noun
Literary or poetic term for sunset, often evoking the time when temple bells ring. Not used in everyday conversation.
入相の空が茜色に染まる。
The sunset sky is dyed crimson.
noun
evening bell; vespers bell
Abbreviation of 入相の鐘, the temple bell rung at sunset. Used in historical or religious contexts.
See also: 入相の鐘
山里に入相の鐘が響く。
The evening bell echoes through the mountain village.
Compound of 入り (iri, 'entering') and 相 (ai, 'together' or 'mutual'), referring to the time when the sun enters the mountains or the bell is rung. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.