nokonoshima Island (Nishi-ku, Fukuoka)
• Aburayama Citizen’s Forest (Jonan-ku, Fukuoka)
• Shikanoshima Island (Higashi-ku, Fukuoka)
• Mount Mikazukiyama (Hisayama-cho, Kasuya)
• Mount Tenpaizan (Chikushino City, Fukuoka)
• Mount Homanzan (Dazaifu City, Fukuoka)
• Hiraodai (Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka)
Atago Shrine
The shrine is also a hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) spot. The main shrine will be lit up and from midnight on Jan. 1, New Year will be welcomed with the beat of taiko drums. From here you can admire Fukuoka Tower, PayPay Dome, Nokonoshima and Uminonakamichi, or go mountain climbing at the nearby Mount Aburayama.
Photograph provided by Fukuoka City.
• Sunrise: 7:23
• Open all day on January 1
• Free entry
• 2-7-1 Atago, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
• http://atagojinjya.com/
Nokonoshima Observation Tower
From Nokonoshima you’ll be able to see the Fukuoka coastline as the sun rises above it. From the island, you can see Fukuoka landmarks such as the PayPay Dome and Fukuoka Tower lit up by the first sun of the year. Great hatsuhinode spots on the island include the island’s central observation tower and the beach to the east of the ferry terminal.
Photo: Oscar Boyd
• Sunrise: 7:23
• First ferry on Jan.1 2023: 7:15 (from Meinohama Ferry Terminal) *5:00 and 6:00 ferry service is suspended on Jan.1 and Jan. 2 (timetable)
• Free entry
• 1608-26 Noko, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
• https://yokanavi.com/spot/65111/
Aburayama Citizen’s Forest
A few kilometers south of Ohori Park is the Aburayama Citizen’s Forest. Drive (or cycle, it’s a great hill climb!) through the foothills of Aburayama and then stroll up to the park’s observation tower which stands 347 m above sea level. Another great spot is the park’s suspension bridge (tsuribashi 吊り橋). Views over the city and to the sea to the north!
Photo: Jack Brajcich
• Sunrise: 7:22
• 6:00~ (on Jan. 1)
• Free entry and parking (for hatsuhinode visitors)
• Higashiaburayama, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.shimi-mori.com/
Shikanoshima Shiomi Park
Shiomi Park is the highest point in Shikanoshima which offers superb 360-degree views including Uminonakamichi, Hakata Bay and the cityscape of Fukuoka. You’ll be able to see a beautiful, sparkling hatsuhinode reflected on the waves from here.
Photo from STA3816
• Sunrise: 7:23
• Free entry
• 968-1 Shikanoshima, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/kowan/miryoku/fu-kei/shiomipark.html
Mount Mikazukiyama
Mikazukiyama is 272 m high and is known for being easy to hike – there’s even a trail for local kindergarteners! Getting to the summit would take from 30 min. to one hour depending on the trail. Check which trail you’ll be taking before you go. From here the mountain offers views of Island City, Shikanoshima, Nokonoshima, and even Itoshima further away.
• Sunrise: 7:22
• Free entry
• Yamada, Hisayama-cho, Kasuya, Fukuoka
• https://bit.ly/3VaPBkG
Mount Tenpaizan
At only 258 m high, Tenpaizan is much more accommodating for the early start. The route up is gentle and well surfaced, making it perfect for novice hikers. The viewing platform at the top of the mountain gives views across Fukuoka, Dazaifu and Chikushino cities. Read our hiking guide for details on how to get to the top.
Photo: Oscar Boyd
• Sunrise: 7:22
• Free entry
• Inside Tenpaizan Historical Park
• Musashi, Chikushino City, Fukuoka
• https://bit.ly/3hxKYUc
Mount Homanzan
Homanzan is one of the most popular mountains in the Fukuoka area, and one of the tallest. At 829 m high, the top offers incredible views across Fukuoka Prefecture. On a clear day you can see from the north coast of Fukuoka City to the Chikushi fields in the south. If you’re up for the hike, the views will be amazing. If you’re determined/half-goat you can do the hike in just over an hour but we recommend you stay the night at the Homanzan campsite, located near the summit of the hike. Read our hiking guide for advice on getting to the top.
Photo from Koda6029
Homanzan
• Sunrise: 7:22
• Free entry
• Car Park at base of Kamado Shrine
• Kitadani, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
Homanzan Camp Center
• Accommodation fee: ¥500 (No reservation required)
• https://www.houmanzan.com/
Sola Land Hiraodai
At 700 meters above sea level, this vast geologic limestone formation stretches out across six kilometers from north to south and two kilometers from east to west. You can see the first sunrise of the new year from behind the Kunisaki Peninsula (Oita Pref.). As the sun rises, the karst below turns a beautiful orange, creating a spectacular view befitting the New Year. The park is also equipped with an observatory, an indoor rest area, and restrooms.
ハートランド平尾台株式会社
• Sunrise: 7:21
• 1/1/2023: 6:00~8:00
• Free entry
• Paid parking: ¥300 / standard vehicles, ¥1,000 / large vehicles
• 1-1-1 Hiraodai, Kokuraminami-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• https://bit.ly/3PEYz8x
NOTE: The information presented here was gathered and summarized by the Fukuoka Now staff. While we have done our best to check for accuracy, there might be errors and details may have changed. If you notice any errors or changes, please contact us. This report was updated in Dec. 2022.
