In this article, we introduce temples in Kyoto where you can experience or observe the ringing of the New Year’s Eve bell (Joya no Kane), a tradition we have covered annually since 2022.
There are various conditions for participating in the bell-ringing: some temples require advance reservations, others have a first-come, first-served policy with a limited number of participants, and a few impose no restrictions at all. Even at the same temple, the rules can change from year to year. Therefore, some temples that offered the bell-ringing experience in 2022 or 2023 might, unfortunately, no longer allow it in 2024.
Here, we also include information about temples where bell-ringing experiences or viewings are unavailable this year but were possible in the past. We strive to provide the most up-to-date information available and regularly update the article. (If you plan to visit or participate in the bell-ringing, we recommend contacting the temple directly or checking the official websites of the temples listed in this article [external links] for the latest details.)
Please note: As of early December 2024, some temples have not yet released information for this year. For those cases, we have based our descriptions on information from last year (2023) or earlier. We appreciate your understanding.
The operating status of transportation
The first thing to be concerned about is the operating status of transportation such as trains and buses on New Year’s Eve.
Some transportation services operate all night from New Year’s Eve around 5 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
Trains will operate on a temporary schedule from approximately 0:00 to 5:00 on January 1st.
Until the temporary schedule, the bus will operate on weekdays or holiday schedules.
- Kyoto city subway / city bus: https://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/kotsu/page/0000335094.html
- Keihan railway: https://www.keihan.co.jp/corporate/info/news/2024/detail/geishun.html
- Hankyu railway: https://www.hankyu.co.jp/topics/detail/013733.html
- JR west: https://www.westjr.co.jp/press/article/2024/11/page_26737.html
The temples that require prior numbered ticket acquisition/pre-registration
Let’s begin by introducing the temples that require advance reservations or prior ticket acquisition.
1. Kiyomizu-dera
Kiyomizu-dera, located at the top of Kiyomizu-zaka, is one of Kyoto’s most renowned temples, attracting numerous tourists and school trip groups throughout the year.
Until 2023, visitors could participate in the New Year’s Eve bell-ringing (Joya no Kane) at Kiyomizu-dera. However, in 2024, the event will primarily be conducted by temple staff and associates. Please note that no tickets will be distributed, and general participation is not allowed.
For reference images, please visit the URL below.
Event / Access information
Numbered tickets：Distribute them on a first-come, first-served basis from 9:00 am on December 25
Closest bus stop：Gojo-zaka and 10 minutes on foot
2. Chion-in
Among the temples in Kyoto hosting New Year’s Eve bell-ringing events, the Joya no Kane ceremony at Chion-in Temple is particularly popular.
Although the event is limited to observation only, with around 250 pre-registered participants divided into four groups, the sight of over a dozen monks striking the massive bell in unison is truly breathtaking and well worth seeing. Please note that advance registration is required via the temple’s website during the specified period.
A trial test will be held by monks from 14:00pm on December 27th. Free admission for the general public/Visit only.
Event / Access information
- Numbered tickets：No tickets will be distributed, but pre-registration required
- Event start：From 22:20pm
- Closest bus stop：Chion-in Mae
- Official website：https://www.chion-in.or.jp/en/
The temples where reservations are required before the New Year’s bell rings event
From here, we will introduce temples where numbered tickets are distributed just before the New Year’s bell rings event, or where on a first-come, first-served basis without any numbered tickets.
※Includes information from 2022.
☆Higashiyama are☆
１．Koudai-ji temple
The gate will be opened from 22:00 for those who want to ring the bell, and the tickets will be distributed to 108 groups in total with one or multiple people for each group.
Event / Access information
- Numbered tickets：Numbered tickets are distributed after 22pm.
- Event start：From 23:45pm
- Closest bus stop：Higashiyama-yasui and 5 minutes on foot
２．Houkou-ji temple
※The event year will be held mainly by related parties in 2024. Not open to the public.
It is characterized by a very large bell that is counted as one of Japan’s three major bell towers.
