Seiko House Ginza Clock Tower: A Timeless Icon
Discover the elegance of Seiko House Ginza Clock Tower, a historic landmark in Tokyo's Ginza district, symbolizing Japan's watchmaking tradition.
The Seiko House Ginza Clock Tower is more than just a timepiece; it's a historical landmark that embodies Tokyo's spirit of innovation and craftsmanship. Located in the heart of the Ginza district, the clock tower has been a symbol of Seiko's commitment to quality since its establishment. The original clock tower was erected in 1894 by Kintaro Hattori, Seiko's founder, who wanted to provide a public clock for the people of Ginza. The current building, completed in 1932, was designed by Jin Watanabe in an art deco-influenced neoclassical style. Its curved granite facade and clock tower have since become central landmarks in the district. Over the years, the clock tower has undergone several renovations to maintain its accuracy and structural integrity. In 1966, the original weight-winding system was replaced with a Seiko quartz oscillation movement, which was later upgraded to an even higher-precision quartz movement in 1974. In 2004, a GPS system was added to ensure even more accurate timekeeping. Today, Seiko House Ginza houses the Wako department store from the basement to the 4th floor, offering luxury items such as watches and jewelry. The upper floors are dedicated to promoting the Seiko brand, with spaces like the Seiko House Hall and The Atelier Ginza. The rooftop Seiko Sky Garden provides a relaxing space with attractive plantings and a wooden deck.
Local tips
- Visit during the late afternoon or early morning for the best lighting for photographs.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through the upscale shops and restaurants of Ginza.
- Check for any special events or exhibitions hosted by Seiko to enhance your experience.
- On weekends, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as the streets turn into pedestrian-only zones.
A brief summary to Seiko House Ginza Clock Tower
- 4 Chome-5-11 Ginza, Chuo City, 4 Chome Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061, JP
Getting There
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Subway
From Tokyo Station, take the Marunouchi Line (red line) towards Ikebukuro. Get off at Ginza Station (3 stops). Use Exit A3, A9, A10 or B1 to leave the station. Once outside, walk straight for about 300 meters on Chuo-dori Street until you reach the intersection with Harumi-dori. Seiko House Ginza Clock Tower will be on your left. Subway fare is between ¥180-¥330 depending on the distance.
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Bus
From Shibuya Station, take the Toei Bus (渋88) towards Marunouchi. Get off at the Ginza 4-chome bus stop. From the bus stop, walk towards the Ginza intersection and head towards Chuo-dori Street, where you will find Seiko House Ginza Clock Tower. The flat fare for most local buses in central Tokyo is ¥210 for adults.
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Walking
If you are in the vicinity of the Imperial Palace, walk to Seiko House Ginza Clock Tower. Head south on Marunouchi Naka-dori Street and continue until you reach the intersection with Chuo-dori Street. Turn left and walk for about 1.5 kilometers. The clock tower is located at 4 Chome-5-11 Ginza, on your right.
