The unmistakable sound of the suzu 「鈴」 metallic bells is always present in the Shinto rituals. Their size ranges from a small pea to bells as big as a car tire. Small suzu are tied to the omamori good luck charms, and large suzu are hung in front of the worshiping halls, being used to attract the attention of the kami.

An interesting version is the Kagura suzu, photographed here, used by the miko shrine attendants during the kagura sacred dances. Kagura suzu has three rows of bells, arranged in a shape said to be inspired by the fruit of the ogatama tree, one of the sacred trees in Shinto religion.

Kagura suzu, Toshougu Shrine, Ueno, Tokyo

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Japanese traditional house, Kikuya residence in Hagi