British Summer Time (BST) will begin overnight on Sunday 28 March. Switching to BST means we get more daylight in the evening with the sun rising an hour later. Although our Sunday lie-in will be cut slightly short the lighter evenings more than makeup for it.
Here, we are sending you on a visual sunrise tour from around the world from misty morning sunrises in Japan to gorgeous desert sunrises in Greater Palm Springs.
THE ISLANDS OF TAHITI
Sunshine paradise – The Islands of Tahiti
Renowned for its pristine beaches and luxurious overwater bungalows, The Islands of Tahiti are one of the first spots in the world to see the sunrise every day. Grab a spot on the white sands and watch as the sun rises on the shore, before spending the day enjoying water sports and eating fresh island delicacies.
JAPAN
Morning mist over rice paddies in Niigata Prefecture
In Japan, Niigata prefecture is famous as a production area of superior quality rice and its use in Japanese Sake. The mountainous region uses terraces to increase the volume of rice production year-round, creating beautiful viewing vistas across valleys and sloping down to the ocean. Those who head uphill will be rewarded at sunrise as the rice paddy water-pools reflect the sun-filled sky and rising morning mist.
Sunrising over the Tanesashi Coast, Hachinohe City
The Tanesashi Coast is located in the Sanriku Fukko National Park, a designated place of scenic beauty. Starting at Kabushima Shrine, in Hachinohe, it stretches uninterrupted along the coast for 12km, passing along pine forests, open beaches and secluded bays. Those up early enough can head to the observation platform (an old stone lookout point) and enjoy this coastal sunrise before embarking on a walk down to the fishing villages for breakfast.
Start the day on lovers island, Mitsukejima Island – Ishikawa Prefecture
https://www.ishikawatravel.jp/en/
Located on the coastline of Japan’s main island, Ishikawa Prefecture hosts an abundance of stunning sunrise spots. One of the best spots in Japan to watch the sunrise is above the uninhabited Mitsukejima Island located in the northeastern part of the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa. It is said to be the Holy Land for Lovers. The most romantic time of day to capture the lovers island is at sunrise, when Mitsukejima is backlit in red as the sun rises from the sea. Visitors can access the island via a path which extends from Mitsuke Beach to catch a closer look with the surrounding area being home to Ishikawa Prefecture’s finest dawns, calm waters and white sand.
Japan Alps rising out of the bay, Toyama Prefecture – Three-Star Road
Himi is a port city in western Toyama Prefecture where the ruins of Ao Castle lie on cliffs overlooking the sea showcasing one of the most spectacular sunrises over the Tateyama Mountain Range. Whilst the sun is rising the Tateyama Mountain Range appears to float on the waters of Toyama Bay.
Throughout the four seasons, this is the only location which affords panoramic views of the Japan Alps rising out of the bay. Himi’s sunrise has been named as one of Japan’s top 100 sunrises, and according to locals, watching the sunrise is one of the best ways to enjoy the area. From late April through August, the sun rises straight out of the Sea of Japan, and during the beginning of summer, the sun occasionally appears over the water in the shape of a “daruma” doll, thanks to the effects of mirage.
USA
Desert sunrise in Greater Palm Springs, California
www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com
The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains surround the desert oasis that is Greater Palm Springs and provide the perfect backdrop for an impressive sunrise. One of the best ways to enjoy a colourful sunrise is by hike and the Palm Desert Cross Hiking Trail is an ideal trail to follow to ensure you get the best views of the city and beyond. As soon as the sun peeks above the horizon, hikers are rewarded with hues of blues, pinks and yellow as they dance across the sky. It is advisable to start hiking early as the cooler morning temperatures make for a more enjoyable experience.
Rise with the wildlife in Florida’s Paradise Coast, Florida
With so many great spots in Naples and Marco Island to catch the sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico, it’s tough to pinpoint the best spot, however, Naples Pier is a great place to start. It’s free, fun, on the water and getting sandy is optional. Often local fishermen pitch up early on the historic wooden pier ready to hook the fresh morning catch of the day, while birds and dolphins play freely among the waves. In the distance, early rises enjoy yoga, paddle-boarding and surfing with the fresh sea air and warm Flordian sunshine – Paradise Coast is named as such for a reason.
Hike to sunrise in Colorado
Red Rocks, on the outskirts of Denver, is a spectacular concert theatre recognised for its unique rock formations and stunning views. Its geology dates back to the Jurassic period nearly 160 million years ago, where the gradual movement of the earth resulted in sandstone ledges forming the “walls” of the amphitheater. The park opens one hour before sunrise every day and visitors can hike one of the trails to find the best sunrise spot.
Golden skies at the golden Tower Bridge, Sacramento, California
To experience the perfect sunrise in Sacramento, visitors can walk alongside the Sacramento River to catch the sun rising up behind the California state capitol skyline. The footpath that runs alongside the waterfront passes the golden Tower Bridge – the iconic structure that symbolises California’s Gold Rush past – which creates an idyllic backdrop without having to leave the city.
Mammoth Lakes, California
The year-round adventureland of Mammoth Lakes is majestic in scale and awesome in its natural beauty, and visitors to California will find winter sunrise over the mountains absolutely jaw-dropping. An early morning snowshoe adventure to Minaret Vista will reward with dramatic pink skies and sparkling snow-capped forests, whilst mountain tops will look like they’re glowing golden. Nearby Mono Lake is one of the Eastern Sierra’s most spectacular of California’s natural wonders. The rising Tufa Towers provide an otherworldly backdrop with them either being backlit against a darker sky if shot from the east, or silhouetted against a rosy sunrise if shot from the west.
CANADA
Tremblant, Canada
Located close to Canada’s beautiful Mont-Tremblant National Park, the 2,871-foot summit of Tremblant is an ideal spot for an amazing sunrise vista of the Laurentians. For a select time, each winter guests can go right when the lift opens at 7:45 a.m. to see the sunrise illuminating the surrounding snow-covered mountains – with the bonus of being the first to carve the fresh snow a full 45 minutes earlier than everyone else.
KeiKei is a London-based award-winning journalist and videographer with a degree in Broadcast Media and Journalism from the University of the West of Scotland and an extensive reporting background in news, entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
KeiKei has travelled the globe interviewing, reporting and reviewing. Her work has been published in worldwide media outlets including, The New York Post, The Guardian, The Mirror, The Daily Mail, National Geographic and Conde Nast publications.
