Japanese people consider December 31 a very important day, and it’s not unusual for people of all ages to stay up all night on this occasion. Old customs related to the last day of the year continue in many regions of Japan.

I have spent so many New Years in Japan, and one of the Japanese Buddhism's old tradition that I have always wanted to participate is the Joya no Kane, or the “bells of the new years eve”. This tradition, told to have come from China, rings 108 bells in between New Year's eve and New Year day.

It's one of those traditions where everyone knows about. There's even a TV station where they broadcasts the last 108th bell at exactly 0:00am on New Year's day.

I’ve always wondered why the bell has to be rung 108 times. It happens that there are theories to why we ring the bell 108 times.

One popular theory says that the number 108 is said to be the number of excessive desires a human has. And by listening to the bell ring 108 times through New Year, you will be able to forget about all the excessive desires and start the New Year with a fresh mind!

Many of the temples (not a shrine!) have bells of their own, and the starting time differs. Usually you will start hearing the bell ring from 8-10pm on the 31st, and 107 of them will ring during the old year. The last 108th bell will be rung on the moment of the New Year, and people listen to the bell until the last vibration stops. 

Rules and customs differ by temples as well, and some times visitors to the shrine could become a part of ringing the bell! 

If you wish to participate, you should definitely check with the temple before the 31st. Some temples are first come first serve, but others could be handing out tickets earlier that day, or even be taking reservations before the 31st!

Here are some temples that usually let's people participate in the bell ringing in Tokyo:

(Some do require ticket purchase prior to 12/31, so please check in advance!)

     - Tsukiji Honganji (Tsukiji)

     - Zojo-ji (Minato-ku) .

     - Zenpuku-ji (Azabu Juban)

     - Takahata Fudo-son (Takahata Fudo)

     - Homyo-ji (Ikebukuro)

*The famous Senso-ji in Asakusa does have Bell Ringing ceremony, but unfortunately, it does not allow visitors to participate... but it sounds soothing just listening to it!

It's not one of the most exciting event during New Year's eve, but this old tradition calms your soul, and gets you ready for a fresh new year, and it really is a great way to spend your time!