Daily Life Lessons · Temples
Be able to check each temple's way of participating in joya no kane on New Year's Eve (numbered tickets, reservations, donations, times), and take part in ringing the bell or watching on your own while following the etiquette.
Joya no kane (除夜の鐘) is a Buddhist event in which temple bells are rung from the night of New Year's Eve (December 31) into New Year's Day. It is an important event for the temple, so take part quietly and follow the instructions.
Whether members of the public can ring the bell differs by temple. At some temples anyone who lines up can ring it, some require a numbered ticket (整理券) or advance reservation, and some allow watching only. Money such as a donation (志納金, shinokin) or offering fee may be required. Some temples ring the bell in the evening or during the day instead of in the middle of the night. Check the temple's announcement for that year to confirm the date, time and procedure.
Some temples ask you to put your palms together (合掌) and bow before and after ringing the bell. Do not swing the wooden striker (撞木, shumoku) with all your strength, and ring only the number of times the temple sets, such as once per person. Etiquette differs by temple, so follow the instructions there. Nights are cold and you may wait in line for a long time, so dress warmly.
除夜（じょや）の 鐘（かね）は、12月31日の 夜から 1月1日に、お寺の 鐘を つく 行事（ぎょうじ）です。仏教（ぶっきょう）の 大切な 行事です。
・鐘を つけるか どうかは、お寺に よって ちがいます。 ・整理券（せいりけん）や 予約（よやく）が いる お寺も あります。 ・お金（志納金・しのうきん など）が いる お寺も あります。 ・夕方や 昼に つく お寺も あります。
1. その年の お寺の 案内（あんない）を 見ます。 2. つく 前と あとに、手を 合わせて おじぎを する お寺が あります。 3. 強く ぶつけません。決められた 回数だけ つきます。 作法は お寺に よって ちがいます。案内に したがいます。 4. 夜は 寒いです。あたたかい 服で 行きます。
When does joya no kane take place?
Joya no kane takes place from the night of New Year's Eve (December 31) into New Year's Day.
Can members of the public ring the bell?
At some temples you can ring it if you line up, some require a numbered ticket or reservation, and some allow watching only.
What etiquette do some temples ask for before and after ringing the bell?
Some temples ask you to put your palms together and bow before and after ringing the bell. Etiquette differs by temple, so follow the instructions.
How should you ring the bell with the wooden striker (shumoku)?
Do not swing the striker with all your strength, and ring only the number of times the temple sets, such as once per person.
Which statement about the time the bell is rung is correct?
Some temples ring the bell in the evening or during the day instead of in the middle of the night. Check the temple's announcement for the date and time.
Q. Can I go to ring the bell even if I am not Buddhist?
A. Some temples welcome members of the public regardless of their faith. Respect that it is a temple event, and take part quietly following the instructions.
Q. How much is the donation (志納金, shinokin)?
A. Some temples are free, and some require a donation or offering fee; the amount differs by temple. Check the temple's announcement for that year.
Q. What if I use a wheelchair or find it hard to wait in line for a long time?
A. The bell tower (鐘楼) may have stairs, and you may have to wait a long time in the cold. Ask the temple in advance whether you can take part and about any help you need.
This practice tool asks questions in random order (it works when JavaScript is enabled). You can still read all the questions and explanations above without it.
Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations.
Content checked on: 2026-10-03
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original