There are only a few days left before the end of the year.
In general, we Japanese visit temples to hear Joya-no-Kane, or midnight tolling of the temple bells on New Year's Eve. About an hour before the new year, temple bells across Japan begin to toll slowly 108 times. People welcome the new year by listening to the sound of temple bells. It is said that the temple bell tolls purify ourselves of our 108 desires.
At some temples, you can strike Joya-no-Kane though you might need to arrive early to participate in tolling the bells. However, I recommend to WATCH the bell of Chionin Temple which has one of three biggest bells in Japan. The bell is 3.3 meters high, 2.8-caliber and 70 tons (154300 lb)!! One main striker and 16 support strikers are necessary to hit this bell.
This video is taken when the monks have a rehearsal. 108 desires must be vanished if they're hit such a strong!
Start at 22:40 on 31st December
Chionin Temple is about 10 minute walk from Shijo-Higashioji intersection in Gion district.
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