So you want to be there to join in a great mass countdown to 2002 -- or you are determined to be one of the early birds catching sight of the Sun's first New Year rays? With so many venues vying for your bleary presence on New Year's Eve/New Year's Day, some observatories are opening their doors before dawn -- though to be sure of securing a good spot from which to enjoy the spectacle, you'd be well advised to get there long before that.

*** Tokyo and Kanto ***

Tokyo Tower in Minato Ward
A New Year countdown event will be held on a special stage in front of the entrance from 11 p.m. on Dec. 31, with 2002 balloons released at midnight. On Jan. 1, the observatory opens at 6 a.m. for sunrise-viewing. For more information, call (03) 3433-5111.

Sunshine City 60 in Toshima Ward
A New Year countdown event with fireworks and other entertainment will be held on the "Sky Deck" and in the observatory from 6 p.m. The observatory then reopens at 5:30 a.m. on Jan. 1 to catch the sunrise. For more information, call (03) 3989-3457 or visit www.sunshinecity.co.jp

Telecom Center in Koto Ward
The observatory opens at 3:15 a.m. on Jan. 1. For more information, call (03) 5500-0021.

The 2002 Yokohama Countdown
A countdown party with a laser show and other events to celebrate soccer's 2002 World Cup (whose final the city will host) will be held in the Minato Mirai area, from 10 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 1. For more information, call (045) 441-0620.

Landmark Tower Sky Garden, Yokohama
The floor is open till 1 a.m. on Jan. 1, then reopens at 6 a.m. for sunrise-viewing. For more information, call (045) 222-5030.

Yokohama Marine Tower
The observatory opens at 5 a.m. on Jan. 1. For more information, call (045) 641-7838.

Chiba Port Tower
The observatory opens at 6 a.m. on Jan. 1. For more information, call (043) 241-0125.

*** Kansai area ***

Tempozan Harbor Village, Minato Ward, Osaka
A countdown event, with music performances and games, will be held from 8 p.m. on New Year's Eve till 2 a.m. on Jan. 1. Ships in Osaka Port will honk, whistle and generally sound off to welcome in the New Year. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan at the site will stay open till 2 a.m. on Jan. 1. For more information, call (06) 6576-5501 or visit www.kaiyukan.com

Shin Umeda City, Umeda Sky Building, Kita Ward, Osaka
A New Year's Eve event with music concerts starts at 8 p.m. Lasers and fireworks will greet the start of the new year. The 170-meter observatory will stay open till 2 a.m. on Jan. 1, then reopen at 5 a.m. for sunrise-viewing. For more information, call (06) 6440-3899 or visit www.skybldg.co.jp

Hirakata Park, Hirakata, Osaka
An all-night event with music, fireworks and a countdown party starts at 6:30 p.m. on New Year's Eve and runs till 8 a.m. on Jan. 1. For more information, call (072) 844-3475.