The 29th Japanese New Year’s Bell-Ringing Ceremony

In this contemplative and festive ceremony, participants can strike the museum’s 2,100-lb., 16th-century Japanese bronze bell to herald the start of a fresh New Year. Led by Rev. Gengo Akiba with opening remarks about the Japanese New Year by Yoshie Akiba (founder and namesake of Yoshi’s jazz club), the ceremony includes a purification ritual and chanting of the Buddhist Heart Sutra. Rev. Akiba begins the bell ringing, and participants take turns ringing the bronze bell to leave behind any negative experiences, wrong deeds and ill luck of the previous year. First come, first served. Pick up tickets to ring the bell at the admission desk. Doors open at 9 AM for members.