Bell of the Sun

The Bell of the Sun is a bronze bell standing 8.4 meters tall on the banks of the Hirose River in Maebashi. The structure displays careful bronze casting work and sits prominently in the riverside setting.

Artist Tarō Okamoto created this bronze work in 1966 during a time when Maebashi was rebuilding after the war. The installation was part of a movement to introduce public art objects across the city.

The bell shows how contemporary art can build on the tradition of Japanese bonshō bells. You can observe here how modern sculptural forms connect with classical sound-making practices.

The bell stands by the Hirose River and is accessible on foot from Maebashi's Chiyoda district. The flat terrain around the location makes visiting straightforward and invites a walk along the river.

When struck, the bell produces deep tones that echo across the river and surrounding landscape. This sound experience directly connects the physical structure to the purpose of a traditional bell.

Location: Maebashi

Inception: 1966

Creator: Tarō Okamoto

Height: 8.4 m

Width: 1.2 m

Made from material: bronze

Address: 群馬県前橋市千代田町5丁目18

GPS coordinates: 36.39273,139.07293

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:02