Two to three people can hit the bell once on a first-come, first-served basis, so this event ends with 108 hits. From around 23:50, the monk chants the sutra first, and then visitors can hit the bell later on.
Event / Access information
- Numbered tickets：No numbered tickets are distributed
- Closest bus stop：Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae
- Contact number：+(81)75-531-492
３．Chishaku-in
At around 11:30 p.m., the ohitaki* memorial service is held, after which the location is changed to follow the monks, and it is the turn of the worshipers to ring the bell.
In addition, the bells on New Year’s Eve are rung after burning amulets with wishes for the old year.
*Ohitaki(お火焚き) is one of the ritual events that are held at temples for wishing peace and health.
Event / Access information
- Numbered tickets：No numbered tickets are distributed
- Event start：From 23:30pm
- Closest bus stop：Higashiyama Nanajo and 3 minutes on foot
- Official website：https://chisan.or.jp/en
☆Sakyou-ku area☆
４．Hyakumanben Chion-ji temple
The gate will open at 22:30, and numbered tickets will be distributed to one person or one group or people or family.
While chanting nembutsu, Buddhism chants, participants forming a circle pass a large rosary bead(350 kg, 110 m to next person of you. It is called dai-nen-jyukuri, which involves sending it to the next door.
Although the event could not be held due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is scheduled to resume in 2024, and Amazake (Sweat Sake) will be served.
Event / Access information
Numbered tickets: Available After the gates open around 22:15pm, tickets up to number 108 will be distributed. Those who line up after number 108 can ring the bell. Reservations cannot be made.
- Event start：From 23:00pm
- Closest bus stop：Hyakumanben
- Official website：http://chionji.jp/ (Japanese Only)
５．Eikan-do
Eikando is always popular among Kyoto’s autumn foliage sightseeing spots, but here you can also experience the New Year’s Eve bell ringing.
Starting around 9:30 p.m., a monk will ring the bell 108 times, followed by “all those wishing to experience it” who have lined up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Multiple people will be at the same time for each shot. If there are many applicants, it may take longer than 3 hours.
Please stay warm and join us on the day. Amazake (sweet rice sake) were also offered in the past.
Event / Access information
- Numbered tickets：No numbered tickets are distributed
- Event Start: Gates open at 23:30pm.Those who arrive between 23:00 and 24:30 will be able to ring the bell.
- Closest bus stop：Nanzen-ji Eikando-michi and 3 minutes on foot
- Official website：“Joya-no-kane” Temple Bell Ringing on New Year’s Eve
☆Nakagyou-ku area☆
６．Mibu-dera temple
From 23:30, you can participate in the experience hitting the bell until 108 shots are hit on a first-come, first-served basis.
No numbered tickets will be distributed, but 10 to 20 people ring the bell once, it is a place with a high probability of being able to participate.
Event / Access information
- Numbered tickets：No numbered tickets are distributed
- Event start：From 23:30pm
- Closest bus stop：Mibudera-michi
- Official website：https://www.mibudera.com/#googtrans(ja|en)
☆Arashiyama area☆
７．Tenryu-ji temple
Numbered tickets for 108 groups are distributed from around 23:30, and from around 23:45, 10 groups can ring the bell in order. Priests ring the bells at the beginning and end.
Unlike Higashiyama, where temples are densely packed, Arashiyama is a famous tourist spot, but there is a relatively high chance of getting a numbered ticket, so it is a little-known spot.
Event / Access information
- Numbered tickets：Numbered tickets are distributed before the event.
- Event start：From 23:30pm
- Closest station / bus stop：Saga Arashiyama sta, Arashiyama Tenryu-ji mae bus stop
- Official website：31st: Year-end ceremony
It would be a great finishing at the end of the year with a special experience of ringing of the bell at temples on New Year’s Eve in Kyoto.
Experience the thrill of waiting for your turn to ring the bell and the experience of actually ringing the bell.
There are many other temples in Kyoto where you can ring the bell on New Year’s Eve.
We hope you will have a great moment at the New year moment!
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