Watch the first sunrise of 2014 in Tokyo

The curtain's coming down on 2013, which means that it's time to draw up your plans for the new year and to go over all the great (and not so great) stuff that happened over the last twelve months. Then, there's also the small matter of figuring out how to welcome 2014 in style. Watching the first sunrise of the year is an integral part of New Year's celebrations in Japan, as people gather at various viewing locations to pray for a successful year to come. You could just head down to the beach or climb your local hill to watch the spectacle, but for those looking for something special, here's our list of great spots in and around Tokyo for catching the first rays of 2014, ranging from the obvious to the obscure.

Metropolitan Government Building Observatory First Sunrise

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's twin observatories (including stores and restaurants) open up for New Year's Day, but those hoping to catch the first sunrise of the year have to enter a lottery for one of the 600 available tickets. Read more

Tokyo Skytree First Sunrise

Tokyo Skytree

Got the urge to beat your friends to the first sunrise of 2014? The highest place in Tokyo opens extra early on New Year's Day, allowing visitors to catch the year's first rays in spectacular fashion. Your best chance to get tickets is through a lottery. Read more

Tokyo City View New Year Sunrise

Tokyo City View

Seeing that it boasts one of the best views in the whole of Tokyo, Roppongi Hills is an obvious choice for people hoping to catch the first sunrise of the New Year. Apply by December 15 for a shot at one of the 1,000 spots available.
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Sunshine 60 Observatory First Sunrise

Sunshine 60

With its 60th-floor, 360-degree views of the big city, Sunshine 60 is an extremely popular place to watch the first sunrise of the new year. There's going to be crowds, so get in early if you want to catch a glimpse of the main event. Read more

Telecom Centre First Sunrise

Telecom Centre Observatory

Watch the first sunrise of the year at Odaiba's Telecom Centre Observatory, which opens its doors at 5am in preparation for the main event. There's no advance reservations or other fuss - just wear some seriously warm clothes and prepare for queues. Read more

Narita First Flight and First Sunrise

Museum of Aeronautical Sciences

Basking in the first rays of the sun, watch Narita's first departing flight of the year at the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences observatory, and start planning your travels for 2014. Read more

Other recommended viewing locations

Haneda Airport

The fifth-floor observation deck at Haneda's Terminal 2 is a great place to watch planes landing and taking off, and it's also not a bad spot to catch the first sunrise. They tell us that even Mt Fuji can be seen from here when the weather's nice, and the services aren't anything to scoff at either: 24-hour restaurants and cafés are readily available. The Tokyo Monorail also runs a special 'First Sunrise Train' on January 1 (two arrivals at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station, 4.19 and 4.50am). Venue details

Kasai Rinkai Park

This spacious park, located on the waterfront at the eastern edge of the city, is one of the less heavily advertised places to catch the first rays of the new year. Head down to the beach and watch the sun emerge from Tokyo Bay and rise over Disneyland's Cinderella Castle, or take a ride on the park's Ferris wheel for an even more spectacular view. Venue details

Osanbashi Yokohama Terminal

Yokohama residents like to head out to the Osanbashi Terminal to catch the first sunrise, and we sure see why: as if the amazing views weren't enough, there will also be free concerts and film screenings in the area to keep visitors entertained throughout the night. Venue details