38th Annual Japanese New Year Bell-Ringing Ceremony (Asian Art Museum)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Ring in the New Year by taking a swing at a 2,100-pound, 16th-century Japanese temple bell. Led by Reverend Gengo Akiba, this inspiring ceremony will include a purification ritual and chanting of the Buddhist Heart Sutra. Visitors will have an opportunity to ring the bell to leave behind any unfortunate experiences, regrettable deeds, or ill luck from the year. The bell will be struck 108 times to usher in the New Year and curb the 108 mortal desires (bonno) that, according to Buddhist belief, torment humankind.

We encourage visitors to purchase general admission tickets prior to arriving at the museum. An admission ticket guarantees entry, but visitors interested in joining the Bell-Ringing Ceremony must pick up separate tickets to ring the bell at the entrance to Samsung Hall.

Members can attend an earlier Bell-Ringing Ceremony at 10:30 AM before the public ceremony begins.

10 AM: Doors open
10:30 AM–12 PM: Members-only Bell-Ringing  
12 PM: Touch Tour for Blind and Visually Impaired Community (preregistration required)
12:30–2 PM: Public Bell-Ringing  

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.