New Year’s Sunrise 2026-2027 – Beppu, Japan

• December 31, 2026
  Event date:
• January 1, 2027
  Event end:

Overview

The New Year’s Sunrise event at the Beppu Ropeway is a deeply cherished tradition that invites visitors to welcome the first dawn of the year, known as hatsuhinode, from the breathtaking summit of Mount Tsurumi in Oita Prefecture. In Japanese culture, witnessing the very first sunrise holds profound spiritual significance, symbolizing hope, renewal, and a fortunate start to the incoming year. People gather at elevated scenic lookouts across the country to reflect on the past months, offer quiet prayers, and embrace the tranquil beauty of a fresh morning.

To accommodate this special occasion, the Beppu Ropeway opens its gates significantly earlier than its standard operating hours, allowing eager guests to board large spacious gondolas before dawn breaks. As the cabins ascend the steep mountain slopes, passengers are treated to a quiet, atmospheric ride through the crisp winter darkness. Reaching the upper station opens up an extraordinary vantage point high above the clouds where anticipation builds among travelers waiting for the morning light.

As the sun begins to peek over the horizon, its golden rays illuminate the expansive landscapes of Beppu City, the rugged surrounding mountains, and the glittering expanse of Beppu Bay stretching out toward the Pacific Ocean. The serene atmosphere at the summit, combined with the crisp winter air and panoramic vistas, creates an unforgettable setting for reflection and celebration. It stands out as a magnificent and spiritually uplifting way to begin the New Year in harmony with nature.

Event Highlights

• Watch the traditional first sunrise of the year, known as hatsuhinode, from the high-altitude observation deck of Mount Tsurumi.
• Enjoy breathtaking, unobstructed panoramic views of Beppu City, the sprawling mountains, and the sparkling ocean below.
• Experience an exclusive pre-dawn ropeway ride starting early in the morning before regular operating hours commence.
• Receive special commemorative souvenirs, including a traditional zodiac bell and a hand warmer, distributed to early morning visitors.

Why Attend

Attending this remarkable mountaintop sunrise event offers a rare opportunity to participate in one of Japan’s most revered cultural traditions in a truly spectacular natural setting. Rather than viewing the dawn from ground level, guests ascend thousands of feet into the crisp morning air to witness the first light breaking across a stunning panoramic landscape. It is an ideal cultural outing for photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful and inspiring start to the year.

Beyond the breathtaking scenery, the event provides a warm community atmosphere where early risers share in the quiet excitement of the first morning. The combination of spiritual reflection, magnificent views, and commemorative gifts makes for a deeply rewarding experience. Attendees depart with a profound sense of renewal, wonderful photographs, and cherished memories of the New Year dawn.

Date & Duration

• Event Date: December 31st 2026 – January 1st 2027
• Event Duration: Overnight transition and early morning special opening event spanning through the sunrise viewing

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold: Round-trip ropeway tickets are purchased directly at the Beppu Kogen Station ticket counter on the morning of the event.
• Admission Type: Special early morning ropeway access granting travel to the summit station and entry to the Mount Tsurumi viewing areas.
• Ticket Pricing: $6.00 to $12.00
• Special Seating Options: Spacious standing gondolas accommodating up to one hundred one passengers during the ten-minute mountain ascent.
• VIP Options: No VIP, exclusive seating, or advanced reservation tiers are offered for this traditional public sunrise viewing event.

Venue / Location

• City and Country: Beppu, Japan
• Venue Name: Beppu Ropeway
• Google Maps Address: Japan, 〒874-0000 Oita, Beppu, Minamitateishi, 字寒原１０−７

Contact Information

• Email: beppurop@ceres.ocn.ne.jp
• Phone Number: +81 977-22-2278
• Website: https://en.japantravel.com/oita/new-year-s-sunrise-at-beppu-ropeway/70338

Accommodation Options:

Travelers planning an overnight stay for the festival will discover a wonderful selection of traditional hot spring ryokans, luxury hot spring resorts, and comfortable modern hotels located throughout Beppu City. Staying in Beppu allows visitors to easily attend the early morning ropeway sunrise and return to relax in soothing mineral-rich onsen baths afterward.

The surrounding Oita region also offers tranquil mountain retreats and coastal inns, providing a peaceful sanctuary to unwind after your chilly morning adventure at the summit. Booking accommodations well in advance is highly recommended due to high seasonal interest from travelers celebrating the New Year holidays across the prefecture.

