Kyoto - Chion-in Temple

The Chion-in Temple, the main seat of the Jodo sects, is situated in the east of the city. It is one of Japan's most famous temples and its precinct covers 35ac (14.5ha). Its buildings, which were frequently destroyed by fire, were rebuilt for the last time at the beginning of the 17th C. Its 77ft (24m) high, two-story tower, Sammon-san, is reputedly the most magnificent gate-tower in Japan, and its campanile houses the country's largest bell; it stands 18ft (5.4m) high, has a diameter of 9ft (2.70m), weighs 71 tons, and was cast in 1633. It is rung only during the festivals, which take place in mid-April. After the main hall, which is dedicated to Honen, the founder of the sect who lies buried here, and the assembly hall, the major attraction is the impressive Sutra Library. This houses a complete collection of the Buddhist Sutra, in 5,600 volumes, which was printed in China at the time of the Sung Dynasty.