The famous New Year's Eve bell-ringing ceremony at Chion-in Temple is held in Kyoto, Japan.
Chion-in is the head temple of the Jōdo sect of Japanese Buddhism. Its enormous bell is rung 108 times during the New Year's Eve ceremony known as Joya no Kane. The ritual traditionally takes place around the transition from the old year to the new one.
In Buddhist teaching, the number 108 commonly represents the earthly desires or afflictions that cause suffering. Ringing the bell is therefore understood as a symbolic act of purification, helping people leave the troubles of the old year behind.
The bell is so large and heavy that multiple monks participate in each strike. Chion-in's ceremony is particularly famous because of its scale and television coverage, but temples throughout Japan conduct their own Joya no Kane rituals. The practice is Buddhist rather than a uniquely Kyoto civic celebration.