The Homecoming Bell迎え鐘
Rokudo-chinnoji Temple is home to the mukae-gane, or "homecoming bell," which is rung by way of a thick rope. It is said that the peal of this bell can be heard even in the land of the dead, from which it calls forth the souls of the departed.
People ring the mukae-gane in the days leading up to Obon, a traditional holiday for honoring one's ancestors, to greet returning spirits.
Ha ha! This temple bell is so fun! You can't see it from the outside, but there's a rope here that sticks out, and if you pull it, it'll ring!
I know Mother told me not to play with it, but she's out shopping right now, so she'll never know...
Alright, I'll ring it on the count of three, then. Hehe...! One, two, threeee...!
すごーい。 このお寺の鐘、紐を引いて鳴らすんだぁ。 お母さんには「勝手に鳴らしちゃダメ」って 言われたけど、今はお買い物に行ってるし、 ちょっとだけならいいよね…？ せーの！
Uh-oh! I didn't expect it to be so loud! I hope I don't get in trouble! It's strange, though. After ringing it, I feel really nice and calm.
...Huh? Wait! Wh-Who's there?
Oh, it's Daddy! But you said you'd be away for ages and ages! I thought you had to work!
...What's that? You can only stay for a little while, but you wanted to see me? Yay! I'm so happy! I missed you!
Oh, there you are! I've been looking everywhere for you! I should have known that you would be here at the temple. Come along now. I've finished the shopping. Now it's time to make dinner.
...What? You spoke to Daddy? But that's not possible... He's no longer with us... I—I mean, he went far, far away. You remember, after he got sick, three years back...?
- Where
- Rokudo-chinnoji Temple district
- Map
- Eastern Kyoto
- Region
- Eastern Kyoto
- Hand in to
- Lady Murasaki, Yasaka Shrine
Previous: A Long Way to Go
Next: The Peony Lantern
All 36 Lion Dog locations