Toki no Kane Travel Guide

Free Guide: A historic bell tower in Kawagoe, Japan, that has chimed for centuries, marking time in the 'Little Edo' and preserving a rich cultural heritage.

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Toki no Kane

A brief summary of Toki no Kane

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.

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Opening hours

  • Every dayOpen 24 hours

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
〒350-0063 Saitama, Kawagoe, Saiwaicho, １５−7
Phone
Website

Getting there

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.

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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Overview

Toki no Kane is more than just a bell tower; it's a living testament to Kawagoe's rich history and resilience. Originally constructed in the early 1600s by Sakai Tadakatsu, the lord of Kawagoe Castle, the bell served as both a timekeeping device and a fire alarm for the castle town. Throughout the centuries, fires have repeatedly destroyed the tower, but each time, it has been faithfully reconstructed by the townspeople. The current three-story structure dates back to 1894 and is a prominent landmark in the Kurazukuri district, known for its traditional warehouse-style buildings. The bell rings four times a day – at 6 am, noon, 3 pm, and 6 pm. In 1996, the sound of Toki no Kane was recognized as one of the '100 Soundscapes of Japan' by the Ministry of the Environment, solidifying its cultural significance. Visitors can also explore the small Yakushi Shrine located just behind the tower. Kawagoe's well-preserved streets, traditional architecture, and charming shops offer a glimpse into Japan's Edo period.

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