Getting There

• Nearest Airport: Oita Airport, situated approximately thirty miles away from central Beppu City.
• Nearest Train/Metro Station: JR Beppu Station on the JR Nippo Main Line serves as the primary regional transit hub for arriving visitors.
• Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: Kamenoi Bus services operating from JR Beppu Station provide direct twenty-minute transit access to the Beppu Ropeway bus stop.
• Parking Availability: Large on-site parking lots accommodating hundreds of vehicles are situated directly in front of the Beppu Kogen station base.
• Directions by Car: Accessible via major regional roadways including the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway connecting directly toward the Beppu Interchange.

Dining Recommendations

Breakfast Recommendations:

• Savor a steaming bowl of traditional miso soup and grilled fish at a cozy local diner near Beppu Station after your morning descent.
• Enjoy freshly baked breads and hot morning coffee from a charming neighborhood bakery in downtown Beppu.
• Partake in a comforting traditional breakfast featuring locally harvested rice and seasonal side dishes at your hot spring hotel.

Lunch Recommendations:

• Relish delicious local specialties including steamed local delicacies cooked using natural geothermal hot spring steam.
• Enjoy steaming bowls of comforting regional noodle dishes at a family-run eatery situated within the city center.
• Taste savory bento boxes packed with regional agricultural produce sold at specialty food shops around Beppu.

Dinner Recommendations:

• Dine at an authentic local restaurant specializing in traditional multi-course hot spring cuisine featuring fresh seafood and mountain vegetables.
• Savor exquisite regional dishes paired with fine local shochu or sake at a traditional dining establishment.
• Unwind at a relaxed neighborhood izakaya offering classic grilled skewers and comforting small plates in a warm indoor setting.

Local Specialties to Try:

• Indulge in Jigokumushi local dishes cooked gently using intense natural geothermal hot spring steam.
• Taste delicious kabosu-flavored treats highlighting Oita Prefecture’s signature citrus fruit.
• Sample local regional snacks and warm beverages available at the station gift shops following your summit descent.

What is this event?

The New Year’s Sunrise event at the Beppu Ropeway invites early risers to witness the first sunrise of the year from the scenic summit of Mount Tsurumi. The ropeway opens well before dawn to transport guests high above the clouds for a breathtaking morning view.

Visitors gather in the crisp winter air to watch the sun illuminate Beppu City and the sparkling ocean below. It serves as a peaceful and culturally significant tribute to the start of a new year.

Why is it popular?

This iconic New Year celebration captivates travelers globally by offering one of the most magnificent vantage points in Kyushu to experience hatsuhinode. The combination of a pre-dawn ropeway adventure and sweeping panoramic ocean views creates an unforgettable holiday moment.

Visitors cherish the serene spiritual atmosphere, the stunning photography opportunities, and the special commemorative souvenirs distributed on-site. It stands out as a beloved and inspiring destination for welcoming January first.

Tips before you go

• Dress extremely warmly in heavy winter coats, thermal layers, gloves, hats, and scarves since summit temperatures before dawn are freezing.
• Bring sufficient cash in Japanese yen as ticket purchases and souvenir shops may have limited digital payment capabilities.
• Arrive early at the base station to secure your spot on the initial pre-dawn ropeway departures heading to the summit.
• Check weather conditions and operational updates carefully since high winds or winter snow can occasionally impact ropeway schedules.
• Bring a sturdy bag to comfortably carry your commemorative zodiac bell, hand warmer, and personal photography equipment.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Familiarize yourself with the morning bus timetables or driving routes from Beppu Station to ensure a smooth pre-dawn arrival.
• Follow all designated walking paths around the mountain summit observation platforms to navigate safely in the dim morning light.
• Keep your camera batteries warm inside your jacket pockets to prevent them from draining quickly in the freezing mountain air.
• Take time to explore the summit shrines and walking routes after the sunrise celebration concludes.
• Combine your early morning sunrise trip with a relaxing soak in Beppu’s famous hot spring baths later in the day.
• Plan your return transit or rest schedule carefully to recover from the very early morning wake-up call.

Attendee Experiences

• Standing high above the clouds on Mount Tsurumi as the first golden rays of the year warmed the sky was magical.
• The pre-dawn ropeway ride through the dark mountains created a wonderful sense of anticipation and excitement.
• Receiving the special zodiac bell souvenir and warming up with hot tea after the sunrise made the experience truly perfect.

Location

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