Mt. Fuji – Hatsuhinode: Video Introduction

This video, titled "An Aerial View of Mt. Fuji | The First Sunrise of 2022【Shizuoka Shimbun / Your Shizuoka Newspaper】" (富士山上空　２０２２年初日の出【静岡新聞／あなたの静岡新聞】) was uploaded by "Shizuoka Shimbun【TEAM NEXT】."

Jelico No.1, a helicopter owned by Shizuoka Newspaper Inc., filmed Mt. Fuji and the first sunrise of 2022 at approximately 4,000 meters above Fujinomiya, Shizuoka, in Japan's Tokai region.
Hatsuhinode is the Japanese tradition of viewing the first sunrise of the New Year.
Enjoy the breathtaking sunrise over Mt. Fuji!

A Divine View of Mt. Fuji and a Sunrise That Will Take Your Breath Away!

Photo：The first sunrise of the year, Mt. Fuji

If you're superstitious, then there's nothing more auspicious than Mt. Fuji and hatsuhinode to greet the new year. Moreover, this combination is filmed at the height of 4,000 meters. It's going to take your breath away.
[Video] 0:18 - Snow Whirling in the Wind on Mt. Fuji as the Sun Rises

In this video, you can also see the rare Kage-Fuji, a phenomenon which can only be seen for a few hours before sunrise and sunset, when only oblique light shines on Mt. Fuji. The shadow of Mt. Fuji can be seen on the surface of the earth or on a sea of clouds. The first sunrise of the year coupled with the Kage-Fuji phenomenon makes for an incredible experience.
[Video] 0:30 - The Magnificent Scale of Kage-Fuji Seen From the Sky

The photogenic Kage-Fuji in the crisp air is a different experience from what climbers can see, creating a fantastic sight that can only be captured from 4,000 meters in the air.

Recommended Spots for Viewing Mt. Fuji and the First Sunrise of the Year

Photo：Sunrise and Mt. Fuji from Lake Motosu

Mt. Fuji is also called "Reiho" (霊峰), or "sacred mountain" in Japanese, and is loved by the people of Japan. No matter the season, this place is always a popular attraction. Now you're probably thinking "It must be crowded during Hatsuhinode then." Crowding conditions vary from year to year, but here we'll introduce some popular spots and hidden gems where you can view Mt. Fuji. Be sure to take a camera for some awesome photos as well!

●Lake Kawaguchi (河口湖, Kawaguchiko) (Popular)
On the side of the lake, there are so many places where you can enjoy views of Mt. Fuji, like Oishi Park (大石公園, Oishi Koen) or Ubuyagasaki (産屋ヶ崎, Ubuyagasaki). The first sunrise of the year rising over the majestic Mt. Fuji illuminates the surface of the lake with a beautiful light. Fuji Sengen Shrine (about 20 minutes away by car) is located nearby and is recommended for hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the New Year).
Sunrise: 6:54 a.m., January 1, 2022

●Lake Motosu (本栖湖, Motosuko) (Popular)
The famous Sakasa-Fuji (the upside-down reflection of Mt. Fuji on the surface of a lake) printed on 1,000-yen notes came from the view from this lake. This spot is popular as a top photo spot to witness Diamond Fuji, a beautiful phenomenon where the sunrise hits the peak of Mt. Fuji and shines like a diamond. Unfortunately, whether or not you can see this will depends on the day's weather, so there's no guarantee you'll be able to see it.
Sunrise: 6:49 a.m., January 1st, 2022

●Roadside Station Asagirikogen (道の駅　朝霧高原, Michinoeki Asagirikogen) (Popular)
Here, visitors can enjoy restaurants and a variety of local products. Only on January 1st, this area opens at 7:00 AM to warmly welcome people who come there to take photos or enjoy the first sunrise of the year. It's located along Shio no Michi (Salt Road), Route 139, which links Shizuoka with Yamanashi.
Sunrise: 6:55 a.m., January 1st, 2022

●Jukkoku Toge Summit (十国峠山頂, Jukkoku Toge Sancho) (Hidden Gem)
The Hakone Jukkoku Toge Cable Car starts running from 5:00 a.m. as a "Hatsuhinode Special Service." On a bright and clear New Year's Day, you can catch Mt. Fuji colored red by the sunrise.
Sunrise: 6:52 a.m., January 1st, 2022

●Senbonhama Beach (千本浜海岸, Senbonhama Kaigan) (Hidden Gem)
This beach is approximately 10 km long and is full of pine trees. It's a nice spot where you can avoid the crowds in the area surrounding Mt. Fuji and enjoy the beautiful pine trees with a distant view of Mt. Fuji.
Sunrise: 6:52 a.m., January 1st, 2022

Each spot has special New Year's tours. If you're in Japan for the new year, consider staying at a hotel or ryokan and watching the beautiful sunrise over Mt. Fuji.

Climbing Mt. Fuji to See the First Sunrise of the Year?

Photo：Sunrise, Mt. Fuji

There are many people that want to witness the sunrise from the peak of Mt. Fuji. However, the climbing season on Mt. Fuji doesn't start until early July and ends in late September. In general, the climbing season is during the period when the trails are open to the public. Since the opening period differs by trail, please refer to the Official Website for Climbing Mt. Fuji.

New Year's means winter on Mt. Fuji, and weather conditions can be harsh, leading to an increased risk of accidents. Therefore, if you're planning on climbing Mt. Fuji, be sure to keep this in mind and be extra careful.

Summary of the First Sunrise of the Year at Mt. Fuji

This article introduced information about the first sunrise of the year at Mt. Fuji, a sight that many people wish to see. There are tons of good places to watch the sunrise, including popular spots and hidden gems. There are also risks to be aware of if you're planning on climbing Mt. Fuji to watch the first sunrise of the year. Having a good New Year's Day is the key to having a good year. Watching the sunrise at Mt. Fuji is one of the best ways to start your year off right. Be sure to dress warm and enjoy the amazing view!

【TripAdvisor】Mt. Fuji