Joya no Kane is the custom of ringing a temple bell at midnight on New Year’s Eve in Japan.
The purpose of it is to purify oneself from sin.
At this event, the bell is tolled 108 times, starting around midnight on the 31st and continuing until around 1:00.
According to the buddhism, the number, 108, represents the number of desires that people have. It is believed that these desires are vanished upon hearing each sounds of the bell, Joya no Kane.
You can basically take part in the event but some of the famous temple limit the number of the participants with the ticket they handed out.
This time, we’ll introduce a famous temple and some temple that tourists can join the event without any reservation.
Northern Area
Western Area
Center Area
Eastern Area
A Great Temple For Joya no Kane on New year’s eve Kyoto
Chionin Temple
Chionin Temple is one of the famous temple for Joya no Kane and be broadcast live across the country.
The big bell is the largest in Japan and the way to toll it is interesting.
17 monks strike the bell and each time the bell rings the monks are shouting.
One of them turn his back to the bell and hang on the rope, then ring the bell in a acrobatic style.
Though people can only observe it, people all over Japan are gathering the temple.
Please notice that a lot of people line up at the gate to see the event.
If you want to see the beginning of the event at 22:40, you should get in a queue at 19:00.
You can see the event around midnight if you get in a queue at 22:30.
Address:
400 Rinkacho, Higashiyama Ku, Kyoto, 605-8686
Open a Gate:
20:00~
Start time:
22:40~
Access:
15-minute walk from “Gion Shijo” on the Keihan line
10-minute walk from “Higashiyama” on the Subway Tozai line
No reservation, No Limitation The Great Temple You Can Toll a Bell
Northern Area
In the northern area like Ohara and Kurama, you can toll the bell without reservation and limitation.
We recommend this area to the people who have a car or don’t mind a taxi fare because these areas are rural area.
Kurama Temple
Kurama Temple is popular because its main deity is the power of universe.
The temple is in the Mt. Kurama and it takes about 30 minutes from the nearest station.
The main visitors are locals and those who eager to visit and do Joya no Kane.
Address:
1074, Kuramahonmachi, Sakyo Ku, Kyoto, 601-1111
Start time:
23:45~
Access:
30-minute walk from “Kurama” Sta. on the Eizan line
*Not available all-night car-service
Shorinin Temple
Shorinin temple is in the Ohara area and recommendable for people use any means of transportation.
You can see and toll the bell designated as the important cultural property.
Address:
187 Oharashorinincho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1241
Start time:
23:45~
Access:
10-minute walk from “Ohara” bus stop on the Kyoto Bus #17 at Kyoto Sta.
*Not available all-night bus-service
Western Area
Chishakuin Temple
It’s located at the convenient area, Shichijo, so you can visit there easily.
Ritual of fire is held at 23:30 and after this Joya no Kane will be begun.
You can get a lucky charm and receive a cup of something hot to drink.
Address:
964 Higashikawaracho, Higashiyama Ku, Kyoto, 605-0951
Start time:
23:50~
Access:
10-minute walk from “Shichijo Keihan mae” bus stop on the Kyoto Bus #206 at Kyoto Sta.
10-minute walk from “Shichijo” Sta. on the Keihan line
*Available all-night bus,car-service
Eikando
You can join the Joya no Kane after monks ring the bell 108 times.
The visitors toll the bell on a first-come, first-served basis from 0:00~1:00.
When a lot of people are gathering, a clique is formed and ring the bell once.
If you like it, you can do a sutra copist “南無阿弥陀佛”.
Address:
48 Eikandocho, Sakyo Ku, Kyoto, 606-8445
Start time:
0:00~
Access:
15-minute walk from “Keage” on the Subway Tozai line
*Available all-night car-service
Bishamondo
Joya no Kane starts around 23:45 and continues till 2:00.
It is need an admission fee and its rate is as you wish.
It costs 300~600 yen in general.
Address:
18 Anshuinariyamacho, Yamashina Ku, Kyoto, 607-8003
Start time:
23:45~
Access:
15-minute walk from “Yamashina” on the Subway Tozai line or JR line
*Available all-night car-service
Center Area
Shokokuji
The temple has two bells in the site and the place where Joya no Kane is held is Koonro. It’s rare building which has a bell inside.
You can enter inside of the building only on the new year’s eve.
Address:
701 Sokokuji Monzencho, Kamigyo Ku, Kyoto, 602-0898
Start time:
23:30~
Access:
2-minute walk from “Karasuma Imadegawa” bus stop on the Kyoto Bus #201 at Demachiyanagi Sta. on the Keihan line
2-minute walk from “Imadegawa” on the Subway Karasuma line
*Available all-night bus,car-service
Western Area
Nisonin
Nisonin is located at Arashiyama area.
Joya no Kane starts around 23:30 and continues till 1:00.
You should visit earlier there because the temple close the gate around 1:00.
A cup of hot drink is offered there.
Address:
27,Saganisonin Monzen Chojincho, Ukyo Ku, Kyoto, 606-8425
Start time:
23:30~
Access:
15-minute walk from “Saga Arashiyama” on the JR line
*Not available all-night car-service
*There are a parking space for 10 cars.
Kyoto’s main transportation information
About all-night service for city bus and subway on New Year’s Eve
The notice on all night service for JR railway in Kansai
Do you need more information?
You should receive such local information of Kyoto by an application “KoI APP”.
With this application, even if you don’t have Wi-Fi, you can find nearby stores and so on.
You can install the application from the following URL.
