[2023-2024 Latest] Experience a Japanese-Style New Year Countdown in Osaka

2023 is coming to an end, and a new year is about to begin.

Every country has its own way of welcoming the new year. In Japan, there is a custom of celebrating the new year by listening to temple bells. Ding-dong, ding-dong—the sound of the bells is quite mystical!

On the last day of this year, December 31st, why not take the Osaka Metro and go ring in the New Year's Eve bell?

The bells ring around midnight, when the date changes from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day. It is customary to ring the bell 108 times. One explanation is that this originates from Japanese Buddhist thought, but it is not a strongly religious event, and many people participate without any particular faith.

The number 108 is said to correspond to the number of human烦恼 (annoying, troubling, and painful mental states). Each ring of the bell, or each time you hear it, is believed to drive away one of these烦恼.

Another explanation says it comes from the phrase "四苦八苦" (shikuhakku), which means "the unavoidable sufferings of life"—四苦 (4×9) ＋ 八苦 (8×9), which equals 36 + 72 = 108.

Recently, more and more temples not only allow you to hear the bell but also let you ring it yourself. Dressing warmly and going out to join the New Year's countdown is a great idea.

Now, let me introduce some temples where you can actually ring the bell on New Year's Eve.

First up is Shitennoji Temple, about a 4-minute walk from Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station on the Osaka Metro.

This temple is said to have been built over 1,400 years ago. Within the grounds of Shitennoji, there are three bell towers, and the bell rings the same number of times. The first 108 people can ring the bell. Numbered tickets are distributed starting at 11:00 PM, so it's best to arrive early. The actual bell-ringing time begins at 11:30 PM. Also, starting at 11:30 PM, Amazake (sweet rice drink) is given to the first 1,000 people. (*This year's Amazake distribution has been canceled.)

Even if you miss the chance to ring the bell on New Year's Eve, you can still ring it around 3:00 AM the next morning, which is called the "bell of good fortune" or "bell of luck."

Next is Kita Mido (Honganji Tsumura Betsuin), about a 2-minute walk from Hommachi Station on the Osaka Metro.

This temple gave its name to Midosuji Boulevard, and every year it holds a grand New Year's Eve gathering.

Starting at 11:00 PM. After the New Year's Eve service and the bell-ringing gathering, there is no limit of 108 people; anyone can ring the bell, no matter how many.

Also, from 6:00 AM on January 1st, a New Year's Day service is held to celebrate the start of the new year.

About a 5-minute walk from Higashi Umeda Station on the Osaka Metro is "Taiyuji Temple," a temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect.

The "New Year's Eve Bell" at Taiyuji, which has survived several fires, is considered auspicious because "bell" (kane) sounds the same as "money" (kane) in Japanese. As a result, many worshippers gather on New Year's Eve, creating a lively atmosphere.

The first 108 people can receive souvenirs, such as a certificate indicating the number of times they rang the bell.

Even if you line up after the first 108, you can still ring the bell as long as you are in line before midnight. Small rice cakes are also distributed to worshippers—a warm gesture!

If you look a bit further into the suburbs, about a 7-minute walk from Hirano Station on the Osaka Metro, there is Dainembutsuji Temple in the Hirano area.

This is said to be the first nembutsu meditation hall in Japan, and its main hall is the largest wooden building in Osaka Prefecture. On December 31st, a New Year's Eve memorial service and bell-ringing are held. Worshippers can ring the bell and also receive ozoni (rice cake soup) and sake from a barrel.

Let's look back on the past year with the sound of temple bells and welcome the new year with a cheerful heart!

After ringing the New Year's Eve bell, if you need a hotel to stay in, please use the attraction search function.

Travel Diary Contents: 1. The refreshing New Year's Eve Bell; 2. When does the New Year's Eve Bell ring?; 3. Shitennoji Temple; 4. Kita Mido (Honganji Tsumura Betsuin); 5. Taiyuji Temple; 6. Dainembutsuji Temple

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