The traditional Japanese bell tower with a thatched roof at Ryuge-ji Temple in Yokohama, Japan, has been designated an Important Cultural Property by Kanagawa Prefecture.
This open wooden structure, supported by stout corner pillars, houses a large hanging bell, struck by a wooden pole. A monk pulls the pole back and drives it toward the bell with his full strength and weight. This architectural style dates back to the 13th century. Thatched roofs, once common, are now a rarity, with clay tiles being more prevalent today.
At my local temple, which is also home to our family cemetery, we gather each New Year’s Eve with relatives and neighbors to ring in the new year. Before midnight, we take turns striking the bell, and just after midnight, the monk rings the final chime, offering a prayer for all who have gathered.
For me, the deep, resonant toll of the bell brings clarity, mindfulness, and a sense of renewal—especially at our quiet, rural temple, tucked behind the hills and overlooking rice paddies, far from the distractions of city lights and noise.
🔔 Read the full write-up (just a 1-minute read!) and explore more about Japan’s New Year’s Eve traditions. Link in profile.
* Location: Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Japan * Timestamp: 2025/01/09 17:12 * Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter * ISO 320 for 1/500 sec. at ƒ/3.2 * Classic Negative film simulation
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The traditional Japanese bell tower with a thatched roof at Ryuge-ji Temple in Yokohama, Japan, has been designated an Important Cultural Property by Kanagawa Prefecture.
This open wooden structure, supported by stout corner pillars, houses a large hanging bell, struck by a wooden pole. A monk pulls the pole back and drives it toward the bell with his full strength and weight. This architectural style dates back to the 13th century. Thatched roofs, once common, are now a rarity, with clay tiles being more prevalent today.
At my local temple, which is also home to our family cemetery, we gather each New Year’s Eve with relatives and neighbors to ring in the new year. Before midnight, we take turns striking the bell, and just after midnight, the monk rings the final chime, offering a prayer for all who have gathered.
For me, the deep, resonant toll of the bell brings clarity, mindfulness, and a sense of renewal—especially at our quiet, rural temple, tucked behind the hills and overlooking rice paddies, far from the distractions of city lights and noise.
🔔 Read the full write-up (just a 1-minute read!) and explore more about Japan’s New Year’s Eve traditions. Link in profile.
* Location: Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Japan
* Timestamp: 2025/01/09 17:12
* Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
* ISO 320 for 1/500 sec. at ƒ/3.2
* Classic Negative film simulation
Google Maps: Ryugeji Temple・龍華寺
[https://maps.app.goo.gl/5aCf7nTP5JVzWPkn8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5aCf7nTP5JVzWPkn8)