Toki no Kane (Bell Tower)
時の鐘
A roughly 16-meter-tall, three-story wooden bell tower standing just off a side alley near the middle of the kurazukuri townscape. It is said to have been first built by Sakai Tadakatsu, lord of Kawagoe Castle, during the Kan'ei era (1627-1634), and for nearly 400 years it has tolled the hours as a symbol of Kawagoe. The current tower was rebuilt the year after the great Kawagoe Fire of 1893, and even today its bell still rings out over the town four times a day — at 6:00 a.m., noon, 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. — via an automatic striking mechanism. Its sound was selected as one of the Ministry of the Environment's "100 Soundscapes of Japan to Be Preserved." Free to view, it's an iconic stop on any stroll through the kurazukuri townscape, and the wooden tower rising at the end of the alley is a popular photo spot among visitors. Long-established confectioners and sweets shops are scattered around Toki no Kane, making it a pleasant place for a leisurely walk while listening for the bell.
Highlights
The wooden tower rising straight up at the end of the alley is one of the most photographed spots in Kawagoe sightseeing. A small torii gate and Yakushi Shrine at the base of the tower are also worth seeing, offering a quieter atmosphere than the main kurazukuri street. Time your visit around one of the four daily bell rings and you may catch the bell tolling in person.
History
It is said to have first been built in the early Edo period by Sakai Tadakatsu, lord of Kawagoe Castle, in the castle town below. Since then it has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, including in the Kawagoe Fire, while continuing to be passed down as a symbol of the town. The present structure was rebuilt in 1894 and is designated a Kawagoe City Tangible Cultural Property.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 10-20 minutes
- Crowd levels
- The alley is narrow and can get crowded with people taking photos, especially around the times the bell rings
- Best time to visit
- It's atmospheric to visit around the bell-ringing times of 6:00 a.m., noon, 3:00 p.m., or 6:00 p.m.
| Address | 15-7 Saiwaicho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open access for viewing (24 hours; bell rings 4 times daily: 6:00 a.m., noon, 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m.) |
| Admission | Free |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 15 min walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line)