Toki no Kane (the Time Bell Tower) is a roughly 16-metre, three-storey wooden bell tower standing in the heart of Kawagoe's Kurazukuri (warehouse) district in Saitama Prefecture, and it is the enduring symbol of this 'Little Edo' town. The structure you see today is the fourth generation, rebuilt in 1894 the year after the Great Fire of Kawagoe. It still rings four times a day, and that chime was chosen in 1996 as one of Japan's '100 Soundscapes'.
The wooden tower rising above the tiled kurazukuri merchant houses of Ichibangai street — Kawagoe's signature photo spot
The bell that sounds four times daily (6am, noon, 3pm, 6pm), selected in 1996 as one of Japan's '100 Soundscapes'
Yakushi Shrine, set beneath and behind the tower, associated with healing of eye ailments and illness
After sunset the upper part of the tower is gently lit, making for atmospheric evening and backlit-silhouette shots against the western sky
An exterior-viewing landmark to look up at from the street rather than climb — best paired with a stroll for local sweet-potato snacks and dango
Good to know
SafetyCars genuinely use the narrow lane beneath the tower (Kanetsuki-dori) and the surrounding warehouse street. Don't step into the road while framing a photo, and watch traffic carefully, especially with children or strollers.
SeasonOn weekends, holidays and fine-weather days the area gets very crowded, sidewalks are narrow and foot traffic can become one-directional. For relaxed photos and walking, aim for weekday mornings before about 10am, or the evening.
MannersThe passage directly under the tower is the approach to Yakushi Shrine. Don't block worshippers' path for photos or be noisy on the shrine grounds — keep it quiet and respectful.
RulesThis is an exterior-viewing landmark: you cannot go inside or climb it (no admission fee, viewable from the street around the clock). Confirm current bell-ringing times and any facility details before your visit.
MannersFully extending a tripod or blocking shop entrances or the roadway to shoot obstructs the narrow street. During busy periods, take your shot quickly and move on.
Practical info
About a 14-minute walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line), or take the Koedo Loop Bus and get off at 'Kuranomachi' (about 3 minutes on foot). It's free to view from the street; paid parking exists nearby, but public transport is recommended on weekends. Check the latest ringing times and details via the Kawagoe tourism association.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
