A special ‘First Sunrise Viewing’ event was held, and we had the opportunity to visit!

The ‘First Sunrise Viewing Special Opening’ event allowed visitors to see the first sunrise from special spots on the 59th and 60th floors and the heliport as part of a special plan.

The weather was calm that day, and the eastern sky gradually took on a reddish hue.
After a while, the sunrise began to appear!
As the first sunrise rose, people took photos and videos, sharing the joy of the New Year with those around them.
Harukas 300 First Sunrise
The first sunrise viewed from 300 meters above ground was a magical sight that could only be experienced there.
Furthermore, a mini-event called ‘~Shout Your New Year’s Resolutions from 300m Above Ground~’ was held that day.
People of a wide range of ages participated, loudly stating their goals and resolutions for 2026 towards the first sunrise.
It wasn’t just about shouting; with cheers from the surroundings like “You can do it!” and “Go for it!”, it became a cheerful mini-event!
On the 60th-floor observation deck, another mini-event, a ‘Kakizome (First Calligraphy) Experience,’ was also available.
The booth was equipped with brushes, calligraphy paper, and examples, allowing visitors to write down their New Year’s resolutions in their own words.
It was a great success, with children holding brushes together with their parents and people taking commemorative photos with their completed works.

Viewing the first sunrise at ‘Abeno Harukas’ was a special moment to mark the start of a new year!

The image is for illustrative purposes.

Here is information about a store closure within Osaka City.

Muji com Hankyu Semba Street Closure
This is ‘MUJI com Hankyu S

Harukas 300

Harukas 300 is the open-air observation deck atop the 300-meter-tall Abeno Harukas skyscraper in Osaka, Japan, which opened in 2014 as the country’s tallest building. It offers panoramic 360-degree views of the city and replaced the previous record-holder, the nearby Osaka Prefectural Government Sakishima Building. The surrounding Abeno district has a long history as a transportation and commercial hub, with the modern tower built above the historic Kintetsu Railway’s terminal station.

Abeno Harukas

Abeno Harukas is a 300-meter skyscraper in Osaka, Japan, which opened in 2014 and is currently the country’s tallest building. It was built on the historic site of the former Osaka Abenobashi Station terminal building, a major transportation hub dating back to the early 20th century. The complex houses department stores, offices, a hotel, an art museum, and an observation deck offering panoramic views of the Kansai region.

Abeno Ward

Abeno Ward is a district in Osaka, Japan, best known as the home of the iconic **Abeno Harukas**, Japan’s tallest skyscraper. Historically, the area was a key transportation hub with its major railway stations and was once part of the ancient “Abe no shō” manor. Today, it is a modern commercial and cultural center, blending contemporary development with deep historical roots.

Osaka City

Osaka City is a major port and commercial hub in western Japan, historically known as the nation’s merchant capital during the Edo period (1603-1868). Its origins date back over 1,400 years, serving as an early imperial capital and later flourishing around Osaka Castle, built in the late 16th century. Today, it is renowned for its modern architecture, vibrant street food culture, and districts like Dotonbori.

First Sunrise Viewing

“First Sunrise Viewing” (初日の出, *Hatsuhinode*) is a traditional Japanese cultural practice of watching the first sunrise of the New Year, believed to bring good luck and purify the soul for the year ahead. Rooted in Shinto beliefs that the sun goddess Amaterasu is the ancestor of the Imperial family and a source of life, the custom became widely popular during the Meiji era (1868-1912) as the modern holiday system was established. People often gather at scenic coastal spots, mountain tops, or temples to observe this auspicious event.

Kakizome (First Calligraphy) Experience

Kakizome is a traditional Japanese New Year’s custom where people practice their first calligraphy of the year, often writing auspicious words or resolutions. This cultural practice dates back to the Heian period (794-1185) and is rooted in the belief that one’s brushstrokes on this day set the tone for the year ahead. Today, it is commonly experienced in schools, community centers, and cultural workshops, allowing participants to engage with Japanese artistic heritage.

MUJI com Hankyu Semba Street

MUJI com Hankyu Semba Street is a flagship store of the Japanese minimalist lifestyle brand MUJI, located in Osaka’s vibrant Semba district. It opened in 2021 within a renovated building that was originally part of the historic Hankyu department store group, blending MUJI’s modern design with the area’s long commercial heritage. The store offers a comprehensive range of products and services, embodying the brand’s philosophy of simplicity and functionality in a key Osaka shopping location.

Hankyu Semba Street

Hankyu Semba Street is a bustling underground shopping promenade in Osaka, Japan, directly connected to Umeda Station. It was opened in 1935 by the Hankyu Corporation, making it one of Japan’s oldest subterranean shopping streets. Today, it stretches for about 800 meters and is famous for its wide variety of shops, restaurants, and its role as a major commuter and commercial hub.