The Time Bell Tower (Toki no kane) | Review by Gina C

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The Time Bell Tower (Toki no kane)

A landmark of Koedo Kawagoe that tells the time.

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.

Other Reviews by Gina C

Koedo Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street

"Kawagoe," which thrived as a crucial point for transporting food such as rice and vegetables to Edo using the "Shingashi River," still retains its historical charm. The town is lined with traditional storehouses, preserving the vibes of yesteryears. Owing to these traces of the past, it's fondly referred to as the modern-day Little Edo.
- Saitama
- Shopping Streets
21 Oct 2026 See More

If you’re in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, be sure to make time to visit Koedo Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street! The area retains a strong Edo-period atmosphere, with many traditional warehouse-style buildings lining both sides of the street. The black-tiled roofs and dark wooden exteriors make it feel like you’ve instantly traveled back to ancient Japan, and walking along the street is truly nostalgic.

The shopping street has all kinds of distinctive stores offering everything from traditional Japanese sweets and souvenirs to specialty snacks. It’s perfect for strolling around and stopping whenever a shop catches your eye. Besides all the great shopping and food, the entire street is also very photogenic. Every casual snapshot has a distinctly retro Japanese feel.
Chunichi Building

Chunichi Building, which opened in April 2024, is a mixed-use complex in the Sakae area of Nagoya. From B1F to 5F, it offers a wide variety of shops, including restaurants, cafes, general goods stores, and local product shops, and its greatest appeal is that visitors can enjoy food, shopping, and sightseeing all in one place. Directly connected to the underground mall and easy to access, it is also conveniently located as a base for sightseeing.
- Sakae, Fushimi, Osu
- Commercial Buildings
20 Oct 2026 See More

This time at Chunichi Building, I made a special point of buying coffee beans from Blue Bottle Coffee. For someone who loves coffee, this was another great find from the trip.

Blue Bottle Coffee is loved by many for its minimalist brand design and coffee culture. The familiar blue bottle logo alone is instantly recognizable! I brought the coffee beans home so I can brew them myself and slowly relive the wonderful memories of this trip to Japan in my everyday life.
Enbun Charge Tablets

A chewable tablet that aids in boosting electrolytes lost while you sweat. It tastes great and melts in your mouth to quickly deliver sodium, potassium, and citric acid to the body.
- Snacks
20 Oct 2026 See More

These don't taste quite like ordinary sweet candy. They have a salty-sweet flavor that reminds me of a sports drink, giving them a familiar yet distinctive taste. They're not just simply sweet, which makes them pretty unique! Each tablet is small and easy to carry. Just keep some in your bag, and they're very convenient when traveling or walking a lot.

Summers in Japan are really hot, especially when you're traveling and often walking around outdoors. Besides remembering to stay hydrated, you also need to be mindful of the salt you lose through sweating.