New Year & first shrine visits in Kyoto
Year-end and New Year events in Kyoto: temple bells, shrine visits and seasonal rituals.
As of Oct 29: 7 events, 1 free.
Dec 21 (Mon) 08:00 – 15:00
The final Kobo Market of the year, originating from the monthly memorial day of Buddhist monk Kukai. Stalls throughout the temple grounds sell antiques, vintage clothing, household goods, plants, and lucky decorations for the New Year.
Details →Art exhibition
New Year Special Exhibition: All About Sheep — Celebrating the Zodiac at Kyoto National Museum
Kyoto National Museum, Heisei Chishinkan Wing, Gallery 2F-2 (Shichijo Sta.)
Dec 22 (Tue) – Feb 7 (Sun) 09:30 – 17:00
Discover cultural treasures featuring sheep, the zodiac animal of 2027. Open until 8:00 PM on Fridays. The same admission ticket provides access to all exhibitions in the Heisei Chishinkan Wing on the day of your visit.
Details →Market
Shimai Tenjin: Year-End Tenjin Market at Kitano Tenmangu
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (Kitano-Hakubaicho Sta.)
Dec 25 (Fri) From 7:00 AM (closing time: please check with the organizer)
The market held on the 25th of every month closes the year on December 25. Known as Shimai Tenjin, it fills the shrine grounds with stalls of antiques, old tools and vintage clothing.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Chion-in New Year's Eve Bell: Rehearsal Ringing
Chion-in Temple (Higashiyama Sta.)
Dec 27 (Sun) From 2:00 PM (closing time: please check with the organizer)
Before New Year's Eve, 17 monks practice ringing the giant temple bell, which weighs about 70 tons. Visitors may watch only.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Countdown & New Year — Welcome 2027 with Lights of Good Fortune at The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike
The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike (Kokusaikaikan Sta.)
Dec 31 (Thu) – Jan 31 (Sun) 17:00 – 23:00
Good-luck decorations carrying visitors' wishes adorn the courtyard's symbolic tree. A New Year's Eve countdown is planned, along with decoration-making experiences over two days through New Year's Day.
Details →Dec 31 (Thu) 15:00 – 17:00
An early evening year-end bell-ringing ceremony held instead of the traditional midnight New Year's Eve ringing. The first 108 participants who make an offering receive an Anchin and Kiyohime bell amulet.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Chion-in New Year's Eve Bell (Joya no Kane)
Chion-in Temple (Higashiyama Sta.)
Dec 31 (Thu) From 10:20 PM (closing time: please check with the organizer)
Seventeen monks strike the temple bell of about 70 tons 108 times to see out the year. Visitors watch only, and advance registration is required.
Details →
Next stop: book for later today PR
Tickets and experiences in Kyoto you can book on Klook. Filter by “Today” to see what is still open.
Kimono rental in Kyoto→Tea ceremony experiences in Kyoto→Kyoto one-day sightseeing tours→All things to do in Kyoto on Klook →Ad: Klook affiliate links.