Recommended Sunrise & New Year Shrine Visit Spots in Sakaide - [Official] Sakaide City, Kagawa Tourism & Travel Guide | Odekake Kakehashi Sakaide

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Recommended Sunrise & New Year Shrine Visit Spots in Sakaide

Recommended Sunrise & New Year Shrine Visit Spots in Sakaide

Welcome the start of a new year in a truly special way. From the awe-inspiring first sunrise rising over the Sanuki Mountains, to serene shrine grounds still echoing with the lingering chimes of the New Year’s Eve bell, to Tenmangu shrines bustling with students praying for success in their exams—Sakaide offers many unforgettable places to ring in the new year.

After watching the first sunrise, warm both body and soul with the traditional local specialty “Anmochi Zoni”—a sweet mochi soup—and enjoy a New Year’s experience you won’t forget.

INDEX

【First Sunrise】A Sacred Sunrise Over the Sanuki Mountains “Kiyama Summit Observation Deck (Shiroyama)”

From the observation deck at the summit of Kiyama (Shiroyama)—standing at 462 meters above sea level—you can witness a breathtaking first sunrise rising over the Sanuki Mountains.

As the sun rises in the southeast (the direction overlooking Fuchu Lake and the beautifully shaped, pyramid-like Tsunobe-yama), the lake and scattered irrigation ponds below glow in shades of orange, creating a truly spectacular view to enjoy.

The Kiyama Summit Observation Deck is equipped with a public restroom and a parking lot, making it an easy and popular spot for watching the first sunrise of the year. Since the parking area fills up early, it’s best to come well-prepared for the cold and start your hike as early as possible.

Also, please note that there are no lights on the trail, so bringing a flashlight is essential.

Site of Kiyama Castle

  • Address

    Fuchu-cho, Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture

    GOOGLE MAPS
  • Phone

    0877-45-1122(Sakaide City Tourist Information Center)

  • Access

    22 minutes by car from JR Sakaide Station

【First Sunrise】A Satoyama Viewpoint Overlooking Mt. Iinoyama and the Sanuki Mountains “Tsunoyama Sunrise Viewing Deck (Hinode Mita)”

At the summit of Tsunoyama (184m), located just a short distance from central Sakaide, you’ll find a scenic lookout known as the “Sunrise Viewing Deck” (Hinode Mita).
The first sunrise seen from here is truly unforgettable, with Mt. Iinoyama—affectionately known as “Sanuki Fuji”—and the ridgeline of the Sanuki Mountains standing out clearly in the morning light.

There are several hiking routes up Tsunoyama, but the trail from the Tsunoyama Trailhead (Mikugisho–Kawazu Line side) is well maintained and easy to follow, making it a great choice even for beginners.
Some of the other routes may be overgrown with vegetation, so this main route is highly recommended.

After watching the first sunrise, be sure to continue on to the north-side viewpoint on the opposite side of the summit. From there, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea, the majestic Seto Ohashi Bridge, and the cityscape of Sakaide and Utazu.
One of Tsunoyama’s greatest charms is the chance to enjoy two completely different landscapes—south and north—from the same summit.

Notes for Visitors

There are no restrooms at the summit, so it’s best to use the facilities beforehand.
Also, there is no official parking lot at the base, so please use the parking area near Sakaide Station.

Since it will still be dark early in the morning, don’t forget to bring a flashlight, warm clothing, and non-slip shoes.
Despite its easy height of just 184m, Tsunoyama offers a truly authentic first sunrise experience.

〈Tsunoyama (Tsunoyama) Sunrise Viewing Deck〉

◼️ Location: 2-3 Fujimicho, Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture  Google MAP
◼️ Recommended Hiking Route: Tsunoyama Trailhead (Mikugisho–Kawazu Line side) Google MAP
◼️ Estimated Time: Approx. 20–30 minutes from the trailhead to the summit (approx.)

◼️ Parking: There is no parking near the summit. Parking at Sakaide Station is recommended.
◼️ Other: There are no restrooms at the summit.

【New Year Shrine Visit】Ring the New Year’s Eve Bell and Make a Wish for the Year Ahead “Shiroimine-ji Temple”

The Joya-no-Kane—the traditional bell-ringing ceremony held from New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day—can be experienced at Shiroimine-ji Temple in Sakaide. Under the custom of “one person, one strike, one wish,” visitors are invited to ring the bell and pray for a meaningful year ahead. Those who take part will receive a limited-edition zodiac clay bell charm (eto no dorei), available while supplies last on a first-come, first-served basis.

