A Bell by Mononobe no Kunimitsu
The Temple Bell at Koamiji, registered simply as 梵鐘 (bonshō), cast in 1286 and kept at Koamiji Temple in Ideno-o, Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture, is a Kamakura-period bronze bell designated an Important Cultural Property in 1961. It stands 107.5 cm tall with a mouth 62.1 cm across.
It was cast by Mononobe no Kunimitsu. Tateyama City notes that his bells also survive at Kokubunji in Ebina, Shomyoji in Yokohama and Engakuji in Kamakura, marking him as one of the leading founders of his day. Chiba Prefecture ranks this Temple Bell, with the bell at Ganzoji in Nagara, among the finest bells in the prefecture.
A Bell Cast with a Spell
It was cast in three sections, with the bosses (chi) in four rows of four. The upper band carries flying clouds with the sun and moon; the lower band is cast in high relief with the three-pronged vajra of esoteric Buddhism. Its two striking points sit in line with the dragon-head loop, as eight-petalled double lotuses.
Across two panels of the central zone runs the Daizuigu dharani in Sanskrit script, a spell said to ward off every misfortune and to wipe away the sins even of those who only hear it recited, and long copied out as a protective charm. Chiba Prefecture suggests that the bell's voice itself was meant as the sound of salvation.
The Temple's Old Name
The inscription preserves Kongosan Daishogonji, thought to be Koamiji's former name. It names the priest Ryuson as chief patron, Yahagi Sukesada and Ota Suenobu as principal donors, and Mononobe no Kunimitsu as the founder.
The temple's early name, the people who commissioned and paid for the bell and the craftsman who cast it are all recorded on one object.
Visiting
According to the Tateyama City Tourism Association, the Temple Bell hangs in the bell tower in Koamiji's grounds. No information on admission fees or opening hours has been found; please be considerate of temple services when visiting.
Koamiji is at 859 Ideno-o, Tateyama. Turn inland near the Okadaguchi bus stop on Prefectural Road 86, which runs from Tateyama toward Shirahama, and climb the steep Koami slope to the main hall.
Q&A
- Can I see the Temple Bell at Koamiji?
- According to the Tateyama City Tourism Association, it hangs in the bell tower in the temple grounds. No admission or opening-hour information has been found.
- When and by whom was the Koamiji Temple Bell cast?
- In 1286, by the founder Mononobe no Kunimitsu, who worked mainly around Kamakura.
- How big is the Koamiji Temple Bell?
- It is 107.5 cm tall with a mouth 62.1 cm across.
- What is on the central panels of the Koamiji Temple Bell?
- The Daizuigu dharani in Sanskrit script across two panels, and an inscription with the temple's old name and the names of its patrons and founder.
- When was the Koamiji Temple Bell designated an Important Cultural Property?
- On 30 June 1961, as a craft object.
Basic Information
| Name | Temple Bell (梵鐘) |
|---|---|
| Location | 859 Ideno-o, Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture (Koamiji Temple) |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (craft) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1961/6/30 (Showa 36) |
| Quantity | 1 bell |
| Dimensions | Height 107.5 cm, mouth diameter 62.1 cm |
| Owner | Koamiji Temple |
| Public Access | Hangs in the bell tower in the temple grounds |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs database: Temple Bell (Koamiji)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/201/6790
- Chiba Prefecture: Temple Bell (inscribed Koan 9)
- https://www.pref.chiba.lg.jp/kyouiku/bunkazai/bunkazai/n141-011.html
- Tateyama City: Temple Bell (inscribed Koan 9)
- https://www.city.tateyama.chiba.jp/syougaigaku/page022207.html
- Tateyama City Tourism Association: Koamiji
- https://tateyamacity.com/archives/2616
- Awa Kannon pilgrimage: No. 32 Koamiji
- https://awa-junrei.jp/history/32koamiji/
Last verified: 2026.09.26