The Bell Tower which soars conspicuously into the sky was built between 1207 and 1210 by the Zen priest Yōsai (1141-1215), who succeeded Chōgen, the figure who made the greatest mark in restoring the temple at the start of the Kamakura period, as Chief Solicitor. The elegant structure combines certain aspects of the Zen style of architecture with the “Daibutsu style.” The bell, which weighs 26.3 tons, dates from the time of the founding of Tōdai-ji. One of the Three Famous Bells of Japan, it is known for its long ring.