Recommended First Sunrise & First Shrine Visit Spots for 2025

At the 462-meter-high Kiyama Summit Observatory, you can witness the first sunrise of the year rising over the Sanuki Mountains.

As the first sunrise rises in the southeast direction (toward Fuchu Lake and the beautifully shaped Mt. Jubisan), the lake and scattered reservoirs glow in a stunning orange hue, offering a breathtaking view.

The Kiyama Summit Observatory has public restrooms and a parking lot, making it an easily accessible sunrise spot that attracts many visitors. Parking fills up quickly, so it is recommended to arrive early with warm clothing. Additionally, as there is no lighting, a flashlight is essential.

The New Year’s Eve bell is rung from December 31st to New Year’s Day. At Shiramine-ji Temple in Sakaide City, visitors can participate in the “One Ring, One Prayer” tradition, striking the bell to pray for a prosperous year ahead.

Those who ring the bell will receive a limited-edition zodiac clay bell on a first-come, first-served basis.

Shiromine-ji is an ancient temple, established about 1,200 years ago, and is the 81st temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. At the top of the stone steps, the main deity, Senju Kannon Bosatsu, is believed to protect against various misfortunes.

The temple houses guardian deities for each of the twelve zodiac signs, enshrined in historically significant halls. Be sure to visit your zodiac guardian deity for blessings of good fortune and health.

Mt. Shiramine is also the site where Emperor Sutoku, the 75th emperor of Japan, was cremated. While visiting, be sure to pay your respects at the Shiramine Imperial Mausoleum and Tonshoji-den, the temple dedicated to Emperor Sutoku.

With the arrival of the new year, many people face significant life changes such as exams, further education, or job hunting. Kuroiwa Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a historical figure known for his dedication to scholarship from a young age, is a popular place for students and professionals to pray for success in their exams.

Visitors can receive lucky charms and pencils for academic success, and there is also a “Nadeushi” (stroking ox) statue that is said to grant wishes when touched, making this a powerful spot for those seeking to pass exams.

Sugawara no Michizane served as the governor of Sanuki Province (present-day Sakaide City) from 886 to 890 AD.

During a drought in 888 AD, Michizane performed a rain prayer ritual at Myojinhara on Kiyama. After the rain finally came, he offered prayers of gratitude, and this site later became Kuroiwa Tenmangu Shrine.

Like Sugawara no Michizane, we should not only pray for our wishes but also express gratitude when they are fulfilled.

During the Heian period, various deities from across Sanuki Province were gathered and enshrined at Soja Shrine. It is said that by visiting Soja Shrine in Hayashida Town, one can receive the blessings of all the shrines in Sanuki Province.