Mōtsūji Temple Belfry Site
The earthen platform and foundation stones are all that remains of what is believed to have been the bell tower of Mōtsūji’s main hall (Kondō Enryūji) which was destroyed by fire in 1226. Bell towers are a common feature of Buddhist temples throughout Japan. The main hall had two symmetrical corridors extending south towards the Great Spring Pond (Ōizumi ga Ike). It is thought that the corridor to the east culminated in a bell tower, and the one to the west in a sutra repository. The architectural structures mirrored each other, creating a harmonious balance. The bell was traditionally rung by priests during ceremonies, as a call to prayer, or to mark the time of day.