Toki no Kane: Kawagoe's Enduring Time Bell
Step back in time at Kawagoe's iconic Time Bell Tower, a symbol of the city's rich Edo-period heritage and a 'Soundscape of Japan'.
Toki no Kane, or the Time Bell Tower, is a historic symbol of Kawagoe, a city known as 'Little Edo'. Originally built in 1624, the current three-story wooden tower dates back to 1894 and chimes four times daily, marking the hours in this charming, history-rich town.
A brief summary to Toki no Kane
- Saiwaicho, １５−7, Kawagoe, Saiwaicho, Saitama, 350-0063, JP
- Click to display
- Click to display
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Listen for the bell! It chimes four times a day at 6 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM, and 6 PM.
- Visit the Yakushi Shrine located just behind the tower.
- Explore the surrounding streets for souvenir shops and local food.
- Take photos from a distance to capture the entire tower.
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Getting There
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Walking
From Hon-Kawagoe Station, the Toki no Kane is approximately a 20-minute walk. Head north towards the Kurazukuri District (Warehouse District). The tower is easily visible from Kanetsuki Street (Bell Street). No costs are associated with walking.
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Public Transport
From Kawagoe Station (JR or Tobu lines), take the Tobu bus towards Shinmeimachi Garage and get off at the 'Ichiban machi' bus stop, which is a 1-minute walk to Toki no Kane. Alternatively, take the Koedo Loop Bus and get off at 'Kuranomachi' bus stop, a 3-minute walk. A single bus trip costs around ¥200. A day pass for the Koedo Loop Bus is available for ¥600 (¥400 on the 8th, 18th, and 28th of each month).
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available from both Kawagoe Station and Hon-Kawagoe Station. A short taxi ride from either station to Toki no Kane will cost approximately ¥700-¥900, depending on traffic.
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