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Echoes of Renewal: Temple Bells and Tradition
龍華寺の鐘楼：歴史ある建築と除夜の鐘
The traditional Japanese bell tower with a thatched roof that stands in the courtyard of Ryuge-ji Temple in Yokohama, Japan, has been designated as an Important Cultural Property by Kanagawa Prefecture.
The open wooden structure, supported by stout corner pillars, houses a large hanging bell, which is struck by a wooden pole. A monk pulls the pole back and drives it toward the bell with his full strength and weight. This particular design of the tower dates back to the 13th century. The thatched roof, once common, is now a rarity, with clay tiles being more prevalent today.
Although bell towers like this are most commonly found at Buddhist temples, they can sometimes be seen at larger Shinto shrines as well.
The bell in the tower is most often rung on New Year’s Eve during the festivities of ōmisoka (大晦日; lit. "great thirtieth day" of the of the Japanese lunisolar calendar). In the final moments of December 31, temple bells ring out across Japan to mark the transition from one year to the next.
At each temple, the bell is struck 108 times in a Buddhist ritual called joya-no-kane (除夜の鐘; lit. “New Year's Eve Bell"), symbolizing the cleansing of the 108 worldly passions. The final ring comes just after midnight, carrying the hope that those who hear it will enter the new year free from their burdens.
Each New Year’s Eve, Japan’s national broadcaster, NHK, airs live footage from a famous temple where monks perform this ritual. At smaller, more intimate temples, visitors are often allowed to take part in ringing the bell themselves.
At my local temple, which is also home to our family cemetery, we gather each year with relatives and neighbors to welcome the new year. The monk’s wife always prepares a large pot of warm amazake—a traditional sweet, milky sake—heated over an open fire, offering both comfort and warmth on the frigid night.
Our monk places 108 stones in a small bag, and before midnight, we take turns ringing the bell and removing a stone until only one remains. Just after midnight, the monk rings the final, 108th bell and offers a prayer for all who have gathered.
The slow, steady, rhythmic chimes mark the transition from the old year to the new, symbolizing the release of worldly desires—those emotions and attachments that lead to suffering and hinder spiritual growth. For me, simply listening to the bell brings clarity, mindfulness, and a sense of renewal, especially at our quiet, rural temple, nestled behind the hills and overlooking rice paddies, far from the distractions of city lights and noise.
- Location: Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Japan
- Timestamp: 2025/01/09 17:12
- Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
- ISO 320 for 1/500 sec. at ƒ/3.2
- Classic Negative film simulation
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