Japanese temple charges $20, requires reservations to watch New Year's Eve bell-ringing ceremony

Chion-in Temple in Kyoto, central Japan, has announced that it will require reservations and charge 3,000 yen (about 20 USD) for visitors who want to watch the temple's famous New Year bell-ringing ceremony.

New Year's Eve bell-ringing ceremony at Chion-in Temple, Kyoto City, central Japan - Photo: MY KYOTO MACHIYA

According to information from the Mainichi newspaper, children 12 years old and under will be free to watch the New Year's bell-ringing ceremony at Chion-in Temple, the main temple of Jodo Shu (Japan's second largest Buddhist sect), in Kyoto city.

According to the temple, the new regulation aims to reduce overcrowding and ensure the safety of attendees, after many years of the event attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists.

The large bell used in the ceremony is about 3.3 meters high, 2.8 meters in diameter and weighs about 70 tons, and is considered one of the three most famous great bells in Japan.

This traditional ceremony, performed by 17 monks together, rings the bell 108 times, starting at 10:40 p.m. on December 31 and lasting into the new year, symbolizing the dispelling of 108 human afflictions.

This is an iconic event of the ancient capital of Kyoto, especially popular with foreign tourists.

According to Chion-in Temple, the line of spectators often stretches nearly a kilometer before the gates open. In recent years, there have been numerous incidents of crowding, making it difficult for the temple to control the crowds.

Previously, even those in line could only watch the ceremony for a few minutes due to the constant movement.

This year, the event will be divided into four rounds, each lasting about 30 minutes, so attendees can observe the ceremony in a more intimate setting.

“The New Year’s Eve bell-ringing ceremony is a spiritual ritual that helps people reflect on the past year and welcome the new year with a peaceful mind. Booking in advance will make this experience more meaningful, instead of the previous ‘assembly’ style,” said a temple representative.

All revenue from entrance tickets will be used for the preservation of cultural heritage and temple landscape.

Each session will be limited to 500 people, for a total of 2,000 visitors for all four sessions. Online reservations will begin at 2 p.m. on December 1 on the Chion-in website, or tickets can be purchased directly at the temple's Yuzen'en garden from December 8 to 30.

Trieu Phuong

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ngoi-chua-nhat-ban-thu-20-usd-yeu-cau-dat-cho-xem-le-danh-chuong-dem-giao-thua-20251018100350254.htm