Ring The Bells In Tokyo On New Year's Eve: 8 Places To Go

Ring The Bells In Tokyo On New Year's Eve: 8 Places To Go
Rachel
Rachel 
Updated
| 5 min read

Welcoming the first day of the new year is a grand affair in Japan. This is the time when most Japanese return to their hometowns to reunite and bond with their families over the New Year break. Although most shops and tourist attractions would be closed during the New Year holidays, that does not mean you should avoid visiting Japan during this festive period. In fact, if you pick the right places to go, you would be able to experience an unforgettable holiday on the last day of the year.

One of the most traditional ways to enjoy New Year’s Eve and welcome the new year is to visit a temple and attend the Joya no Kane ceremony. Known as the New Year Eve Bells, the temple bells are tolled 107 times on the night of New Year’s Eve, and once more just as it hits New Year’s Day, making it a total of 108 times. In Japanese Buddhism, it is believed that an individual experiences 108 worldly desires throughout one’s life. To get rid of these desires, the bell is rung 107 times just before midnight, with the final ring on the bell as midnight strikes to signify a fresh start and leaving last year’s problems behind.

As the public transport system on New Year’s Eve operates round the clock all the way to New Year’s Day in Tokyo, why not make use of this economical mode of travel to visit a temple and join in the traditions? The best hostels and affordable Airbnbs in Tokyo welcome you with open arms this holiday season. Read on if you want to ring the bells in Tokyo on New Year’s Eve!

1. Sensoji Temple

Sensoji - Asakusa Kannon Temple (17625161926)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user IQRemix used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Sensoji Temple (浅草寺) is Tokyo’s most popular and colourful temple located in the old town of Asakusa. It is also the oldest temple in Tokyo built in 628. On New Year’s Eve, the temple is filled with a festive mood with numerous food stalls offering all kinds of tempting Japanese street snacks. Because this is a famous tourist attraction to welcome the New Year in Tokyo, it can become really crowded especially during the festive season. Although the temple bell is rung 108 times by parishioners instead of allowing the public to do so, you should still come here if you want to soak in the rich celebratory ambience in Tokyo.

Sensoji Temple (浅草寺)

Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo 111-0032

Price: free admission.

Access: short walk from Asakusa Station.

Contact: +81 3-3842-0181

Sensoji Temple, 浅草寺

2. Zojoji Temple

untitled
Source: Photo by user Takayuki Miki used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Zojoji Temple (増上寺) is the head temple of the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism in the Kanto Region. This is one of the best spots to visit during New Year’s Eve in Tokyo. While most of Zojoji’s buildings had been destroyed due to fires, earthquakes and wars, the main entrance Sangedatsumon gate built in 1622, miraculously survived all these unfortunate incidents.

The iconic red Tokyo Tower standing next to the ancient temple creates a unique old-meets-new atmosphere that makes a wonderful photo, especially during this time of the year when Tokyo Tower is specially lit up for the season. You can join in the Joya no Kane ceremony by purchasing a ticket from the temple from 1 December 9am at the temple’s office. Tickets are limited in number at 2,000 JPY (18 USD) and available on a first-come-first-served basis. After the ceremony, try some traditional delicacies such as hot sake and mochi (rice cake) pounding at the food stalls on the temple grounds. Going to this temple means that you can also enjoy Tokyo Tower on New Year’s Eve!

Zojoji Temple (増上寺)

Address: 4-7-35 Shiba-koen, Minato Ward, Tokyo 105-0011

Price: free admission except if you would like to ring the bell personally.

Access: 3-minute walk from Onarimon Station; 5-minute walk from Daimon Station; 7-minute walk from Akabane Station; 10-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station.

Contact: +81 3-3432-1431

Zojoji Temple, 増上寺

3. Zenpukuji Temple

Located in the lively Azabu Juban residential area in central Tokyo, Zenpukuji Temple (善福寺) is the second-oldest Tokyo temple, after Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple. There is a noteworthy landmark nearby the temple cemetery entrance, a 750-year-old gingko tree known as the “upside-down” tree. It is registered as a National Natural Monument, and also the largest gingko tree in Tokyo today. Relish in the beautiful surroundings as you ring the bell to usher in the new year.

Zenpukuji Temple (善福寺)

Address: 1-6-21 Motoazabu, Minato Ward, Tokyo 106-0046

Price: free admission.

Access: 5-minute walk from Azabu Juban Station.

Contact: +81 3-3451-7402

Zenpukuji Temple, Japanese only

4. Tsukiji Honganji Temple

Tsukiji Honganji 2009
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Wiiii used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Located next to the famous Tsukiji Fish Market, Tsukiji Honganji Temple (築地本願寺) stands out with its unique structure inspired by Indian Buddhist architecture. Unlike the usual wooden-style architecture most Japanese temples adopt, Tsukiji Honganji Temple’s design of its stone exteriors was based on an ancient Indian style, with stained glass windows above your head at the main hall entrance.

Once you step inside, the atmosphere feels like a traditional Japanese temple again, although chairs are lined up instead of tatami mats. There is also a pipe organ at the back of the temple for monthly lunchtime concerts to promote Buddhist music. On 31 December every year, the temple opens at 10pm for visitors who wish to take part in the Joya no Kane ceremony to welcome the new year. Make a trip down to this exquisite temple to make your Tokyo New Year’s Eve experience one for the books!

