Nora Dokei Clock
This clock tower was made in the mid-Meiji era, a time when clocks were not yet commonplace, by Genma Hatakenaka. He was a landowner who mastered the art of clock assembly, building it by hand from gears and weights. The clock was nationally registered as a tangible cultural property in 1996.
It's an old clock tower, but what's special is that it was handmade by a local farmer over a hundred years ago—so creative and impressive. It's not huge, but standing there watching it tick so precisely gives you a sense of traveling through time and really makes you appreciate the craftsmanship. It's a great spot for a quick visit and photo, and you can really feel the locals' care for their community.