Updated November 12, 2024

Hatsuhinode

As the subtitle denotes, Hatsuhinode is the Japanese name for the welcoming of the first sunrise of the New Year. There are many celebrations for “first” activities of the New Year, and it is thought that paying careful attention to all of these firsts, and appreciating them for what they are, will bring one a year of good fortune.

Hatsuhinode specifically represents hope and renewal, and is meant to be a rejuvenating and serene practice.

Many Japanese will leave their homes early in the morning and find a place that offers a spectacular view of the sunrise. Some notable locations to watch the sunrise are the beach, mountain tops, or open fields.

There are a few specific locations in Japan that are popular for the Hatsuhinode tradition.

One of those is Mount Fuji. The tallest mountain in Japan and a famous landmark of the country, this mountain makes for a breathtaking back drop for the New Year sunrise.

Though watching the sunrise with Mount Fuji in the distant background is beautiful, the converse can also be an incredible way to celebrate Hatsuhinode. The view of the sunrise from on top of a mountain is called Goraiko.  The Mount Fuji Goraiko is one of the most spectacular views and experiences in the world! From Goraiko, the sun can be seen rising above the clouds.

Most Japanese news stations will periodically broadcast the sunrise times so that viewers are prepared and aren’t waiting outside in the cold for unnecessarily long periods of time. Another great option is to park at the top of a mountain or hill and watch the sunrise from the comfort of a heated vehicle!

A great way to start your year to experience Hatsuhinode, so book your New Year’s trip today!

Hatsuyume

Similarly to Hatsuhinode is the Hatsuyume tradition. Hatsuyume is another first – the first dream of the New Year. Japanese believe that the subjects of the first dreams of the year are representative of what one’s upcoming year will be like. If specific imagery or themes are conjured up in one’s dream, it is a sign that the individual has a lucky year ahead.

For those who stay up the night of New Year’s Eve to partake in other “first of the year” Japanese traditions, the Hatsuyume takes place the night of January 1st.

Apparently, the luckiest dreams are the ones that are about eggplant. Yes, eggplants like the fruit. Japanese are very punny, which is the reason for this seemingly random belief. The Japanese word for eggplant is nasu, which can also mean “accomplish” or “fulfill”. Thus, dreaming of eggplants suggests one will reach fulfillment.  

Another very lucky dream to have on the New Year is one of a bald medicine man. I know, sounds weird and creepy. The Japanese word for no hair is “ke-ga-nai”, and the Japanese word for no injuries is “kega-nai”. So many puns! Thus dreaming of bald men means one likely has a year of good health ahead!

Want to transcend your limits in the upcoming year? Try to dream of Mount Fuji or TOBACCO! The Mount Fuji imagery is fairly straightforward, as it is the tallest mountain in Japan, and dreaming of it denotes height and inspiration. Tobacco is equally as lucky for rising ahead in the future year because it relates to the image of rising smoke. Similarly, dreaming of a hawk – a powerful bird – is thought to bring a promotion or increase in status to the dreamer!

Finally, dreaming of fans is considered very lucky. Historically, wealthy people would wave a fan to indicate that they would grant the wishes of a claimant. Additionally, the god of luck – Hotei, is usually depicted with a wish-granting fan. Thus, dreaming of fans indicates that one’s wishes for the New Year will be granted!

Japanese also believe that placing a statuette or image of one of the 7 lucky Japanese gods under your pillow will nudge your dreams in the right direction.

Try paying attention to your first dreams of the year this coming New Year’s – do you have a lucky year ahead?