It's that time of the year again, when everybody is steadily moving into party mode as the big countdown approaches. Some punters will simply be dancing in the streets to celebrate. Others will take to the expressways: Reportedly over 6,000 bosozoku (hot-rodders and hot-doggers on motorcycles) choked Tokyo's highways last New Year's Eve.

But if you prefer the sound of music to the sound of engines revving en masse, then perhaps one of the following recommendations will better scratch your spot. Unlike 10 years ago, every club and hokey little DJ bar in Tokyo now stays open on New Year's Eve, meaning there are dozens of parties to choose from. After considering all the options, I made up a short list of celebrations that offer a variety of venues, music and vibes.

But whatever you end up doing on New Year's Eve -- don't drive into town, unless you're in the mood to be stuck in traffic. Besides, it is the one day of the year when the trains run all night . . .