When does the sun rise in Japan?

When does the sun rise in Japan?

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Have you ever wondered what time the sun rises in Japan? As someone who loves to travel, I always make a point to catch the sunrise in different parts of the world. It’s a magical moment that marks the beginning of a new day and brings a sense of peace and serenity. But with different time zones and seasons, it can be tricky to know when the sun will rise in specific regions. In this post, we’ll explore when the sun rises in Japan and discover some of the best places to catch a stunning sunrise view. So, grab your coffee and let’s dive in!

1. Sunrise and Sunset Times in Japan by Month

Well, it’s always good to know when the sun will rise, especially for those early birds who love to catch the worm. In Japan, the length of days varies depending on the month. From June to September, the days are longer, lasting up to 14 hours and 40 minutes. In contrast, December to March sees the shortest days, with only about 9 hours of daylight. If one wants to enjoy the sunrise during winter, they’ll have to wake up pretty early, as it starts as early as 4:33 in the morning. And let’s not forget about the sunset; currently, it can be watched at around 6:41 in the evening. So, make sure you’re always checking the sunrise and sunset times before planning any outdoor activities!  

2. Longest and Shortest Days in Japan

In Japan, the longest and shortest days of the year are determined by their location in the northern hemisphere. The days are longer during summer (June to September) than during winter (December to March). The longest day of the year occurs during the summer solstice, which is the day when the sun reaches a point directly overhead of the Tropic of Cancer. This day has the longest period of sunlight, with the most direct angle for that year. In contrast, the shortest day occurs during winter solstice, where the sun is farthest from Japan and has the least direct angle. These patterns result in varying lengths of daylight throughout the year.  

3. Average Length of Day in Tokyo

The average length of day in Tokyo varies throughout the year. In May, for example, the first light sunrise occurs at 4:51am with sunset at 6:27pm, resulting in a day length of 14 hours and 31 minutes. In January, the first light sunrise occurs later at 6:50am, with sunset at 4:43pm, resulting in a day length of approximately 9 hours and 53 minutes. It’s worth noting that the length of day is subject to change with the seasons, and it’s important to check accurate sunrise and sunset times to plan your day accordingly.  

4. Sunrise and Sunset by Geographic Position

Sunrise and sunset times in Japan vary according to geographic position. The length of day in Japan is longer during the summer months, while the winter sees longer nights. In the capital city of Tokyo, the longest days occur in June with almost 14 and a half hours of daylight, while the longest dark nights happen in the winter, with a December night lasting approximately 15 hours. As Tokyo is located on the 36th degree of northern latitude, the city is quite far from the equator, resulting in a longer sunset duration of around 31 minutes on average.  

5. Oblique Path of the Sun in Japan

Due to Japan’s moderate location in the northern hemisphere, the oblique path of the sun affects the duration of the sunrise and sunset. Located on the 36th degree of northern latitude, Tokyo experiences longer days in summer and longer nights in winter. The farther a country is from the equator, the more oblique the sun’s path is to the horizon, causing sunset to last for a different duration. In Japan, a sunset lasts an average of 31 minutes, while a sunset near the equator lasts only about 20 minutes. Factors such as the distance from the equator and the path of the sun determine the time of sunrise and sunset.  

6. Daylight Saving Time in Japan

Daylight Saving Time is not observed in Japan. Its introduction has been debated on several occasions, but no official changes have been made. Between 1948 and 1951, Japan observed Daylight Saving Time from the first Saturday in May to the second Saturday in September. More recently, there have been efforts to restore Daylight Saving Time in Japan, but they have not been successful. In May 2013, the former Tokyo governor proposed permanently moving the country’s time zone ahead by two hours to better align global markets, but this proposal was not implemented. Since then, Daylight Saving Time has never been official in Japan.  

7. Sunrise and Sunset Times in December

In December, the sunrise and sunset times in Japan vary depending on the location and day. On average, the sunrise starts around 6:45 AM and sets around 4:00 PM. However, in areas further away from the equator, the duration of the sunset can last longer, up to 33 minutes. As Japan does not use daylight saving time, it is important to keep in mind the earlier sunset times when hiking in the mountains during the autumn season. While weather conditions may slightly impact temperatures, the average temperatures in December typically range from around 5 to 10 degrees Celsius.  

8. Average Temperatures in December

Japan experiences colder temperatures during December, with the average temperature ranging from 6 to 10 degrees Celsius depending on the region. Sunrise and sunset times vary from city to city, with Tokyo experiencing a 15-hour night in December. Hiking in the mountains during this period should be done with caution as the sun sets much earlier. It is important to note that Daylight Saving Time is not observed in Japan. Although the information provided is for reference, it is crucial to check weather conditions before exploring Japan during this time of the year.  

9. Considerations for Hiking Trips in Japan

When planning a hiking trip in Japan, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, be aware of the potential presence of bears in certain mountainous regions and consider carrying a bear bell as a precaution. Secondly, while Japanese hikers may be fully equipped with gear, it does not necessarily mean you need to be as well – especially during the summer months. Thirdly, be prepared for fully functioning lodges along your route, but be aware that they can be pricey. Lastly, yielding on the trail may work differently in Japan than what you may be used to, so stay aware of your surroundings.  

10. Summary of Sunrise and Sunset Times & Temperatures.

In Japan, sunrise and sunset times vary depending on the season. The longest days are in June, with up to 14.5 hours of daylight, while the longest dark nights occur in December, when Tokyo experiences almost 15 hours of darkness. Sunrise in Tokyo starts at 4:33 in the morning, while sunset can be seen at around 18:41 in the early evening. Additionally, the path of the sun and the distance from the equator also affect the duration of sunrise and sunset, with Tokyo experiencing an average of 31 minutes for each. The timing of the sun and temperature also have a lag, with temperatures usually being the warmest a few weeks after the longest day of the year in northern locations.  

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