Famous Belfry of Eiheiji Temple

This photo story is to guide you step-by-step as you explore Eiheiji Temple in Fukui, the Zen temple of 'Eternal Peace'. The twelfth guide focuses on 'Shōrō-dō (Belfry)', which tolls on New Year's Eve and the sound of it is heard by the ears of locals living nearby or on a special NHK TV program throughout Japan. Apart from that, this five-ton bell is struck four times a day; in a morning, at noon, in the late afternoon and at night. The bell was requisitioned by the Japanese military for the needs of metals during WWII, was returned after the war and molded again. The belfry was rebuilt in 1963 in the Kamakura style.

For other photos, please see these other photo stories, a detailed history, this article, and the other entries to this guide, the links below.

Complete Guide to Eiheiji Temple Series