41st Annual Japanese New Year Bell-Ringing Ceremony

Come to the Asian Art Museum to ring in the new year in the Japanese tradition. Join the community as we ring our 2,100-pound, 16th-century Japanese temple bell to release the pain of the previous year and celebrate what is to come. Engage in the joy of the moment as we draw upon ancient traditions and foster new hope.

Led by Rev. Keisuke Lee-Miyaki, this inspiring ceremony includes Sambujo, a traditional blessing chant, followed by aspiration, guided meditation, and a short Dharma talk. The bell is 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 in advance. An admission ticket guarantees entry to the museum, but a separate numbered ticket (available at the entrance to Samsung Hall) is required to ring the bell. To visit the special exhibition, please reserve Ha Chong-Hyun: Retrospective tickets. Members, verify your membership benefits to reserve free tickets.

Member Bell-Ringing: 10:30 AM

A morning ceremony is offered for members. Not yet a member? Join today to experience this morning session and other exclusive benefits.

Public Bell-Ringing: 1 PM

All visitors are invited to take part in the afternoon ceremony. Numbered tickets to ring the bell are distributed beginning at 12 PM at the entrance to Samsung Hall on a first-come, first-served basis.

Community Art Activity

10:30 AM–4:30 PM | Kadomatsu (Japanese New Year Decoration)
Bring the family to create paper Kadomatsu, the traditional symbol of the New Year.

Tours and Storytelling

11 AM: Family Storytelling (all ages) (Japan-themed) 
12:15 PM: Touch Tour of the Bell for Blind and Visually Impaired Community  
2 PM: Collection Tour (Japan-themed)
3:30 PM: Ha Chong-Hyun: Retrospective Tour  

Accessibility

The Asian Art Museum is committed to ensuring our events are accessible to all. This program is wheelchair accessible, and assistive listening devices (ALDs) are available upon request.

As part of the celebration, we invite blind and visually impaired visitors to join a touch tour of the bell at 12:15 PM, with priority seating for the afternoon ceremony. Space is limited.

Image: 39th Annual Japanese New Year Bell-Ringing, December 29, 2024. Photograph by Quincy Stamper, courtesy of Asian Art Museum.