Japanese New Year traditions, Hatsuhinode, the first sunrise of the year

In Japan, the beginning of the New Year is marked by several traditions named with the word hatsu, which means "first" in Japanese. Thus, we have hatsumode, which is the first visit to a shrine, hatsuyume, the first dream of the year, and hatsuhinode, the first sunrise of the year.

Hatsuhinode comes from a Shinto tradition that says that Toshigami, the kami of the New Year, must be greeted at the first sunrise, and they will bring good luck, well-being and health.

There are many places in Japan where you can admire a special sunrise, and the most desired is the sunrise seen form the top of Mount Fuji, but beautiful sunrises can be also enjoyed from the many skyscrapers in the large cities, like the sunrise photographed here in Osaka...