Kohfuku-ji Bell-Ringing Experience – Learn Buddhist Teachings from a Monk and Feel the Resonance of the Temple Bell

This unique experience takes place at Kohfuku-ji, a temple with over 1,300 years of history. Guided by a monk, you will learn first-hand about the teachings of Buddhism and the deep meaning behind the temple bell, then take part in the rare opportunity to ring it yourself.

Located in the heart of Nara, Kohfuku-ji is a historic temple that has contributed significantly to Japanese Buddhism and culture for over 1,300 years. Today, it continues to preserve and share the spirit of Buddhism alongside its many cultural treasures.

Within its tranquil grounds, the temple bell is rung every morning, noon, and evening, not just to mark the time, but to calm people’s hearts and carry their prayers. It has served this role for over a thousand years.

During this experience, you will have the opportunity to learn in depth from a monk about Buddhist teachings, the significance of the bell, and the customs and history associated with Kohfuku-ji, both before and after ringing the bell. Rather than simply striking the bell, you will gain a deeper understanding of its spiritual significance and personally bring forth its clear, powerful sound; a moment that will leave a profound and wordless resonance.

Through this experience, feel the depth of Japanese Buddhist culture; something that cannot be fully understood by merely observing.

Kohfuku-ji is a historic temple founded in 710 when the capital of Nara was established. As the main temple of the Hosso sect of Buddhism, many national ceremonies have been held at Kohfuku-ji since the Nara period (710-794), and the temple has been deeply involved in the culture and history of the ancient capital. The temple houses many masterpieces of Buddhist art, including the Ashura statue, a national treasure, preserving the history of Japanese Buddhism to this day. Particularly, the "Chukondo" Central Golden Hall is one of the central buildings of Kohfuku-ji, housing numerous exquisitely crafted Buddhist statues alongside its magnificent architecture. Additionally, the landscape of the temple grounds, which changes with the seasons, allows visitors to feel the harmony between Nara’s history and nature.

This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from a monk about Buddhist teachings and the meaning behind the ringing of the temple bell; insights that are seldom found in daily life. You will receive a clear and accessible explanation of the fundamental principles of Buddhism, the effect of the bell’s sound on the human heart, and the role of the bell at Kohfuku-ji. Even the most basic questions are welcome, making it possible to deepen your understanding through dialogue, which is one of the unique aspects of this experience.

The bell at Kohfuku-ji is struck every day at set times, six times at 6 a.m., twelve times at noon, and six times again at 6 p.m., and this tradition has been faithfully maintained. This bell has marked time alongside the life of the town for many years, and being able to ring it yourself is a truly rare and valuable experience. At the moment the deep, clear sound resonates, you will likely feel as if your own strike is connected to the flow of history.

◎ English-Speaking Guide
◎ Explanation of Kohfuku-ji's history and bell ringing by a monk
◎ Kohfuku-ji bell-ringing experience
× Transportation costs

11:20 – Meet in front of Kohfuku-ji’s "Nan-endo" Southern Round Hall (*Please arrive 10 minutes before the experience starts).

11:30 – Explanation by the Monk
Learn about Buddhist teachings, the significance of the temple bell, and the history and customs of Kohfuku-ji through the monk’s clear and insightful explanation. Questions are always welcome.

11:50 – Bell-Ringing Experience
A rare opportunity to strike the bell that has marked 1,300 years of history with your own hands.
The deep, clear resonance will echo softly through your heart.

12:10 – End of the Experience
With each strike of the bell filled with prayer, the experience concludes, leaving you with an unforgettable moment to cherish.


*Not only can you explore the rich history of Kohfuku-ji, but you will also have the opportunity to take advantage of a free 'visual guide' offering insights usually not accessible to visitors. Through immersive VR (virtual reality) visuals, this content allows you to experience Kohfuku-ji's philosophy, its efforts toward reconstruction, and the Japanese approach to spirituality. The visual guide is available on-site. For more details:：https://kohfukuji-project.jp/visualguide/en/index.html