About the sound

　On July 1, 1996, the cry of the Kasuga-no deer and the ringing of the bells of the many temples were recognized as "Sounds of Japan".
As this first page opens, you can hear the cry of the deer followed by the sound of the Tôdai-ji temple bell. Click a link to hear the sound of the bell at Kôfuku-ji temple.

When can these sounds be heard

The cries of the deer can be heard throughout the day, the Tôdai-ji temple bell can be heard every evening at 8:00, and the Kôfuku-ji temple bell can be heard three times a day, at 6 am, noon and 6 pm.

Where can these sounds be heard

The cries of the deer can be heard in the Kasuga-no area, and the bells can be heard around each of the temples.

　 In Kasuga-no, located at about the center of Nara city, visitors are greeted not only with the brilliant greenery of early summer, but also by about 1,200 wild deer throughout the year.
　While walking through this area in early morning, the sharp cries of the deer breaking the silence and mixing with the fresh air have a calming effect.

　 Kôfuku-ji temple with its towering five-storied pagoda at the entrance to Nara Park, and Tôdai-ji temple with the Daibutsu-den (the hall housing the Great Buddha statue) represent Nara's many shrines and temples, which are the historical symbols of the city. The bells of these temples, in which one can hear the flow of time since their construction, continues to give comfort to the town and people of the ancient capital city of Nara.

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