How to Welcome the New Year with Hatsuhinode in Japan
One of the most beautiful and meaningful traditions in Japan is to watch the first sunrise of the year, or Hatsuhinode (初日の出) in Japanese. It is believed that the sun goddess Amaterasu brings happiness and prosperity to those who witness her first appearance in the sky on January 1st. Many people wake up early and head to the best spots to see the golden rays of the sun illuminate the horizon and the land. If you are in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, one of the best places to enjoy Hatsuhinode is the Nakatajima Sand Dunes (中田島砂丘), one of the three largest sand dune areas in Japan. The dunes extend for about 4 kilometers along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, and offer a stunning view of the vast sea and the sky. The wind creates beautiful patterns on the sand, called fumon, that resemble artworks. You can also see the Hamamatsu Festival Hall, where the history and culture of the famous Hamamatsu Festival and kites are displayed, from the dunes. To get to the Nakatajima Sand Dunes...