2023 Count Down the Japanese Way—
The Temple Bell on New Year’s Eve in Osaka

When and What Is Joya no Kane?

People of all (or no) faiths visit temples all over Japan on New Year’s Eve. Joya no Kane begins ringing shortly before midnight and continues into the New Year. That means it doesn’t ring just once, but it rings 108 times! The reason for striking the bell 108 times has roots in Japanese Buddhism. 108 is said to be the number of earthly desires—evil passions that mislead, trouble, and torment people. With each strike of the gong, you’re cleansed of these sins.
Another theory behind the number 108 is about removing “shiku hakku (四苦八苦),” a 4-character phrase that means unavoidable pain. In Japanese, shiku sounds like numbers 4 and 9, and hakku sounds like 8 and 9. A quick calculation of these numbers—shiku (4×9=36) PLUS hakku (8×9=72)—brings you to 108.

Traditionally, listening to the gongs and watching monks around the country strike the large temple bell on TV or in person was all people did each year. In recent years, however, some temples began letting visitors strike the bell themselves. Wouldn’t that be a cool way to welcome the New Year?! This year, unfortunately, many temples have cancelled such services, but even if that’s the case, you can always enjoy listening to the beautiful sounds of the bell that ring throughout the city.

Here’s a quick list of the temples in Osaka that are famous for the beautiful Japanese tradition on New Year’s Eve.

Shitennoji Temple

First up is Shitennoji Temple, located about 4-minute walk from Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station. Shitennoji Temple is said to have been built more than 1,400 years ago. There are three bell towers within its properties and the first 108 people get to ring the bell. Tickets are distributed at 11pm and, at 11:30pm, the first bell is struck and amazake—sweet, fermented rice drink—is served to 1,000 people (first come, first served).(※Amazake will not be served this year.)
Even if you don’t make the first 108 people to strike Joya no Kane, they normally continue to let visitors ring the temple bell until around 3am to invite good luck and happiness in the New Year.