Among the many customs associated with “oshogatsu,” or New Years, are a good many firsts; from the first trip to the shrine to the lesser practiced first tea ceremony of the year, New Years in Japan is about moving forward and marking the occasion.
A popular first is the practice of “hatsuhinode,” or taking in the first sunrise of the new year. The first sunrise is best enjoyed from some where along the ocean, or from the mountain, but anywhere will do. The main point is to mark the occasion, and to reflect on what a great year you have in store!
Here are a few places locally to Nagoya to conveniently participate in the custom of Hatsuhinode.
The sky promenade will be open from 5:30 to 8:00 am on January 1st, 2015
www.midland-square.jp/event (Japanese)
www.midland-square.jp/english (English, but few specifics)
The observation deck will be open from 5:30 to 7:30 am on January 1st, 2015 (Limited to 600 people)
www.nagoya-tv-tower.co.jp (English)
Image by Kazuyanagae (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons (modified)
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