The bell tower was originally commissioned by the local lord Sakai Tadakatsu in the early 1600s.
The current tower was rebuilt using a fire-resistant design after the Great Kawagoe Fire destroyed much of the city center.
It is officially designated as a tangible cultural property by the city of Kawagoe.
The Ministry of the Environment selected the sound of this bell as one of the '100 Soundscapes of Japan' in 1996.
Despite the advancement of digital technology, the bell is still rung manually or via automated systems to maintain the historic auditory landscape.
Toki no Kane is an iconic wooden bell tower that serves as the enduring symbol of Kawagoe, often referred to as Little Edo. The current structure is the fourth iteration, reconstructed in 1894 following a devastating city-wide fire in 1893. The tower stands approximately 16 meters tall and retains the architectural style typical of the Edo period. It features a three-story design built on a foundation of stone. The bell is mechanically struck to mark time, a tradition maintained to preserve the local atmosphere. The structure is located in the heart of the Kurazukuri district, which is known for its well-preserved traditional merchant houses. It continues to function, with the bell ringing several times daily. It is recognized as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan by the Ministry of the Environment.
From the opposite side of the street where the full vertical height of the tower is visible above the surrounding merchant houses.
Visit the small shrine located at the base of the tower for a quick view of the wooden construction from below.
Walk the surrounding Kurazukuri street to see other merchant buildings that survived the 19th-century fires.
Bring a wide-angle lens, as the street is narrow and the tower is tall.
Do not attempt to climb the tower, as it is closed to public entry for structural preservation.
