[2026 Edition] Where to Watch the First Sunrise in Yokohama & Minato Mirai – Best Viewing Spots Explained

The first sunrise of the year, known as Hatsuhinode, is something many people in Japan look forward to.
Watching the sun rise from the sea is especially breathtaking—and if you can enjoy it together with a uniquely Yokohama-style view, even better.
So in this article, we introduce the best spots to watch the first sunrise around Yokohama and Minato Mirai.

Quick summary first…
• Best overall spot: Rinko Park (sunrise with the Yokohama Bay Bridge)
• With parking available: Osanbashi Pier (Kujira no Senaka deck)
• From a higher viewpoint: Harbor View Park

Sunrise Time in Yokohama on New Year’s Day 2026: 6:51 AM

Let’s start with the most important information.

The sunrise time in Yokohama on January 1, 2026 is 6:51 AM.
Winter mornings can feel extremely cold, so be sure to prepare properly—not just for the early wake-up, but also for the cold weather.

According to the forecast, the weather is expected to be clear, so there’s a high chance of seeing the sunrise!

Top Recommendation: Watching the First Sunrise with the Bay Bridge at Rinko Park

To put it simply, Rinko Park is the best place to watch the first sunrise in the Minato Mirai area.
The reason is simple: you can enjoy the sun rising over the sea together with the iconic Yokohama Bay Bridge.

On New Year’s Day, the sun rises slightly south of due east.
Many coastal areas in Yokohama—from Rinko Park to Yamashita Park—actually face east to northeast, which means you need to be careful about where you stand to see the sunrise properly.

From Rinko Park, however, you can reliably watch the first sunrise over the sea.

Here’s what the sunrise looked like when we visited Rinko Park in September.

At that time, the sun rose on the left side of the Bay Bridge, but on New Year’s Day it should appear from the right side.

Rinko Park has grassy areas where you can sit, as well as steps along the seawall that are perfect for waiting.
Bringing a picnic or leisure sheet is highly recommended.

The park is spacious and designed so that people don’t gather in just one spot, making it less crowded than other popular locations. It’s a great choice if you want to avoid heavy crowds.

Access to Rinko Park

From Minato Mirai Station (on foot)

• About a 5-minute walk from Minato Mirai Station (Minato Mirai Line), heading toward Pacifico Yokohama
• Follow signs for Pacifico Yokohama and continue toward the seaside

Parking (Not suitable around 6:00 AM on New Year’s Day)

• Rinko Park Parking Lot: Open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM; overnight parking is not allowed
  • Not available around 6:00 AM for sunrise viewing
  • Nearby parking lots also tend to open too late, so walking from Minato Mirai Station is recommended

Osanbashi Pier Is Also an Option (Parking Available, but Buildings May Block the View)

Another popular sunrise spot in Yokohama is the rooftop deck of Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal, known as “Kujira no Senaka” (The Whale’s Back).
It offers wide, open views and a strong sense of excitement as the sun rises.
The biggest advantage is that parking is available 24 hours a day.

However, there are a few points to keep in mind.
Depending on the sunrise direction, buildings in the Yamashita Pier area may partially block the view.

Based on past reviews, the sun becomes visible a short while after the official sunrise time, but catching the exact moment it appears above the horizon can be difficult.

Osanbashi is also very popular, so expect larger crowds compared to Rinko Park.

Although the rooftop deck is open 24 hours, the terminal building itself opens at 9:00 AM. Be prepared to wait in strong sea winds and note that restroom access is limited early in the morning.

Access to Osanbashi Pier

By public transportation

• About a 7-minute walk from Nihon-Odori Station (Minato Mirai Line, Exits 3 or 4)
• About a 15-minute walk from Kannai Station (JR or subway)

Parking (24 hours)

• Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal Parking
  Open 24 hours a day (overnight use allowed)
• Capacity: approx. 400 standard-sized cars

Harbor View Park: For Those Who Prefer a Higher Viewpoint

If you’d like to watch the first sunrise from a higher elevation, Harbor View Park is worth considering.
Located in the Yamate area, it offers views looking down over the city and harbor.

However, reviews suggest that the sunrise view can be a bit disappointing depending on conditions.
From this park, the sun rises in the direction of Honmoku Pier, where large container cranes dominate the skyline.

Buildings can also interfere with the view, and some visitors report seeing the sun appear from behind nearby structures rather than directly over the horizon.

Access to Harbor View Park

• Get off at Motomachi-Chukagai Station (Minato Mirai Line)
• About a 7–10 minute walk from Exit 6 (America Yama Park Exit)

Can You See the First Sunrise from Red Brick Warehouse or Yamashita Park?

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse and Yamashita Park are also popular waterfront spots.
However, based on the direction they face, it’s difficult to see the sun rise directly from the sea.
That said, once the sun rises higher, you may still catch beautiful morning views together with Yokohama’s landmarks.

Important: Indoor Observation Decks Are Not an Option in 2026

Watching the first sunrise from indoor or elevated facilities will be difficult in 2026.
Yokohama Marine Tower, which has offered special New Year’s sunrise openings in the past, will open at 10:00 AM on January 1, 2026.

The Landmark Tower observation deck is also closed following the New Year’s countdown, making sunrise viewing impossible.

As a result, viewing the first sunrise from an indoor or high-rise facility isn’t realistic in 2026.
If you want a higher vantage point, Harbor View Park is the most practical outdoor option.

Conclusion

In summary, the best place to watch the first sunrise in Yokohama and Minato Mirai is Rinko Park.

That said, Osanbashi Pier and Harbor View Park are also viable options. If you don’t mind seeing the sunrise after it has risen a bit higher, there may be other open spots throughout the area.

Use a map, explore the area, and find your own favorite viewpoint.

Now all that’s left is to hope for clear skies and welcome the New Year with a beautiful sunrise!