Seeing that it boasts one of the best views in the whole of Tokyo, Roppongi Hills is an obvious choice if you’re hoping to catch the first sunrise of the New Year. While it’s not the rooftop outdoor Sky Deck, which closed in 2024, you’ll get to watch from the indoor Sky Gallery 1, some 250 metres above sea level. The observatory features 11-metre-tall floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a stunning panorama of Tokyo with the rising sun as a magnificent backdrop. If you'd like to take part, you need to register via the Japanese-language application form by December 25; be sure to purchase a slot (up to five people per slot) while supplies last, as it is a first-come, first-served system.
The curtain is coming down on 2025, which means it's time to draw up your plans for the New Year holidays. Watching the first sunrise of the year, called hatsuhinode, is a New Year tradition in Japan as it supposedly brings good luck. People gather at observation decks, camp out at beaches and board cruise ships to witness this while praying for a successful year ahead.
While tickets for the first sunrise at some of the city’s most popular places like Tokyo Skytree and Shibuya Sky have all sold out, there are still many ways you can spend this special morning. Here's our list of breathtaking vantage points in and near Tokyo for catching the first rays of 2026.
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