In the 8th century the Bell Tower was built, however, collopsed because of strong
wind in 987. The existing building is said to have been rebuilt in the early 13th
century.
As for the way of building, the Daibutsu-style and Chinese-style are well
harmonized.
The bell was built around the same age as the Todai-ji Temple was constructed.
It has also fallen several times after big earthquakes occured.
The height is 4 meters, the circuit 8 meters, the weight about 26 tons, the
caliber 2.7 meters.
We call this bell one of the three famous bells (Todai-ji, Chion-in, Hokoku-ji)
in Japan.
Since 1959, people have been prohibited from ringing it. Instead, we can hear the
bell ring at eight in the evening and at night on New Year's Eve.
