Watch the first sunrise of 2020 in Tokyo
Catch the first rays of the new year at one of these observation decks and attractions in Tokyo
The curtain's coming down on 2019, which means 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 2020 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 observation decks and vantage points to pray for a successful year ahead. You could just head down to the beach or climb the nearby 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 2020, ranging from the obvious to the obscure.
The best sunrise spots
First Sunrise at Osanbashi
Yokohama's Osanbashi Terminal is one of the city's top spots for viewing the first sunrise of the year, and crowds start gathering around the ship-shaped pier long before the main event. The programme also includes a midnight steam whistle 'symphony' to mark the coming of 2019, conducted by the ships anchored around Osanbashi. No entrance fees are required – a fact that only adds to the merriment.
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