Shiroimine-ji is a historic temple founded around 1,200 years ago and is known as Temple No. 81 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. After climbing the stone steps, you’ll find the principal deity, Senju Kannon (Thousand-Armed Kannon), believed to protect worshippers from various misfortunes.
Each of the temple halls—designated as Important Cultural Properties—enshrines one of the twelve zodiac guardian deities, offering blessings such as good fortune, protection from bad luck, and good health. Be sure to visit your own zodiac guardian deity as well.

Mt. Shiromine is also the site where Emperor Sutoku, the 75th emperor of Japan, was cremated, and he is revered as a deity of performing arts and academic achievement. Along with visiting Emperor Sutoku’s mausoleum (Shiroimine Imperial Tomb), we also recommend paying respects at Tonsyoji-dono, the temple dedicated to praying for his repose.

Shiromineji Temple and Shiromine Imperial Mausoleum

  • Address

    2635 Aomi-cho, Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture 762-0016

    GOOGLE MAPS
  • Phone

    0877-45-1122 (Sakaide Tourist Information Center)

  • Access

    22 minutes by car from JR Sakaide Station

【New Year Shrine Visit】A Powerful Spot for Academic Success Dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane “Kuroiwa Tenmangu Shrine”

As the new year begins, the season ahead marks a major turning point in life for many—entrance exams, further education, and job hunting. Kuroiwa Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, who devoted himself to learning from a young age, is a popular place of worship for all kinds of examinees, from school and job entrance tests to professional certification exams.

Visitors can receive good-luck charms and pencils believed to help with success in exams, and the shrine is also known for its “Nadeushi” (stroking ox) statue, said to grant wishes when touched—making it a powerful spot for prayers for academic achievement.

Sugawara no Michizane, revered as the god of learning, served as a provincial governor in Sanuki Kokufu (located in today’s Fuchu-cho, Sakaide) from 886 to 890. During a severe drought in Sanuki in 888, he performed prayers for rain at Myoujinbara on Mt. Kiyama, and after rain finally fell, he offered thanks. It is said that Kuroiwa Tenmangu was later established on the very site where he expressed his gratitude.

Just like Michizane, it’s a wonderful reminder to visit not only to make a wish—but also to return and offer thanks once that wish has come true.

Kuroiwa Tenmangu Shrine

  • Address

    Kawatsu-cho, Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture

    GOOGLE MAPS
  • Phone

    0877-45-1122(Sakaide City Tourist Information Center)

  • Access

    13 minutes drive from JR Sakaide Station

【New Year Shrine Visit】Visit the Shrines of All Sanuki Province in One Stop “Sōja Shrine”

In the Heian Period, the deities worshipped across Sanuki Province were gathered and enshrined here, giving rise to Sōja Shrine.
It is said that by visiting Sōja Shrine in Hayashida-cho, which served as the official sōja (central shrine) of Sanuki, you symbolically pay respects to all the shrines in Sanuki Province at once.

Soja Shrine

  • Address

    3011 Hayashida-cho, Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture

    GOOGLE MAPS
  • Phone

    0877-45-1122(Sakaide City Tourist Information Center)

  • Access

    11 minutes drive from JR Sakaide Station

【After Your First Sunrise & New Year Visit】January 4 Only | Kagawa’s Local Specialty “Anmochi Zoni”

To celebrate the New Year, we will be offering “Anmochi Zoni”, a beloved local specialty of Kagawa Prefecture, for a limited time only.

This uniquely Kagawa-style zoni features a gently flavored white miso broth, filled with a round rice cake stuffed with sweet red bean paste, along with ingredients such as Kintoki carrots and daikon radish.
Start the year with a warm and comforting bowl—perfect for both body and soul.

Anmochi Zoni will be served at “Hashicafe”, located inside the Observation Lounge of the Seto Ohashi Memorial Museum, where you can also enjoy views of the Seto Ohashi Bridge.
As quantities are limited, we recommend arriving early.


Anmochi Zoni Sales Information

Date & Time: Sunday, January 4, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Hashicafe, Observation Lounge, Seto Ohashi Memorial Museum
Price: 500 yen
Quantity: Limited to 50 servings (while supplies last)

Please note:

  • The number of servings and price are subject to change.
  • Regular menu items will not be available on the day. Thank you for your understanding.
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