Joya-no-Kane at Chion-in — Japan's Mightiest New Year Bell
Seventeen monks heave on ropes to toll Chion-in's 70-ton bell 108 times on New Year's Eve, each deep strike clearing a worldly desire.
When · Where
- When
- 2026/12/31 13:30 – 2026/12/31
- Where
- Chion-in Temple（400 Rinkacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto）
- City
- Kyoto
- Getting there
- 10 min from Higashiyama Station (Tozai line) or 5 min from Chionin-mae bus stop.
- Price
- Paid viewing — advance reservation required (from 2025)
- Organizer
- Chion-in
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- 10 min from Higashiyama Station (Tozai line) or 5 min from Chionin-mae bus stop. Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Check tickets and details on the official page (button above).
- Paying
- Paid viewing — advance reservation required (from 2025). Smaller venues in Japan are often cash-first — carry some yen (cards/IC not guaranteed).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- culture seekers, families
Highlights
- 17 monks ring the colossal 1636 bell in unison
- Feel the 70-ton bell's resonance in your chest
- 107 strikes before midnight, the 108th as the year turns
Background & story
Cast in 1636, Chion-in's bell is one of Japan's largest; joya-no-kane rings 108 times to dispel the 108 earthly desires of Buddhist teaching.
Good to know
Since 2025 viewing needs a paid advance reservation (from Dec 1) with limited capacity — book early.