Highlights
- 17 monks ring the bell to the call of "Ee, hitotsu" and "Sore!"
- One of Japan's three great temple bells, cast in 1636 and weighing about 70 tonnes
- A trial ringing on December 27 that needs no booking (2025: from 14:00)
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.
At Chion-in's joya-no-kane on New Year's Eve, 17 monks ring the temple's roughly 70-tonne great bell 108 times. The 2026 schedule and booking method had not been announced by Chion-in as of October 14, 2026; the official page still shows the 2025 edition. In 2025 the ceremony in the bell tower began around 22:20, the ringing started around 22:40 and ended around 24:35 (00:35). Viewing required either an online advance application or a ticket bought at the temple, at ¥3,000 per person (free for elementary-school children and younger). Visitors cannot ring the bell themselves; it is viewing only. This page will be updated once the 2026 details are published (checked 2026-10-14).
What is known for 2026 and what is not
| Item | 2026 status (checked 2026-10-14) | 2025 edition (Chion-in official) |
|---|---|---|
| Times | Not announced | Ceremony ~22:20, ringing starts ~22:40, ends ~24:35 |
| Online application | Not announced | From Mon, Dec 1, 14:00; 4 groups of 500 each; first come, first served; no phone bookings |
| Tickets at the temple | Not announced | Mon, Dec 8 – Wed, Dec 24, 9:00–16:00 at the Yuzen-en reception; cash only; 4 groups of 100 (400 in total) |
| Fee | Not announced | ¥3,000 per person (free for elementary-school children and younger) |
| Trial ringing | Not announced | Sat, Dec 27, from 14:00; no application needed |
| Live stream | Not announced | On YouTube, ~22:20 to ~24:35 |
In 2025 the online form opened on December 1 at 14:00 and counter sales began on December 8. Whether 2026 follows the same timetable is not yet known, so check Chion-in's official page from late November.
How viewing worked in 2025
- No same-day applications. Only people who applied online or bought a ticket at the Yuzen-en reception could enter. Phone and e-mail bookings were not accepted.
- Check-in was at the Kuromon bus pool in front of the Kuromon gate, and entry was through the Kuromon gate. Meeting times and check-in details were sent by e-mail after applying.
- Each group watched for about 30 minutes. You may leave the bell tower at any time, but re-entry is not allowed.
- You cannot ring the bell. The lead ringer calls out "Ee, hitotsu" and the 16 monks on the side ropes answer "Sore!" as they pull the beam, a technique the temple says makes ringing by visitors impossible.
- The ceremony is live-streamed, so you may appear on camera.
Without a booking: the trial ringing on December 27
In 2025 the monks held a full-scale trial ringing on Saturday, December 27, from 14:00. No application was needed, although entry to the bell tower was limited when it got crowded. It is the realistic option if you miss the New Year's Eve booking or want to avoid the late-night cold. The 2026 date has not been announced.
Chion-in's great bell
Chion-in's great bell is counted among Japan's three great temple bells. Cast in 1636, it stands about 3.3 m tall, measures about 2.8 m across and weighs around 70 tonnes. On New Year's Eve the lead ringer swings back almost lying on the beam to strike with his whole body, while three monks perform full prostrations after every strike.
Rules on the night (from the 2025 official notice)
- Historic listed buildings stand on the grounds, so no open flames.
- Tripods, selfie sticks, drones, microphones and megaphones, flash photography and live-streaming are not allowed.
- The grounds are one-way; use the toilets before entering the bell tower area.
- Expect a long wait outdoors and dress warmly. The temple asks visitors not to drink alcohol on the premises.
- Enquiries: Chion-in General Affairs, 075-531-2111 (Japanese only). Applications are not accepted by phone.
For another Kyoto temple event, see our guide to the Kobo-ichi market at Toji.
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
- 2026 not announced (checked 2026-10-14). In 2025: ¥3,000 per person (free for elementary-school children and younger), by advance application or ticket bought at the Yuzen-en reception.. 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
Good to know
As of 2026-10-14 the 2026 booking method and times are not announced. In 2025 the online form opened Dec 1 at 14:00 (first come, first served), tickets were sold at the Yuzen-en reception Dec 8–24 (cash only), ¥3,000 per person, no same-day entry. Without a booking, go to the Dec 27 trial ringing (2025: from 14:00, no application) or watch the YouTube live stream. Tripods and selfie sticks are banned; dress warmly.
Frequently asked questions
- When is Chion-in's joya-no-kane 2026 and what time does it start?
- It takes place on New Year's Eve, but Chion-in had not announced the 2026 times as of October 14, 2026. In 2025 the ceremony began around 22:20 on December 31, the ringing started around 22:40 and it ended around 24:35 (official site).
- Do I need a reservation to watch? When do bookings open?
- Yes, in 2025 viewing required an application and same-day entry was not possible. The online form opened on Monday, December 1, at 14:00 (4 groups of 500, first come, first served), and tickets were sold at the Yuzen-en reception from December 8 to 24, 9:00–16:00 (4 groups of 100, cash only). No phone or e-mail bookings. The 2026 method has not been announced.
- How much does it cost? Can I watch for free?
- In 2025 the fee was ¥3,000 per person (free for elementary-school children and younger). To watch free, Chion-in streams the ringing live on YouTube (in 2025 from about 22:20 to 24:35). The 2026 fee has not been announced.
- Can visitors ring the bell?
- No. The bell is rung by 17 monks with a lead rope and side ropes in a special technique, so Chion-in says visitors can only watch.
- When is the trial ringing, and do I need to book?
- In 2025 it was held on Saturday, December 27, from 14:00, with no application needed (entry was limited when crowded). The 2026 date has not been announced.
Getting there
Chion-in Temple — 400 Rinkacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto