Mitaki-dera Temple New Year Bell Ringing Ceremony Hiroshima
Experience the spiritual Mitaki-dera temple New Year bell ringing ceremony Hiroshima this winter. This ancient Buddhist tradition helps you welcome 2026 with a clear and peaceful mind. The temple sits nestled in a lush forest with three stunning waterfalls. Visitors gather here every year to hear the deep resonance of the sacred bronze bell.
The Significance of Joya-no-Kane in Hiroshima
To plan your trip, review Hiroshima official info.
Japanese temples ring their massive bronze bells 108 times on New Year's Eve. This traditional ceremony is known as Joya-no-Kane across the entire nation of Japan. Each strike of the bell represents one of the 108 worldly human desires. These desires are believed to cause suffering and mental confusion in our daily lives.The Mitaki-dera temple New Year bell ringing ceremony Hiroshima follows this deeply spiritual path. Listening to the bell helps people leave behind the heavy burdens of the past year. It is a time for reflection and setting positive intentions for the coming months. Many locals participate in Hiroshima New Year traditions 2026 to find inner peace.
The first 107 rings usually occur before midnight on the final day of December. The final ring happens exactly at midnight to welcome the brand new year. This timing symbolizes the complete removal of old sins and the start of purity. You will feel a sense of calm as the sound echoes through the valley.
The monks at Mitaki-dera lead the ceremony with focused prayers and traditional Buddhist chanting. They use a large wooden beam to strike the bell with great rhythmic precision. Each strike sends a powerful vibration through the cold and crisp winter night air. It is a moving experience that connects you to centuries of local history.
What to Expect at Mitaki-dera Temple in 2026
Mitaki-dera is famous for its three beautiful waterfalls and historic red wooden pagoda. The temple grounds look truly magical when illuminated by soft lanterns during the winter night. You will find the atmosphere much quieter than the busy city center shrines. It offers a more intimate and natural setting for your New Year celebration.
The path leading up to the main hall is lined with mossy stone statues. These figures wear small red hats and bibs provided by kind local worshippers. During the Mitaki-dera temple New Year bell ringing ceremony Hiroshima, the trees create a dark canopy. The sound of rushing water from the falls adds to the peaceful environment.
You can see the famous two-story pagoda which is an important cultural property of Japan. This structure was moved from Wakayama to Hiroshima to pray for the atomic bomb victims. It stands as a symbol of peace and resilience in this mountain forest. The pagoda looks particularly striking against the dark sky on New Year's Eve.
Many visitors choose to participate in other Hiroshima winter events 2026 before heading to the temple. The combination of nature and spirituality makes Mitaki-dera a very unique destination. You should take a moment to enjoy the fresh mountain air during your visit. The natural beauty of the site is breathtaking even in the middle of winter.
Practical Tips for Your New Year Visit
You should arrive at the temple at least one hour before the ceremony begins. Crowds are smaller than at major shrines, but the bell ringing remains a popular event. Arriving early ensures you can find a good spot to observe the monks. It also gives you time to explore the lower temple grounds safely.
The mountain air in Hiroshima can be very cold during the late night hours. Wear heavy layers, a warm hat, and gloves to stay comfortable while you wait. Temperatures often drop near freezing as midnight approaches in this forested mountain area. Comfortable walking shoes are essential because the stone paths can be quite slippery.
Please remember to maintain a respectful and quiet attitude throughout the sacred temple grounds. This ceremony is a religious event and not a loud party for the public. You may want to bring a small offering of coins for the prayer boxes. Check the Hiroshima Convention & Visitors Bureau for any specific 2026 event updates.
After the bell ringing, many people head to nearby shrines for their first prayer. You can find several best shrines for hatsumode in Hiroshima city 2026 nearby. This allows you to experience both Buddhist and Shinto traditions in one single night. It is a wonderful way to start your year with local Japanese culture.
How to Reach Mitaki-dera for the Ceremony
The easiest way to reach the temple is by taking the JR Kabe Line. Board a train at Hiroshima Station and get off at the Mitaki Station. The train ride is very short and usually takes less than ten minutes. From there, you will need to walk uphill for about twenty minutes.
The walk to the temple entrance is steep but follows a well-paved road. You will pass through a quiet residential neighborhood before reaching the forested temple area. Be sure to check the Hiroshima public transport hours on New Years Eve 2026. Trains often run on a special schedule during this specific holiday night.
If you prefer taking a bus, several lines run from the city center. However, buses may stop running earlier than trains on the night of December 31st. Taxis are also available but can be difficult to find during the peak midnight hours. You should consult the Hiroshima Electric Railway website for the latest tram and bus information.
Parking near the temple is extremely limited and not recommended for visitors on New Year's Eve. Most locals prefer using public transportation to avoid traffic and parking struggles. Walking with the small crowds from the station adds to the festive community spirit. The path is usually lit well enough for visitors to find their way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Mitaki-dera bell ringing start?
The Mitaki-dera temple New Year bell ringing ceremony Hiroshima typically starts around 11:00 PM on December 31st. The monks ring the bell 108 times, finishing exactly at midnight. It is best to arrive by 10:30 PM to secure a spot and enjoy the atmosphere.
Can visitors ring the bell at Mitaki-dera?
At Mitaki-dera, the monks usually perform the primary bell ringing ceremony themselves. Some temples allow public participation, but Mitaki-dera often keeps this as a formal monastic ritual. You can watch the monks strike the bell and offer your own silent prayers during the event.
Is there an entrance fee for Mitaki-dera at night?
There is generally no entrance fee to visit Mitaki-dera for the New Year's Eve ceremony. However, it is customary to bring a small monetary offering for the temple's maintenance and religious services. Most visitors donate 100 to 500 yen when they offer their first prayers of 2026.
Attending the Mitaki-dera temple New Year bell ringing ceremony Hiroshima is a profound way to start 2026. The combination of ancient bells, mountain waterfalls, and sacred chanting creates an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit early and dress warmly to enjoy this peaceful Japanese tradition. May your new year be filled with the clarity and peace found at this forest temple.