World and Lore / Kyoto mystery

The Homecoming Bell

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.