Tsukiji Honganji Temple (築地本願寺)

Address: 3-15-1 Tsukiji, Chuo Ward, Tokyo 104-8435

Price: free admission.

Access: 1-minute walk from exit 1 of Tsukiji Station.

Contact: +81 3-3541-1131

Tsukiji Honganji Temple, 築地本願寺

Tokyo Tour Guide

Ayano Totsuka

Ayano Totsuka

Hello! I am Ayano, a local host in Tokyo. I have been living in Tokyo for over 10 years, so I know a wide range of restaurants, bars, cafes, and tourist spots! Leave your Tokyo sightseeing to me. I have traveled to various countries and had unforgettable experiences. Being passionate about traveling, I really want to take you to the captivating places in Tokyo. As photography is my hobby, I will capture beautiful photos that will become lasting memories. Join my tour and let's explore Tokyo together!

Tours by Ayano

5. Araiyakushi Baishoin Temple


Commonly known as Araiyakushi, the temple is dedicated to the Buddha of medicine - Yakushi Nyorai. It is said that during the Tokugawa dynasty, Tokugawa Hidetada’s daughter was miraculously cured of an eye ailment after praying at the temple. On New Year’s Eve from 11.30pm, the first 108 visitors can pay a fee of 500 JPY (4.50 USD) to participate in the Joya no Kane ceremony and receive an Omamori (amulet) in return. From the 109th visitor onwards, you can ring the bell with any donation.

Araiyakushi Baishoin Temple (新井山梅照院)

Address: 5-3-5 Arai, Nakano Ward, Tokyo 165-0026

Price: free admission.

Access: 5-minute walk from Araiyakushi-mae Station.

Contact: +81 3-3386-1355

Araiyakushi Baishoin Temple, Japanese only

6. Shibamata Taishakuten

Shibamata Taishakuten -01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Aimaimyi used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Shibamata Taishakuten (柴又帝釈天), whose formal name is Daikyoji Temple (題経寺), is a beautiful Buddhist temple located in Shibamata. Taishakuten may not be as popular to tourists compared with the other temples, but its impressive wooden carvings surrounding the prayer hall and tranquil Japanese garden have made it a favourite among locals. In fact, this ancient temple founded in 1629 has been designated as one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan.

If you want to experience ringing the temple bell in an exquisite and well-preserved ancient temple in one of the largest Bell towers in the Kanto area, then Taishakuten is the ideal place for you. Make a reservation in advance and pay a fee of 15,000 JPY (135.30 USD) to join in the Joya no Kane ceremony held on New Year’s Eve here. The price may seem on the high side, but note that it is only limited to 108 participants so act fast if you are keen!

Shibamata Taishakuten (柴又帝釈天)

Address: 7-10-3 Shibamata, Katsushika Ward, Tokyo 125-0052

Price: free admission to temple grounds, 400 JPY (3.60 USD) to visit the garden and wooden carvings.

Access: 7-minute walk from Shibamata Station.

Contact: +81 3-3657-288

Shibamata Taishakuten, 柴又帝釈天

7. Homyoji Temple

Homyoji Temple @ Toshima
Source: Photo by user Guilhem Vellut used under CC BY 2.0

Originally established in 810 as a temple of Shingon Buddhism, Homyoji Temple used to be called Ikoji Temple until 1312 when it was converted to Nichiren Buddhism. Enjoy the shady stroll to the temple grounds, thanks to the Japanese zelkova trees lining the street. Goddess Kishimojin enshrined in the temple is said to bring luck for fertility and child-bearing, so couples may come here to pray and wish for a kid. Furthermore, ringing the bell to welcome the new year at Homyoji Temple is free. Just sign up at the temple by 12.30am to participate in this ceremony.

Homyoji Temple (法明寺)

Address: 3-18-18 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo 171-0022

Price: free admission.

Access: 15-minute walk from east exit of Ikebukuro Station; or 3-minute walk from KIshibojin-mae Station.

Contact: +81 3-3971-4383

Homyoji Temple, 法明寺

8. Nishiarai Daishi Temple

Nishiarai Daishi - main building Nov 13 2014
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nesnad used under CC BY-SA 3.0

As one of the Three Great Temples of Kanto region along with Kawasaki Daishi and Sano Yakuyoke Daishi, Nishiarai Daishi Temple is a big Shingon Buddhist temple in north-eastern Tokyo. During the new year season, it is popular as a prayer site, famous for its rings and amulets believed to be able to help people find love. Like Sensoji Temple, the area around the temple is buzzing with many food and souvenir stalls. This is another great spot for ringing the temple bell for free to usher in the new year.

Nishiarai Daishi Temple (西新井大師)

Address: 1-15-1 Nishiarai, Adachi Ward, Tokyo 123-0841

Price: free admission.

Access: 5-minute walk from Daishimae Station Station.

Contact: +81 3-3890-2345

Nishiarai Daishi Temple, Japanese only

A fresh start to the brand new year

Instead of partying away your last night of the year like you always do, try something different this time. Follow the traditional Japanese customs of welcoming the new year by visiting a sacred Buddhist temple to ring the bell. Abandon all your past year’s troubles as the bell rings for the 108th time at midnight on New Year’s Day. Enjoy the unique new year celebration in Tokyo!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Rachel has forgotten when and exactly how she caught the travel bug. What she does remember is the triumphant feeling she enjoys when she sees the fascinating world out there with her own eyes. She...Read more

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