Evening Bell at Ikegami, from the series Eight Views of the Environs of Edo

In the Eight Views, the Evening Bell theme always implies that the bell is ringing at a Buddhist temple. In this print, we see Ikegami Honmonji temple, perched atop a forested hill in southern Edo. It is the head temple of the Nichiren sect of Buddhism. Still a major site in Tokyo, it has maintained its harmonious relationship with nature since its founding in 1282.

In the print, we see tall, ancient cedar trees surrounding the temple and the steep steps leading up to it. The temple’s elevated position offered Edo residents views of the bay and Mount Fuji, while its grounds served as an urban sanctuary for local wildlife. Today, the temple is a green space within the metropolis, demonstrating how religious sites can preserve natural environments within urban settings.