Toki no Kane: Kawagoe's Enduring Time Bell
A historic bell tower in Kawagoe, Japan, that has chimed for centuries, marking time in the 'Little Edo' and preserving a rich cultural heritage.
Toki no Kane, or the Time Bell Tower, is a beloved symbol of Kawagoe, a charming city known as 'Little Edo' for its preserved Edo-era atmosphere. The wooden tower stands 16 meters tall and has been rebuilt several times throughout history, most recently after the Great Kawagoe Fire of 1893. Today, the bell rings four times daily, marking the hours for the community as it has for centuries.
A brief summary to Toki no Kane
- Saiwaicho, １５−7, Kawagoe, Saiwaicho, Saitama, 350-0063, JP
- +8149-224-6097
- Visit website
Local tips
- Time your visit to coincide with the bell ringing at 6 AM, noon, 3 PM, or 6 PM to experience its historic sound.
- Explore the Yakushi Shrine located just behind the bell tower.
- Stroll through the surrounding Kurazukuri district to admire the traditional warehouse-style buildings.
- Sample local snacks and sweets in the nearby Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley).
Getting There
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Walking
From Hon-Kawagoe Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line), the Toki no Kane is approximately a 15-minute walk. Exit the station and walk north towards the main street. Continue straight, passing the Kawagoe Post Office on your left. Turn left at the intersection near the Saitama Resona Bank. Walk straight, and you'll find the Toki no Kane in the heart of the Kurazukuri district. No costs are associated with this route.
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Public Transport
From Kawagoe Station (JR Kawagoe Line or Tobu Tojo Line), take the Tobu Bus towards Shinmeimachi Garage and get off at the 'Ichiban Machi' bus stop. The Toki no Kane is a 1-minute walk from the bus stop. Alternatively, take the Koedo Loop Bus and get off at the 'Kuranomachi' bus stop, which is a 3-minute walk to the bell tower. A single bus fare typically costs around ¥200.
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