Tokyo Sunrise Time 2026: Best 7 Free Sunrise Spots Without Reservation
Tokyo Mate
☀️ Tokyo's 2026 sunrise is at 6:50 AM!
Skytree and Shibuya Sky observation decks are already fully booked!
Discover the best 7 free sunrise spots in Tokyo without reservations,
from Asakusa and Kasai Seaside Park to Haneda Airport, organized by location.
Hello! This is Tokyo Mate, bringing you fresh year-end and New Year travel information from Tokyo. ☀️
Tokyo’s 2026 sunrise, called Hatsuhinode (初日の出) in Japanese - where are you planning to watch it? On the morning of January 1st, the experience varies completely depending on where you watch the sunrise in Tokyo.
Instead of observation decks like Skytree and Shibuya Sky that require reservations, today we’ll introduce the best 7 Tokyo sunrise spots you can visit without reservations and for free, along with precise timing information.
⏰ What Time is Sunrise in Tokyo on January 1, 2026?
Let’s start with the most important information. Tokyo is east of Seoul, so the sun rises earlier.
- Tokyo Sunrise Time: 6:50-6:51 AM
- Golden Hour (Dawn): Sky color changes begin around 6:20 AM
- Recommended Arrival Time: Arrive by 6:20-6:30 AM at the latest
💡 Tokyo Mate Tip: Tokyo on the morning of January 1st feels extremely cold. Since many spots are by the sea or riverside, hand warmers, scarves, and gloves are essential! 🧣
🌅 Best 7 Tokyo Sunrise Spots Without Reservations
Choose the best Tokyo sunrise spot based on your countdown location and next day’s itinerary.
1️⃣ [Asakusa Route] Sumida Park & Sumida River
If you failed to get Skytree reservations, enjoy an urban sunrise where you can capture the dawn light on the Sumida River and Skytree together from the riverside promenade.
- Recommended for: Travelers who enjoyed the lively yatai (food stalls) festival at Sensoji Temple all night
- Highlight: Best urban sunrise spot where you can capture Sumida River's dawn light and Skytree together
- 🚗 Route: Sensoji Temple New Year's bell → Sumida River sunrise → (transfer) → Skytree shopping
2️⃣ [Tokyo Tower Route] Zojoji Temple & Shiba Park
A sunrise amidst the morning sunlight filtering through the urban forest, combined with Tokyo Tower re-lit after 4 AM, creates a romance unique to this location.
- Recommended for: Travelers who experienced Zojoji Temple's New Year's bell and Tokyo Tower's first lighting moment together
- Feature: Closest free spot to view Tokyo Tower
- 🚗 Route: Zojoji Temple New Year's bell → Shiba Park sunrise → (transfer) → Tokyo Station Ramen Street (hangover cure)
3️⃣ [Shinjuku Route] Tokyo Metropolitan Government South Observatory
If waiting outside in the cold is too difficult, enjoy the first Tokyo panorama of the new year warmly from the free observation deck.
- Recommended for: Those who enjoyed the Shinjuku Tokyo Metropolitan Government countdown and want to view comfortably indoors
- Feature: Panoramic view from 202m above ground (free admission)
- 🚗 Route: Shinjuku Tokyo Metropolitan Government countdown → Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory (opens 7:30 AM) → Shinjuku Busta → Kisarazu Mitsui Outlet (afternoon shopping)
⚠️ Note: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory operates 7:30-17:30 on January 1st. (You cannot see the exact sunrise moment, but you can enjoy morning sunlight and Mt. Fuji views ⭕)
4️⃣ [Odaiba Route] Hinode Pier
A spot literally named “Sunrise (Hinode)”! An urban sunrise spot where Tokyo Bay’s dawn sky and pier silhouettes blend together.
- Recommended for: Those planning Odaiba shopping and Gundam activities after sunrise
- Feature: Fantastic view combining Tokyo Bay's dawn sky, pier, and Rainbow Bridge
- Access: 3-minute walk from Yurikamome Line "Hinode" Station
- 🚗 Route: Hinode Pier sunrise → Yurikamome (10 min) → Arrive at Odaiba
5️⃣ [Disney Route] Kasai Seaside Park (Nishinagisa)
Right next to Disneyland, Kasai Seaside Park (Nishinagisa) across the bridge is the best sunrise spot facing the ocean.
- Recommended for: Those planning to wait for Disneyland or DisneySea rope drop
- Feature: Beachfront sunrise viewing location
- Access: 11-minute walk from JR Keiyo Line "Kasairinkai-koen" Station
- Early Opening: Usually opens at 9 AM, but special opening from 6 AM on January 1st (closes at 5 PM)
- 🚗 Route: Kasai Seaside Park sunrise → (walk/train) → Disney Resort gate entrance
6️⃣ [Drive Route] Jonanjima Seaside Park
A hidden local gem difficult to reach by train! Capture airplanes flying overhead and the sunrise simultaneously.
- Recommended for: Rental car travelers (low train accessibility)
- Feature: Tokyo Bay's only beach camping site with completely unobstructed views. Popular with couples as you can see the sun rise from the horizon without building interference
- Early Opening: Special opening of Tsubasa Beach and parking lot from 6 AM on January 1st only
- Caution: Sea breeze is very strong, so cold weather protection is essential! 🥶
7️⃣ [Airport Route] Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Observation Deck
The warmest and most comfortable way to enjoy Haneda Airport’s sunrise.
- Recommended for: Passengers using morning flights on January 1st (departure/arrival)
- Feature: Global sunrise from 24-hour open observation deck
- Advantage: Indoor waiting available, most convenient access to restaurants and convenience stores
We hope you receive abundant energy from the rising sun’s red glow in 2026! ☀️ After watching the sunrise, you’ll be hungry and want to do some New Year’s shopping (Hatsuuri).
Since many places are closed on January 1st, make sure to check the posts below for information on open restaurants and shopping malls before heading out!
🧡 Related Tokyo New Year Travel Information
➡️ → Best 3 Tokyo Countdown Spots for 2026 (Transportation Info)
➡️ → 2026 Tokyo Year-End/New Year Hours & Business Info [Stores Open on January 1st]
Editor's Note
This article is based on the author's actual experiences and original content from blog.naver.com/tokyomate. It has been translated and adapted to provide authentic travel information about Tokyo for global readers.