In preparation for New Year's Eve, a test run to ring the "Joya no Kane" bell was held on December 27, 2025, at Chion-in Temple, the head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism in Kyoto's Higashiyama Ward. Just like the real thing, monks joined forces to strike the massive bell, sending a deep, bassy sound echoing under the cold sky.

A large crowd of worshippers watches as a monk strikes the large bell for the first time (December 27, Chion-in Temple, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City)

The Great Bell of Chion-in Temple was cast in 1636. It is considered one of Japan's three greatest temple bells, alongside those of Hoko-ji Temple (Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto) and Todai-ji Temple (Nara City). It measures 2.8 meters in diameter, 3.3 meters in height, and weighs approximately 70 tons, and it took 17 monks to strike it.

A monk gains momentum and gives a test thrust to the large bell (December 27, Chion-in Temple, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City)

Around 2:00 p.m., in unison with shouts of "Here we go!" and "Here we go!", 16 people pulled up the wooden mallet, and one person holding the rope pulled it backwards, striking it powerfully. This year, approximately 1,400 people, twice the usual number, watched.

The chimes of the New Year's Eve bells at Chion-in Temple will begin at 10:40 p.m. on December 31st. Starting this year, reservations are required in advance, and they have already been booked. Approximately 2,200 people are expected to attend. The event will be streamed live on the video sharing website YouTube.