The Japanese Tradition of Joya no Kane
Joya no Kane is a cherished Japanese tradition held on New Year's Eve at temples across Japan. The temple bell is struck 108 times, representing the number of worldly desires believed to cloud the human mind. This sacred practice purifies the past year's impurities and prepares the heart to welcome the new year. The resonating sound of the bell brings a sense of peace and gratitude, as well as hope for the year ahead.

Joya no Kane Event at Sokoji
Sokoji warmly invites you to join us in celebrating the end of the year with our Joya no Kane event.

10:00 PM: Temple doors open.

11:00 PM: The final sutra chanting of the year.

After the chanting, everyone is welcome to strike the temple bell as we prepare to transition into the new year.

12:00 AM: At the stroke of midnight, we will hold a New Year’s Blessing to pray for the health, peace, and well-being of all attendees in the year to come.

• Omamori, prayer tablets, and omikuji: Fortunate charms and blessings for a prosperous year ahead will be available for purchase.

• Shiratama Zenzai: Warm, sweet red bean soup with rice flour dumplings, perfect for a chilly night.

• Toshikoshi Soba: San Francisco's new soba restaurant, “Soba Katsu,” will be selling toshikoshi soba from 10:00 PM to 11:30 PM. Don’t miss this traditional Japanese dish to mark the year's transition.

No Reservations Required
This event is open to all! Please feel free to bring your family and friends to spend this meaningful time with us at Sokoji.

We look forward to welcoming you to our temple.