If you're spending the New Year holidays in Okinawa, you definitely want to see the first sunrise of the year!
As you all know, Okinawa is an island surrounded by the sea. Therefore, if you go to the eastern side, you can see the sunrise from many places.

But if you're going to go to the trouble, you'd want to enjoy the sun rising from a perfectly straight horizon in the best possible location.

So, this time, we've gathered some of the most recommended and popular spots on Okinawa Island for watching the first sunrise of the year. Of course, we'll also include information you'll need for your travel plans, such as crowd levels and parking!

<Table of Contents>
1. Tips for watching the first sunrise of the year in Okinawa
2. Okinawa Main Island | Southern Area
2-1. [Popular] Chinen Cape Park
2-2. [Popular] Nirai Kanai Bridge
2-3. [Recommended] Peace Memorial Park
2-4. [Recommended] Tamagusuku Castle Ruins
3. Okinawa Main Island | Central Okinawa
3-1. [Popular] Kaichu Road
3-2. [Popular] Katsuren Castle Ruins (Opening on New Year's Day is currently being confirmed)
3-3. [Recommended] Igei Service Area
3-4. [Recommended] Zakimi Castle Ruins
4. Okinawa Main Island | Northern Area
4-1. [Popular] Cape Hedo
4-2. [Recommended] Uppama Beach
5. Let's start the new year off right!

[Time] Around 7:15 AM
[Direction] East to Southeast (110°)

★Clothing tips
The average minimum temperature in Okinawa in January is around 14.6℃. Even on chilly mornings and evenings, it rarely drops below 10℃. However, be aware that the perceived temperature can drop significantly when the sea breeze blows!

The coat doesn't need to be thick, but something that's windproof and covers your neck is ideal.
You can adjust your clothing for cold weather by using sweaters and innerwear that are easy to put on and take off, so you don't have to worry about your luggage getting too heavy for your trip.

Protect your feet from the cold with thick socks or tights! If you have room in your luggage, it's a good idea to bring a hat or scarf to protect yourself from the cold sea breeze.

★Points to consider when going by car or rental car
Many people gather from both within and outside the prefecture to watch the first sunrise of the year at these beautiful spots. Depending on the location, parking lots and surrounding roads can become congested, often resulting in long traffic jams.

Sunrise from January 1st to 3rd, 2026 will be around 7:18 AM, but it's best to plan to arrive earlier. You'll be driving on dark roads before sunrise, so please be extra careful if you're driving!

Now, let's introduce some recommended spots on Okinawa Island to watch the first sunrise of the year!

2-1. [Popular] Chinen Cape Park | Nanjo City

Access | Approximately 50 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Parking available (free)
Crowded | Lively
Address | Kudeken, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture

★First Sunrise Spot
This spot offers a truly auspicious combination of the sacred island of Kudakajima and the rising sun over the horizon.

★おすすめポイント
This is a popular spot that attracts many visitors every year. Located very close to the World Heritage site "Seifa Utaki," it is also famous for its spectacular views.

Since congestion is expected, it is recommended to arrive early. The parking lot, which is usually relatively spacious, is highly likely to be full at certain times.

　2-2. [Popular] Nirai Kanai Bridge

Access | Approximately 50 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Parking | None
Crowded | Lively
Address | Chinen Yoshitomi, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture

★First Sunrise Spot
Alongside Chinen Cape Park, this is a popular spot. The view from the observation deck above the tunnel is truly breathtaking, like something out of paradise!

However, since there is no parking lot, many cars park on the street, causing major traffic jams. Also, crossing the bridge at the right time for the first sunrise of the year is extremely difficult. If you want to enjoy the first sunrise at a leisurely pace, it might be better to take a taxi.

　2-3. [Recommended] Peace Memorial Park

(Image provided by: Okinawa Peace Memorial Foundation)

Access | Approximately 45 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Parking available (free)
Crowded | Lively
Address: 444 Mabuni, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture

★First Sunrise Spot
This is actually a hidden gem for watching the first sunrise of the year. You can witness the sun rising over one of the most beautiful oceans in the south. You'll be able to welcome the new year with a sense of solemnity.

★おすすめポイント
Peace Memorial Park has ample parking, so you can relax and enjoy your visit. It's a place where everyone can watch the beautiful first sunrise of the year together and welcome New Year's Day with a peaceful heart.

　2-4. [Recommended] Tamagusuku Castle Ruins

Access | Approximately 35 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Parking available (free) / 10 spaces
Crowd level | Average
Address | Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture

★First Sunrise Spot
A hidden gem for watching the first sunrise of the year, well-known locally.
Furthermore, along "Gusuku Road," the path that runs alongside the Tamagusuku Castle ruins, there are various spots, including observation decks and large parks, where you can watch the first sunrise of the year.

The parking lot at "Gusuku Road Park" is spacious, so it's recommended to park your car and take a stroll while searching for your own personal spot to watch the first sunrise of the year.

