New Year (shogatsu or oshogatsu) is the most important holiday in Japan.
January 1st is a quite auspicious day, best started by viewing the new year’s first sunrise (hatsu-hinode). Many people do it to pray for their health and happiness for the new year.
Sunrise on the New Year’s day in Kyoto
Sunrise times on January 1st in 2019 is estimated around 7:05.
1.Yoshiminedera temple
This temple is the best sunrise spot in Kyoto. It has used as a scene in Hollywood movie before. The view from Shakado hall and Yakushido hall are so beautiful.
Open gates :
6:30〜8:00
Access:
Take a taxi from Mukoumachi St. on JR line or Higashi Mukoumachi St. or Nagaokatenjin St. on Hankyu line. It takes about 20 minutes and about 2,500 yen.
*Buses aren’t available at this hour.
Admission Fee:
500yen
Adress:
1372 Oharanooshiocho Saikyoku Kyoto city, Kyoto
2.“New Year’s First Rise in 2019” at Kyoto Tour
It is the most convenient view spot in Kyoto. The observatory affords visitors a nice view of the city of Kyoto in the distance.
Open gates:
6:30〜8:00
Access:
It takes 2 minutes from Kyoto St. on JR line.
Admission Fee:
Adult 1,000yen/ 6-12 years old 600 yen / Infant 150 yen
Address:
721-1Higashishiokojimacji Karasumadori Shichijyokudaru Shimogyoku Kyotocity, Kyoto
3.Rare spot “Garden Museum”
This spot provides you a great sunrise on Lake Biwa from the top of Mt. Hiei.
The transportation around Mt. Hiei is suspended in winter. However, the vehicles operate for only new year holiday, from January 1st to 3rd.
The first train:
6:05〜(Cable Car) / 6:20 (Ropeway)
Access:
Get on Yase St. to Hiei St. on Hieizan Cable Car →Exchange at Hieizan St. and get off Hieizansancho St. on Hiei Ropeway.
It’s really cold in Kyoto, so it is a good idea to keep warm by wearing clothes!
Do you need more information?
You should receive such local information of Kyoto by an application “KoI APP”.
With this application, even if you don’t have Wi-Fi, you can find nearby stores and so on.
You can install the application from the following URL.
Android app「KoI Service」
iPhone app「KoI Service」
