It might not come as a surprise that a country known as the Land of the Rising Sun has one of the world's most beautiful dawns. Tokyo has been named one of the top ten destinations globally for its picture-perfect sunrises, according to a new 2025 study by UK-based travel company Travelbag.
The report, The World's Most Picturesque Sunrises and Sunsets 2025, analyzed social media data from Instagram and TikTok to uncover the destinations where golden hour shines the brightest. By tracking hashtags such as #tokyosunrise, researchers scored each location on the number of posts and engagement, combining their results to reveal the ultimate sunrise and sunset hotspots.
Tokyo ranked seventh worldwide, joining other scenic destinations on the list such as Bali, Sydney, and Dubai. The study highlighted how the capital's skyline, riverside viewpoints, and seasonal light create some incredible morning scenes, from destinations like Tokyo Tower and the Sumida River to the quiet beauty of early-morning parks. No matter how you want to start it out, the city offers countless ways to greet the day.
Tokyo's inclusion on the list feels especially fitting. In Japan, sunrise holds deep cultural meaning, from traditional hatsuhinode gatherings on New Year's Day to the quiet appreciation of early light throughout the seasons. The recognition simply reaffirms what locals have long known, that few places welcome the day quite like the Land of the Rising Sun.