3-1. [Popular] Kaichu Road

Access | Okinawa Expressway: Approximately 25 minutes by car from Okinawa Kita Interchange
Parking available (free)
Crowded | Lively
Address | Yonashiro Yahira, Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture

★First Sunrise Spot
This is a place that is always mentioned when talking about scenic spots in Okinawa.
You can watch the sun rise before your eyes amidst scenery that makes you feel as if you're floating on the sea.

★おすすめポイント
The Kaichu Road stretches for 5.2 km, and it's no exaggeration to say that almost the entire length is a great spot to watch the first sunrise of the year. Furthermore, there's ample parking at the "Umi no Eki Ayahashi" (Sea Station Ayahashi), so you don't have to worry about parking.
Depending on the location, the sun may rise from behind Hamahiga Island, so if you prefer the sun rising from the horizon, please check the direction carefully!

By the way, there are also many spots to watch the first sunrise of the year on the surrounding islands connected to the Kaichu Road (such as Hamahiga Island and Ikei Island)!

　3-2. [Popular] Katsuren Castle Ruins

Access | Okinawa Expressway: Approximately 20 minutes by car from Okinawa Kita Interchange
Parking available
Crowded | Lively
Address: 3908 Minamihara, Katsuren, Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture

★First Sunrise Spot
One of Okinawa's proud World Heritage Sites. From the highest point, Ichinokuruwa, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view. Not only is the first sunrise of the year stunning, but the castle walls glowing red in the morning sun are also beautiful; you'll want to take countless photos...

★おすすめポイント
Normally, there is an admission fee, but on January 1st, from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM, admission will be free!
This is a popular spot that attracts many visitors from both within and outside the prefecture. It's romantic to think that the former lords of the castle also gazed upon this view.
It's very windy inside the castle, so don't forget to take precautions against the cold and wind!

　3-3. [Recommended] Igei Service Area

Access: Approximately 60 minutes by car from Naha Airport / Approximately 15 minutes by car from Kyoda Interchange.
Parking available (free)
Crowded | Lively
Address | Igei, Kin-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

★ひとこと
You can see the first sunrise of the year from either the northbound or southbound lanes. The northbound lane, located on the Pacific side and on a hill, is particularly popular. Another advantage is that the shops in the service area are open before sunrise on New Year's Day.

Since it's a service area, the parking lot is spacious, but it's recommended to arrive early as congestion is expected.

　3-3. [Recommended] Zakimi Castle Ruins (Western side of the main island)

Access | Approximately 70 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Parking available (free)
Crowds | A bit noisy
Address: 708-6 Zakimi, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture

★おすすめポイント
Are you giving up on seeing the first sunrise of the year because you're on the west side?
Located in Yomitan Village on the western side of the main island, the Zakimi Castle Ruins are situated on a hill, offering panoramic views of the sea to the east and west. This means you can enjoy both sunrise and sunset!

This is a popular spot among locals, where you can enjoy watching the first sunrise of the year in a cozy, homey atmosphere.

4-1. [Popular] Cape Hedo

Access | Okinawa Expressway: Approximately 70 minutes by car from Kyoda Interchange
Parking available (free)
Crowded | Lively
Address | Hedo, Kunigami Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture

★おすすめポイント
One of the most popular spots in northern Okinawa to watch the first sunrise of the year. Located at the northernmost tip of Okinawa Island, access is a bit difficult, but the beautiful location is truly breathtaking.

The area around Cape Hedo has many dark and narrow roads, and congestion is expected, especially around New Year's Day, so it's best to plan with plenty of time to spare. Also, there is nothing to block the sea breeze, so warm clothing and windproof clothing are essential.

　4-2. [Recommended] Uppama Beach

Access | Okinawa Expressway: Approximately 50 minutes by car from Kyoda Interchange
Parking available (free)
Crowd level | Average
Address: 394 Kesaji, Higashi Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture

★First Sunrise Spot
A beloved local spot for watching the first sunrise of the year. You can sit on the beach surrounded by nature and watch the sun rise over the horizon. It's a place where you can enjoy a relaxed, Okinawan-style sunrise.

★おすすめポイント
This beach is popular with locals for swimming and camping. It's highly recommended for those who want to enjoy the first sunrise of the year amidst beautiful nature.

The road to the beach is a narrow path through sugarcane fields. Since many locals gather there on New Year's Day, extra caution is needed while driving.

Uppama Beach is located in Higashi Village, Kunigami District, but there is another beach with the same name in Nakijin Village, also in Kunigami District. Nakijin Village is on the west side, so you won't be able to see the first sunrise of the year from there. Please be careful when setting your car navigation system!

"The plan for the year is made on New Year's Day."
Watching the beautiful first sunrise of the year and reflecting on the year ahead will surely give you the best possible start!

I hope you all have a wonderful New Year! ♡

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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