All Reviews of The Time Bell Tower (Toki no kane)

Looking up at the sky over Koedo Kawagoe, the most striking landmark is this wooden bell tower that has stood for centuries—the Time Bell (Toki no Kane).
This three-story wooden structure, about 16 meters tall, has watched over the town since the early Edo period. Despite the passage of time and being rebuilt after fires, it still stands beside the historic kurazukuri warehouse district. Its steady, clear bell rings every day at 6:00 a.m., noon, 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m., and it was selected as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan.
Walking along the stone-paved path beneath the tower, I looked up at the dark brown wood grain, which appeared especially rustic and charming against the blue sky. Surrounded by distinctive little shops and the aroma of Japanese sweets, hearing the bell echo softly felt like traveling through time in an instant, back to the lively yet leisurely pace of old Edo. When you visit Kawagoe, be sure to stop and listen to this tranquil bell that has echoed through the centuries.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The whole street has a real Edo-period vibe. Super photogenic and full of character.
The shopping street feels pretty local too—not just touristy stuff.

Strolling through the old streets of Kurazukuri in Kawagoe~
Great weather, great mood too~👌

The Time Bell Tower has such a nostalgic Japanese vibe! It really stands out among the old warehouse streets. Love it~

A city full of history. Around the station it feels modern, but the farther you get from the station, the more it feels like you’re time-traveling back to the Taisho and Edo periods, which is really fun.
I also recommend the "Poku Poku" sweet potato treat from the long-established Japanese sweets shop Kurazukuri Honpo.

Kawagoe has preserved a lot of old buildings and historical sites. Walking down the old streets has a special vibe. There are all kinds of shops, and even the Starbucks blends right in.