What Is Joya no Kane? Japan's New Year's Eve Bell-Ringing Ceremony
Joya no Kane is a Japanese New Year's Eve tradition in which Buddhist temples ring a large bonshō (temple bell) from the night of December 31 into the early hours of January 1.
The word "joya" means "the night that removes the old year"—in other words, the final night of the year.
While Japan has a strong culture of visiting temples and shrines around the New Year, Joya no Kane stands out as a quiet moment to reflect on the year that's ending.
At most temples, monks ring the bell while visitors listen to its deep tones.
At some temples, regular visitors can also take part in the bell-ringing themselves.
However, the way it's conducted and the conditions for participation vary by temple, so always follow on-site guidance.
What Does Joya no Kane Mean? Why Is the Bell Rung 108 Times?
Joya no Kane carries the meaning of cleansing the 108 worldly desires (bonnō) and welcoming the new year with a calm, settled mind.
The bell is generally rung 108 times because that number represents the worldly desires (bonnō) of human beings. The widely shared idea is that the sound of the bell purifies the heart of confusion and attachment, allowing one to greet the new year with a clear spirit.
There are several theories about the number 108. Common explanations include: combinations of delusions arising from the rokkon (six senses—eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind); the formula for "shiku-hakku" (4×9 + 8×9 = 108); or the sum of 12 months + 24 solar terms (sekki) + 72 micro-seasons (kō).
For international travelers, this is a chance to experience a uniquely Japanese New Year atmosphere—quite different from a lively countdown party.
Rather than spectacle, the appeal lies in being mindful of the year's end through sound and silence.
The History and Origins of Joya no Kane
The origins of Joya no Kane are said to go back to Zen Buddhist temples in China during the Song Dynasty. In Japan, it was adopted at Zen temples from the Kamakura period onward and became established as a New Year's tradition spanning New Year's Eve into New Year's Day during the Muromachi period.
From the modern era onward, it spread as a beloved end-of-year tradition, and today it is held at temples across Japan.
That said, depending on the temple's sect, philosophy, or operational policies, some temples don't perform Joya no Kane, hold it during the day, or conduct it under a different name.
How It Differs from Hatsumōde at Shrines
Many people associate Japanese New Year customs with hatsumōde, the first shrine visit of the year.
Hatsumōde refers to visiting a shrine or temple after the new year has begun, while Joya no Kane is a temple-based year-end ritual that takes place around midnight.
The two are sometimes experienced together, but it's helpful to understand them separately since they take place at different locations and carry different meanings.
Joya no Kane Times and Number of Strikes
The timing of Joya no Kane varies by temple, but it commonly begins around 11 PM on New Year's Eve and continues past midnight into the early hours of New Year's Day.
At many temples, the tradition is to ring the bell 107 times before midnight on New Year's Eve and complete the final, 108th strike after the new year has begun.
However, some temples ring the first stroke right at midnight, while others finish all 108 strikes earlier in the evening, so it's not always a late-night event.
It's a good idea to check the start and end times on the temple's official website or local tourism information before visiting.
How a Typical Joya no Kane Ceremony Unfolds and How to Watch
The exact flow varies by temple, but a typical Joya no Kane usually proceeds as follows.
Arriving at the Temple and Checking the Guidance
Once you arrive, check whether the bell-ringing is for viewing only, or if visitors can take part.
Even when participation is open, you may need a numbered ticket (seiriken), or there may be a designated waiting area.
Some temples prepare special items for the first 108 visitors, and some begin around 11:45 PM.
Pay close attention to signs and instructions from temple staff, and don't approach the bell tower (shōrō) on your own.
Listening to the Bell in Silence
Even just observing, you can fully take in the atmosphere of Joya no Kane.
The sound of the bell is best appreciated together with the temple's atmosphere and the surrounding stillness, making it an experience that's hard to capture through photos or videos alone.
Many people gather with prayerful intent, so it's wise to keep conversation low.
If You Can Participate, Follow the Order and Etiquette
At temples that allow public participation, visitors take turns ringing the bell.
Even so, don't decide your own number of strikes or ring it repeatedly—always follow the temple's instructions.
You may be guided to place your hands together (gasshō) and bow once before and after striking, and to ring it gently rather than with too much force.
The bell tower may have dim lighting or uneven steps, so move calmly and carefully.
Etiquette for Experiencing Joya no Kane
Religious settings call for consideration even from sightseeing visitors.
It's not difficult, but here are a few etiquette points worth keeping in mind.
Avoid Loud Conversation
Listening to the bell tends to be a quiet experience for most attendees.
Even when visiting with friends, lowering your voice will help you blend in better than chatting loudly.
Be Considerate When Taking Photos
Joya no Kane is undeniably photogenic, but photography rules and permitted areas vary by temple.
You may be asked to refrain from taking photos near the bell tower or in line.
Avoid using flash or holding a spot for an extended time, and check on-site signage first.
Don't Touch the Bell or Equipment Without Permission
The bell tower (shōrō), the bell itself, and the shumoku (the wooden striking beam) are essential equipment for the ritual.
Unless visitors are explicitly invited to participate, don't touch them for photos or try to ring the bell yourself.
Dress Warmly and Wear Comfortable Shoes
Joya no Kane is often held outdoors late at night in late December, and in some regions, temperatures drop below freezing.
Bring proper cold-weather gear—a thick coat, gloves, scarf, and warm socks—and choose comfortable walking shoes that won't tire you out during long periods of standing.
Getting to Joya no Kane Locations and Pre-Visit Preparation
On New Year's Eve, when Joya no Kane is held, some public transportation services run all night or operate on special holiday schedules.
In major tourist areas like central Tokyo or Kyoto, you can often travel even after the last regular train, but late-night transport options are limited at temples in rural areas, so check timetables in advance.
Most temples don't charge a participation fee, but some require a voluntary offering (jōzai) of around a few hundred to 1,000 yen in exchange for a numbered ticket.
Plan for about 30 minutes to 1 hour if you're just observing, and 1 to 2 hours if you'd like to participate in the bell-ringing.
What First-Time Visitors to Japan Should Know
The most important thing for enjoying Joya no Kane isn't specialized knowledge—it's understanding that this is a tradition sustained by local communities and temples.
Some temples primarily serve local worshipers and may not provide major guidance aimed at tourists.
Multilingual brochures and English signage are available at only a limited number of temples, so if you have a question, it's best to ask politely rather than guessing.
Also, sometimes just watching is enough to enjoy Joya no Kane.
You don't have to ring the bell yourself to have a meaningful experience.
Simply listening to the sound and absorbing the atmosphere is a beautiful way to experience this New Year's Eve tradition.
Recommended Ways to Enjoy Joya no Kane
- Quietly reflect on the end of the year while listening to the bell
- Combine it with hatsumōde to learn about Japan's year-end and New Year temple-shrine culture
- Treasure not just photos but the sounds and atmosphere of the moment
- Look out for nearby year-end customs like food stalls, amazake (sweet rice drink), and other festive treats around the temple
Summary
Joya no Kane is one of Japan's most iconic New Year's Eve traditions, performed at temples on the night of December 31.
The 108 chimes are generally explained as a way to cleanse worldly desires and prepare the mind for the new year.
At most temples, the custom is to ring the bell 107 times before midnight and once after, totaling 108. Start times and participation requirements vary by temple.
For international travelers, Joya no Kane is a chance to experience Japan's winter scenery and religious culture, but the most important thing is to understand that it's a quiet ceremony and to follow each temple's guidance.
Whether watching or participating, approaching it with consideration for those around you can make Joya no Kane one of the most memorable moments of your trip.
