Koro, Drum Tower, and Shoro, Bell Tower
The two towers on either side of the path are the Drum Tower to the left and the Bell Tower to the right. Similar towers can be found outside temples all across Asia and were traditionally used to signal the time of day. At Taiyuin, the bell is rung for important memorial services. The large hanging bell and taiko drum in the towers were made in 1653. The two towers are beautifully decorated, but in a more reserved style than were the towers outside Ieyasu’s mausoleum at the Toshogu, to show Iemitsu's deference to his grandfather.