Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower)

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• Eddie

  30 Oct 2026 See More

  Looking up at the sky over Little Edo Kawagoe, no landmark stands out more than the centuries-old wooden bell tower known as the Bell of Time (Toki no Kane).
  This three-story wooden structure, about 16 meters tall, has watched over the town since the early Edo period. Despite being rebuilt over the years after fires, it still stands beside the charming old warehouse district. Its bell rings every day at 6:00 a.m., noon, 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m., and its calm, clear chime was selected as one of the “100 Soundscapes of Japan.”
  Walking along the stone-paved path beneath the bell tower, I looked up at the dark brown wood grain, which appeared especially simple and charming against the blue sky. The area is surrounded by unique little shops and the aroma of Japanese sweets. When the bell’s gentle chime rings out, it feels as if you’ve traveled back in time to the lively yet leisurely days of old Edo. When visiting Kawagoe, be sure to stop and listen to this tranquil bell that has echoed through the centuries.

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• Gina C

  21 Oct 2026 See More

  The bell tower features traditional Japanese wooden architecture, and together with the surrounding streets full of Edo-period charm, it really feels like traveling back in time! Walking around the area, you can see many historic buildings and unique shops. The whole atmosphere feels like a traditional Japanese town and is completely different from the bustling cityscape of central Tokyo.

  Most notably, the Bell of Time still rings at set times, reminding everyone of the passage of time each day and keeping this old bell tower full of life even today. Besides taking photos here, it’s also a great place to slow down and experience Kawagoe’s unique history and culture.

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• 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

  30 Sep 2026 See More

  Walking along Kawagoe's old streets, lined with distinctive black-tiled buildings and filled with Edo-period charm, you can see the tall Time Bell Tower standing in the distance, telling the story of centuries gone by. Luckily, the bell rang at its scheduled time during my visit. Its clear, resonant chime made the whole trip feel even more like traveling through time.

  After passing through the passage beneath the bell tower, you can also stop by Yakushi Shrine, tucked away inside. As the sky gradually darkens and the streetlights come on, the illuminated Time Bell Tower and the old streets create another kind of peaceful, captivating atmosphere. If you visit Kawagoe, don't miss this landmark filled with Edo-period charm.

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• Linda Liao

  30 Sep 2026 See More

  When visiting Kawagoe, you’ll almost certainly pass by the Toki no Kane, or Time Bell Tower, which is filled with Edo-period charm. The old-fashioned wooden bell tower is one of Kawagoe’s most iconic landmarks, and its bell still rings at set times. The melodious chimes add a nostalgic atmosphere to the historic streets. Many traditional kurazukuri buildings have been preserved nearby, and walking along Kawagoe Ichibangai feels like stepping through a time tunnel. With the dessert and souvenir shops lining the street, it’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll, snap photos, and experience Kawagoe’s unique historic atmosphere.

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• BobbyJenny

  3 Aug 2026 See More

  Seeing Kawagoe's Bell of Time for the first time, I found it more charming than I had imagined. Although it isn't particularly ornate, it stands quietly in the middle of the old town, filled with a strong sense of nostalgia that makes you want to stop and take a photo. Walking along the nearby streets and looking at the historic buildings really feels like stepping back into the Edo period.

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