5 Temples in Kyoto Where You Can Experience the New Year’s Eve Bell Ringing

2024年12月27日

When it comes to New Year’s Eve in Kyoto, it’s all about the bell ringing.

While famous temples are recommended, this 【hidden gems】 list is also worth considering for those who want to welcome the New Year quietly!

We introduce 5 hidden gem temples where you can experience the New Year’s Eve bell ringing in Kyoto from 2024 to 2025.

TOC

Chishaku-in Temple (Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City)

Chishaku-in is one of Kyoto’s important temples, featuring historically valuable architecture, gardens, and national treasure-level artworks.

Date: December 31, 2024 (Tuesday)
Start time: Around 11:40 PM to 0:40 AM the next day
How to participate: No limit on the number of people as long as you line up at the designated place by 0:40 AM.
Feature: Anyone can ring the bell during the specified time.
Details here

Mibu-dera Temple (Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City)

Known for its Jizo faith and as a temple for warding off evil and bringing good fortune since ancient times, it’s also associated with the Shinsengumi.

Date: December 31, 2024 (Tuesday)
Start time: From 11:30 PM
How to participate: No advance reservations or ticket distribution. First-come, first-served basis. Bell ringing is done in groups of 10-20 people per strike.
Feature: Bell ringing for the general public ends after a total of 108 strikes. Early arrival is recommended!
Details here

Eikando (Zenrin-ji) Temple (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City)

The head temple of the Jodo Shu Seizan Zenrin-ji sect. Famous for its Amida Buddha statue known as “Mikaeri Amida” (Looking-Back Amida) depicted in a backward-glancing pose.

Date: December 31, 2024 (Tuesday)
Start time: 11:00 PM to 12:30 AM
How to participate: No advance reservations or ticket distribution. First-come, first-served basis. After monks ring the bell 108 times, the general public can start ringing.
Feature: All participants can join on a first-come, first-served basis.
Details here

Shōrin-in Temple (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City)

A Tendai sect temple, known as the sacred place of Buddhist music “Tendai Shomyo”. Equipment to listen to shomyo is installed inside the main hall.

Date: December 31, 2024 (Tuesday)
Start time: Around 11:45 PM
How to participate: No advance reservations or ticket distribution. First-come, first-served basis.
Feature: All participants can join on a first-come, first-served basis.
Details here

Yoshimine-dera Temple (Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City)

Known as the 20th temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, the temple grounds feature the “Yuryu no Matsu” (Dragon Pine), a nationally designated natural monument, and gardens with seasonal flowers.

Date: December 31, 2024 (Tuesday)
Start time: 11:45 PM to 1:15 AM the next day
How to participate: No advance reservations or ticket distribution. First-come, first-served basis.
Feature: The first 108 people to ring the bell will receive Ofuku-bun (sweets)
Details here