Home › area-guides

Witnessing Japan's First Sunrise Over the Ocean from a Soothing Onsen

Updated October 27, 2026 · Reviewed by auto (grounded facts + verify)

Experiencing Hatsuhinode, the first sunrise of the year, from an onsen with a direct ocean view is a deeply cherished Japanese tradition. This unique combination offers a moment of profound peace and renewal, as the first rays of the new year illuminate the vast Pacific. The eastern and southern coasts of Japan, particularly the Izu and Kii Peninsulas, are prime locations for this spectacular event, providing stunning vistas where the sky meets the sea.

Why Choose an Ocean View Onsen for Hatsuhinode?

Hatsuhinode, meaning "first sunrise," is a significant event in Japan, celebrated on January 1st each year [1]. It symbolizes a fresh start, hope, and good fortune for the coming year [2]. For many, witnessing this sunrise from the warmth and tranquility of an onsen, especially one overlooking the ocean, amplifies the spiritual and restorative experience. The gentle lapping of waves and the expansive horizon create a serene backdrop as the sun ascends, painting the sky with vibrant colors. This practice connects participants with nature's rhythm and offers a moment of quiet reflection before the year truly begins.

The Pacific coast of Japan is strategically positioned to capture the earliest light of the new year. Regions like the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture and the Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture boast numerous onsen towns that face east or southeast, offering unparalleled views of the rising sun over the ocean [3]. These locations are not just about the view; they are renowned for their high-quality hot spring waters, believed to have various therapeutic benefits, adding another layer to the rejuvenating experience.

Where to Find the Perfect Ocean View Onsen for Hatsuhinode

Several locations offer exceptional opportunities to combine the magic of Hatsuhinode with the soothing embrace of an ocean-view onsen. The key is to find a facility that provides direct access to, or a clear line of sight to, the Pacific Ocean, especially during the early morning hours of January 1st.

Wakayama Prefecture: Kii Peninsula's Coastal Gems

Wakayama Prefecture, located on the Kii Peninsula, is a fantastic region for experiencing Hatsuhinode with an ocean view. Its southern and eastern coastlines face the Pacific directly.

Shirahama Onsen: Where Bath and Sea Merge

Shirahama Onsen is famous for its beautiful white sand beaches and its collection of onsen. One of its most iconic spots is Saki-no-Yu, an open-air bath that offers a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean [4]. The design of Saki-no-Yu is such that the edge of the bath seems to blend seamlessly with the sea, creating an illusion of bathing directly in the ocean. This immersive experience is particularly captivating during sunrise.

For those seeking a more private experience, Ryokan Musashi in Shirahama offers rooms equipped with private hot spring tubs that also boast ocean views [4]. This allows guests to enjoy the onsen experience at their own pace, with the added spectacle of the sunrise from the comfort of their accommodation. Access to Shirahama is convenient, with flights from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Nanki-Shirahama Airport taking approximately one hour, followed by a short 10-minute ride by bus or taxi [5].

Katsuura Onsen: The Cave Bath Experience

Further along the coast, Katsuura Onsen is home to Hotel Urashima, a large resort known for its unique Bokido, a vast bath situated within a natural cave [8]. This impressive cave bath opens up to views of the Pacific Ocean, offering a truly dramatic setting for a sunrise soak. Many of Hotel Urashima's baths are also available for day use, providing flexibility for visitors [8].

Shizuoka Prefecture: The Izu Peninsula's Scenic Beauty

The Izu Peninsula, a popular tourist destination in Shizuoka Prefecture, is renowned for its dramatic coastline and numerous onsen resorts. Its eastern and southern shores are ideal for sunrise viewing.

Akazawa Hot Spring Center: Panoramic Ocean Vistas

Akazawa Hot Spring Center, a day-trip facility on the Izu Peninsula, provides expansive outdoor hot springs with unobstructed views of Sagami Bay and the distant Izu islands [10]. The large outdoor baths, measuring 25 meters and 20 meters wide, offer a magnificent panorama. The men's and women's baths at Akazawa Hot Spring Center rotate daily, ensuring a varied experience for repeat visitors [10]. For those who prefer indoor facilities, there are also indoor baths with glass fronts, and even a sauna with ocean views, allowing you to enjoy the scenery in any weather.

