In Japan, people ring in the New Year– literally.
Many people will go to a local temple where monks ring a giant bell in order to dispel the sins of the year.
Called “Omisoka” 大晦日, December 31st is a day where Buddhist temples across Japan ring their bell 108 times in order to cleanse the “108 worldly passions”.
When we celebrated New Year’s Eve in Japan during my study abroad days, we were even allowed to ring the bell ourselves!
Ringing the Bell at Zojoji Temple for 2018
Since we lived in an apartment owned by a temple, we were kindly invited to celebrate Omisoka with them at 増上寺 Zojoji Temple.
There was lots of hustle and bustle, and several food stalls (屋台 yatai). Each was selling classics like yakisoba and chocolate-covered bananas, but also seasonal favorites like warm amazake (a sweet fermented rice drink).
The High Priestess was able to secure us spots to ring the bell. As far as I’m aware, tickets can be purchased as early as a year ahead.
So keep an eye on the temple you want to visit’s website.
We went by car to Zojoji, which is situated right beneath the Tokyo Tower. It’s a gorgeous view with the glittering tower in the distance.
We walked around, had some snacks and dinner, then made our way to the site of the bell.
When it came time, we lined up around the dais and waited our turns to ring the bell.
You ring it with three other people and a monk, so it’s easier to control and to avoid double-ringing. Seriously, they have it down to a science.
Regrettably, I don’t have any video of myself that year, so you’ll have to enjoy a clip of others ringing it instead!
It has a deep, clear ring, and it would be soothing if it weren’t so close-up! Listening to it again, I’m instantly transported back to that moment.
If you get the chance to ring the bell on New Year’s Eve, I highly recommend doing it!
Ringing the Bell at Zojoji Temple for 2025
At the end of 2024, my family visited us in Japan. We had a wonderful time in Tokyo, taking in the sights and enjoying each other’s company.
Returning to Zojoji Temple to ring the bell again was a delight that I never expected to do more than once in my life. The High Priestess at the temple we had lived at for study abroad graciously gave us the tickets again.
Once again, there were stalls of all kinds and a merry feeling at the temple. Hundreds of people gathered there to celebrate and watch the bell-ringing.
The Head Priest of Zojoji gave a speech about 2024. It was solemn, but strangely hopeful. He spoke about the tragedy of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, the wars in Palestine and Ukraine, and other world events. He urged us to pray for a better future and a better year.
As numbers were called, we lined up for our turn to ring the bell. We went up in groups of about four, waiting for our turn to ring the bell. The giant log reverberates along the rope in your hands as you strike it with three other people, and a monk, of course.
We even got a gift bag, with a snake “ema” (絵馬) aka prayer board, mochi, and a good luck charm “omamori” (お守り).
At the end of the night, we secured a taxi at the nearby hotel, The Prince Park Tower Tokyo, to take us back to our own stay. Since festivities go long into the night, you have to take a car or taxi home.
The first Shrine Visit: Hatsumode
In the first few days following the New Year, people flock to shrines for their first visit (初詣 Hatsumode). It can be hectic and busy, but rest assured, you’ll make it to the top to say a prayer.
Visiting shrines is a way to get good luck for the year ahead, and bring in old good luck charms to renew, which will be burned in order to be purified.
In 2018, it was absolutely packed on the way to 浅草寺 Sensoji Shrine in Asakusa, but it was so worth it.
The packed roads feel full of excitement and hope for the year to come, and it’s a nice feeling to enjoy walking in the brisk air with other shrine-goers.
And once you reach the main shrine, you can copy other people’s gestures – throwing in a coin, bowing, clapping twice, and silently thinking your prayer.
Once you’ve finished your prayer, the first shrine visit is also a great time for pulling your fortune, or おみくじ omikuji, to see what the year has in store for you.
New Year’s Food: Osechi Ryori
Osechi Ryori is a traditional set of foods eaten on New Year’s Day in Japan. It’s several prepared, often pickled, foods that everyone can enjoy. And a big plus is that no one has to cook.
Since a lot of time is spent cleaning in anticipation of the New Year, Osechi Ryori allows everyone to have a restful day come the new year.
Again, we were lucky to be able to try Osechi Ryori at the Temple’s behest. I’ll admit some of the foods weren’t my favorite, but I think it’s a case of acquired tastes.
Dondoyaki
In December 2023, I learned about Dondoyaki (どんど焼き), which is a ceremonial burning for New Year’s decorations.
Many people put up decorations made of straw for the New Year, but just throwing them away in the trash is bad luck.
So, as a way of getting rid of New Year’s decorations in a way that pleases the gods, people throw them in what is essentially a giant bonfire!
Sometimes Dondoyaki is conducted as an event, but some local organizations will accept old decorations to be burnt on a separate day.
Like discarding old good luck charms, this serves the purpose of pleasing the gods, while also allowing you to rid your home of its decor in a sort of offering.
How will you celebrate New Year’s this year? And if you’re looking for some more fun things to do this winter in Japan, check out the blog!
