37th Annual NYE Japanese 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.  

37th Annual New Year Bell Ringing Ceremony

Saturday, Dec 31, 2022 | 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin Street
Buy Tickets – Adults: $20, Seniors: $17, College/Youth: $14

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. Reverend Akiba will begin the bell-ringing, and then it’s your chance to ring the bell to leave behind any unfortunate experiences, regrettable deeds or ill luck from the previous 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. While you wait your turn, fold paper cranes for luck and prosperity in the new year.

We encourage visitors to purchase general museum admission tickets before coming to the museum on December 31. An admission ticket guarantees entry to the museum, but visitors interested in joining the Bell Ringing Ceremony must pick up separate tickets to ring the bell at the main entrance to Samsung Hall once on-site.  This event is first come, first served. To ensure you have a chance to ring the bell, we recommend that you arrive at Samsung Hall no later than 12 p.m. Members enjoy early admission to this event.

Schedule of Events 

• 9:30–11:30 AM: Members only Bell Ringing
• 11–11:30 AM: Touch tour of the temple bell for Blind and Visually Impaired Guests (pre-registration required)
• 11 AM–2 PM: Hands-on Art Activities
• 11:30 AM–1 PM: General Public Bell Ringing
• 12:15–1 PM: Descriptive and tactile tour for Blind and Visually Impaired Guests (pre-registration required)

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.