Izu Mitsuhama Onsen Shoutoukan: New Year's Plans and Fuji Views

Izu Mitsuhama Onsen Shoutoukan offers special New Year holiday plans, typically running from December 31st to January 2nd, which often include exclusive New Year's cuisine [11]. Some of their special rooms feature semi-open-air baths with ocean views. On particularly clear mornings, guests might even be treated to a view of the iconic Mount Fuji in the distance, adding another layer of natural beauty to the sunrise experience.

Kawazu, Izu: Private Baths with Ocean Serenity

In Kawazu, a town on the Izu Peninsula, Isoaruki no Yuyado Ushiogumo provides accommodations where each room comes with its own private semi-open-air bath filled with natural onsen water and a direct ocean view [12]. This offers the ultimate in privacy and convenience, allowing guests to enjoy the onsen and the sunrise without the crowds. For travelers who may have tattoos, which can sometimes restrict access to communal onsen baths in Japan, private in-room baths like those at Ushiogumo are an excellent option [13].

Planning Your Hatsuhinode Onsen Trip

To make the most of your Hatsuhinode onsen experience, careful planning is essential, especially since January 1st is a major holiday in Japan.

Booking and Accommodation

New Year's is a peak travel period in Japan. It is highly recommended to book your accommodation well in advance, ideally several months ahead, to secure a room with an ocean view. Many ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) and hotels offer special New Year's packages that include meals and sometimes even traditional New Year's activities.

For coastal ryokans in the Izu Peninsula that feature private in-room open-air baths with ocean views, rates can range from approximately ¥60,000 to ¥100,000 per person for a New Year's stay [12]. These prices reflect the premium experience and the high demand during this festive period.

Transportation

Consider how you will reach your chosen onsen town. For destinations in Wakayama, flying into Nanki-Shirahama Airport (SHM) is an option, followed by local transport [5]. For the Izu Peninsula, trains are a popular and scenic way to travel from major cities like Tokyo or Osaka. Japan's efficient rail network makes accessing these coastal areas relatively straightforward.

What to Expect on New Year's Day

Many businesses, including some shops and restaurants, may have reduced hours or be closed on January 1st. However, onsen facilities, especially those catering to tourists, are typically open. It's advisable to confirm operating hours for any specific facilities you plan to visit.

The atmosphere on New Year's morning will be one of quiet anticipation and celebration. Arriving at your onsen bath before dawn will allow you to settle in and witness the gradual brightening of the sky as the sun makes its appearance.

Beyond the Sunrise: Exploring Coastal Onsen Towns

While the primary goal might be the Hatsuhinode, these coastal onsen towns offer much more to explore.

Natural Beauty and Coastal Activities

The Izu and Kii Peninsulas are blessed with stunning natural landscapes. After your sunrise experience, consider exploring the coastlines, visiting local fishing villages, or enjoying scenic hikes. The ocean air and the sound of the waves can be enjoyed throughout your stay.

Local Cuisine

Japanese coastal regions are known for their fresh seafood. Many onsen ryokans offer exquisite kaiseki (multi-course) dinners featuring local delicacies. Enjoying these culinary delights after a day of relaxation and sightseeing is a quintessential part of the Japanese travel experience.

A Memorable Start to the Year

Witnessing the first sunrise of the year from an onsen with an ocean view is more than just a travel experience; it's an opportunity to connect with a profound Japanese tradition in a setting of unparalleled natural beauty. The combination of the therapeutic hot springs, the vast expanse of the ocean, and the symbolic dawn of a new year creates a moment that is both deeply personal and universally inspiring. It's a perfect way to begin the year with peace, rejuvenation, and a sense of wonder.

Sources

[1] rakuten.com — https://travel.rakuten.com/contents/usa/en-us/guide/hatsuhinode-first-sunrise-japan/ [2] sakura.co — https://sakura.co/blog/hatsuhinode-the-first-sunrise-of-the-new-year [3] japanese-onsen.com — https://japanese-onsen.com/collections/ryokans-with-sea-views/ [4] nankai.co.jp — https://www.nankai.co.jp/en/community/natts/odekake/wakayama-onsen-best8/ [5] japan.travel — https://www.japan.travel/en/experiences-in-japan/1456/ [8] tb-kumano.jp — https://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/places/katsuura/ [10] izuakazawa.jp — https://www.izuakazawa.jp/en/stay/onsen-hotel/ [11] ikyu.com — https://www.ikyu.com/en-us/00000310/10389380/10145385/ [12] selected-ryokan.com — https://selected-ryokan.com/ryokan/location/shizuoka [13] booking.com — https://www.booking.com/onsen/region/jp/shizuoka.html