Japan Airlines Group has announced four scenic flights for 1 January 2027, giving passengers a chance to see Japan’s first sunrise from the air. The departures from Tokyo Haneda, Tokyo Narita, Nagoya Chubu and Osaka Kansai will each return to their starting airport that morning.
The programme celebrates hatsuhinode, the Japanese tradition of watching the first sunrise of the year. Planned routes take in mountain or coastal scenery, with opportunities to see Mount Fuji depending on the flight and weather conditions.
Japan Airlines and Japan Transocean Air will operate the four departures. Eligible JAL Life Status members received early access to the lottery on 30 October 2026. General applications are scheduled to open on 16 November.
Four Airports Offer Different Sunrise Routes
Tokyo Haneda’s JL2027 is scheduled to depart at 05:35 and return at 07:50, using an Airbus A350-900. The planned route heads towards the Southern Alps, with sunrise viewing northwest of Mount Fuji. It then takes in Suruga Bay and passes near Oshima before returning to Haneda.
Tokyo Narita’s JL2727 is also scheduled to leave at 05:35, returning at 08:00 on a Boeing 787-8. Its planned sunrise viewing point is over the sea off Tateyama, near the Boso Peninsula. The route then crosses Tokyo Bay and passes near Miyakejima.
From Nagoya Chubu Centrair, NU2027 is scheduled to depart at 05:55 and return at 07:25. Its planned viewing point lies west of Mount Fuji, after flying south of the Central and Southern Alps.
Osaka Kansai’s NU2727 is scheduled to depart at 06:40 and return at 07:40, with sunrise viewing planned above the Kii Peninsula. Japan Transocean Air plans to use Boeing 737-800 aircraft for both the Nagoya and Osaka services.
All times are local. Flight paths and timings may change, and cloud cover can affect views of both the sunrise and Mount Fuji.
Festive Meals Bring New Year Traditions On Board
JAL plans to serve a meal inspired by osechi, the food traditionally eaten during Japan’s New Year celebrations. The selection includes rolled omelette, prawns, octopus and rice with salmon roe.
The drinks selection includes Kamikawa sake, Tokachi sake and amazake from Kamikawa Taisetsu Brewery. Younger passengers will receive juice in place of alcoholic drinks.
A galette bretonne inspired by rays of sunlight will accompany San Sebastián Antigua drip coffee selected by JAL coffee director Yoshiaki Kawashima. The meal and dessert bring part of the celebration into the cabin, alongside the sunrise viewing.
Souvenirs Connect Aviation With a Future Yokohama Visit
Passengers will receive a pouch made from surplus aircraft seat fabric and a commemorative Goshoin, an aviation-themed collectible stamp. JAL also plans to give each passenger an admission ticket to GREEN×EXPO 2027, scheduled to begin in Yokohama in March.
At the departure gates, travellers can take photographs with cabin crew wearing historical uniforms and write New Year wishes on a large ema plaque. JAL plans to present those wishes to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.
The Haneda and Narita departures will also feature pilot commentary about the aircraft and planned routes. The two Tokyo flights therefore offer an additional element for passengers interested in aviation.
Lottery Applications Shape New Year Travel Plans
JALPAK is handling reservations through a lottery. Early applications are open to eligible Star-grade members of JAL Life Status, with the general window scheduled to begin on 16 November. Applicants receive a seat only if selected, and fares will be published through the booking process.
Seating arrangements may differ by aircraft and departure. Travellers applying with companions can review the allocation rules before choosing a flight, particularly if a window seat matters to them.
The early departures also make airport access part of the experience. JAL expects reception to begin between roughly 04:00 and 05:00, with precise reporting details to follow in final itineraries. For visitors staying in Tokyo, Nagoya or Osaka over New Year, the choice of airport may come down to which one they can reach before dawn. Each flight returns to the same terminal area that morning, leaving the rest of New Year’s Day open for plans on the ground.
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