Todai-ji Shoro (Bell Tower) — Local services in Nara

The bell tower, which soars into the sky, was rebuilt in the Jogen era (1207-11) by Zen Master Eisai, the successor to Chogen Shonin. Chogen Shonin left a significant mark on the reconstruction of Todaiji Temple in the Kamakura period, and Eisai became a great advocate. It is an extravagant building with some Zen-like elements. The temple bell (a national treasure), weighing 26.3 tons, dates back to the time when Todaiji Temple was first built. The amplitude of the bell's sound is extremely long, and it is nicknamed 'Nara Taro,' considered one of Japan's top three bells.

It is still broadcast at 8 pm every day, except during the Shuni-e period, and you can listen to it nearby (7 pm from February 26th to March 14th). In addition, from March 1st to March 14th, it is broadcast at 8 pm (it also rings at 1 am).

The temple bell has a total height of 3.86 m, a diameter of 2.71 m, and a weight of 26.3 tons. The bell is made of zelkova, measuring 4.48 m in length, 30 cm in diameter, and weighing 180 kg, approximately 200 kg, including the metal fittings. Because it is a large hanging bell, it has been called the Ogane (Great Bell) at Todaiji Temple since ancient times.

The bell tower that houses this large bell stands in a place called Shorugaoka, sandwiched between Shunjo-do and Nenbutsu-do. It was rebuilt in the Kamakura period (1207-10) by Zen Master Yosai, who became known as the Zen Master. The Great Bell is said to have been cast in the 4th year of Tenpyo Shoho (752). However, it subsequently crashed due to earthquakes in October of the 2nd year of Enkyu (1070) and October of the 1st year of Eicho (1096), and again in the 1st year of En'o. In June 1239, the dragon's head broke and fell, but it is known from the repair inscription that it was...

The Bell Tower was built between 1207 and 1210. Its structure combines certain aspects of the Zen style of architecture with the “Daibutsu style.” The Todaiji Bell - one of the Three Famous Bells of Japan - weighs 26.3 tons and dates from the time of the founding of Tōdai-ji. The Bell Tower is on the Todaiji temple ground, half way between Daibutsuden and Nigatsu Hall....

Came to Nara for the new year even bell ring! Lined up for 3 hours in the rain to be the lucky few that got to ring the bell at Todaiji for 2024!! It was such an unique experience and felt very special. We were in the 20 and 21st bell ringing group! Hoping for an...