Komyoji Temple (\u5149\u660e\u5bfa)<\/a> in Zaimokuza (\u6750\u6728\u5ea7) is a head temple of the Jodo (Pure Land) school of Buddhism. Every year on the night of December 31 it holds the Joya-e (\u9664\u591c\u4f1a), and at 0:00 on January 1 it holds the Shusho-e (\u4fee\u6b63\u4f1a). The Joya-e is the service that closes the year, and the New Year\u2019s Eve bell is rung at the Shorodo (\u9418\u697c\u5802) bell tower at the same time. The sound of the bell is said to drive away the worldly desires of the past year, and people pray for good health in the year ahead. The Shusho-e is the first service of the New Year, praying for world peace and the happiness of all people and giving thanks to the principal Buddha for the safe arrival of the New Year. At the same time, 0:00, the year\u2019s first visit to Wakaejima Benzaiten (\u548c\u8cc0\u6c5f\u5cf6\u5f01\u8ca1\u5929) also takes place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anyone can ring the New Year\u2019s Eve bell, and in a typical year numbered tickets are handed out from 22:30. The Joya-e usually starts at 23:20 and the Shusho-e at 0:00 on New Year\u2019s Day. Public bell ringing usually begins at around 0:00 on January 1 and continues until the line ends. The Daiden (\u5927\u6bbf), the main hall, is under conservation repair and closed inside, so both services are held in the Kaisando (\u958b\u5c71\u5802) hall, which serves as the temporary main hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A line of people holding numbered tickets forms in front of the Shorodo, and bonfires burn in the temple grounds. The first strike and the 108th strike are made by the temple. Visitors ring the bell three or four at a time for each strike, and those who come alone or in pairs may be moved up or back in the order. Even after the 108th strike, everyone in line can ring the bell in turn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will wait outdoors on a cold night, so dress warmly. In a typical year, traffic restrictions are in place around Kamakura Station (\u938c\u5009\u99c5) from 23:00 on December 31 to 17:00 on January 1, so it is best to come by train and bus. Check how you will get back late at night before you go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the same New Year\u2019s Eve, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (\u9db4\u5ca1\u516b\u5e61\u5bae)<\/a> holds the Year-End Oharae and Koshinsatsu Shonosai<\/a>, and Hasedera Temple (\u9577\u8c37\u5bfa)<\/a> holds the Manto Kigan-e New Year\u2019s Eve Candle Prayer<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From the East Exit of JR Kamakura Station, take a Keikyu bus bound for Zushi Station via Kotsubo (\u5c0f\u576a) for about 10 minutes and get off at the \u201cKomyoji (\u5149\u660e\u5bfa<\/a>)\u201d stop. The temple is right there. If you are staying at Toshi’s Place, fully unstaffed smart hotels with full kitchens and no meals provided, take the Enoden (\u6c5f\u30ce\u96fb) from Hase Station (\u9577\u8c37\u99c5) or Wadazuka Station (\u548c\u7530\u585a\u99c5) to Kamakura Station and change to the bus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On New Year\u2019s Eve at Komyoji, you can ring the bell in grounds lit by bonfires and welcome the New Year at the Shusho-e at midnight. Every year on November 18, the temple also holds the Akihasan Sanjakubo Daigongen Reitaisai (\u79cb\u8449\u5c71\u4e09\u5c3a\u574a\u5927\u6a29\u73fe\u4f8b\u5927\u796d) on Mt. Akiha behind the temple. For the temple\u2019s history and highlights, see Komyoji Temple<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDate and Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Highlights: Ringing the Bell in Grounds Lit by Bonfires<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Visiting Tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Access: Visiting During Your Stay at Toshi’s Place<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Summary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Basic Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n