Ichibata Yakushi: New Year's Eve Bell Ringing & Lantern Festival
Japanese name:一畑薬師 除夜の鐘・万灯祭
📅 Thu, Dec 31, 2026
About this event
On December 31, 2026, the "Joya no Kane & Manto-sai" (New Year's Eve Bell Ringing and Ten Thousand Lanterns Festival) will be held at the Yakushi Hondo (Main Hall) of Ichibata Yakushi in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. The biggest highlight of this festival is that the New Year's Eve bell, which normally cannot be rung, is opened to general worshippers. Any worshipper can ring the bell, and a "Certificate of New Year's Eve Bell Ringing" will be presented to 108 people. In addition, the approach path serving as the venue will be decorated with the light of lanterns and candles, envelopment in a mystical atmosphere. The number 108 is said to represent the count of human earthly desires (kleshas), and by striking the bell, it is a traditional event wishing to receive Buddhist teachings and welcome the new year with a cleansed mind and body. The event runs from 22:00 to 24:30, offering a special experience of welcoming the new year while ringing the New Year's Eve bell. Access is about 10 minutes by bus or taxi from Ichibataguchi Station on the Ichibata Electric Railway.
Source website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Yakushi Hondo (Main Hall)
Ichibata-ji, 803 Kozakai-cho, Izumo, Shimane 691-0074
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