Kawagoe is only about an hour away from the center of Tokyo, and it is a city where you can enjoy the quaint streets. One of the most famous tourist landmarks in this city is the Bell of Time. It is a landmark with a striking presence in the street lined with old-fashioned warehouses.
The bell rings four times a day at 6:00 a.m., noon, 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. The bell is a three-story wooden tower about 16 meters high.
The temple was built about 400 years ago. It is said to have been built by Tadakatsu Sakai, a feudal lord of Kawagoe. It has been repeatedly destroyed by fire, and the current building is the fourth generation. It was reconstructed because of the Kawagoe fire in 1893, It has become an indispensable and beloved symbol for the people of the city. In 1958, it was designated as a tangible cultural asset by Kawagoe City. Moreover, in 1996, it was selected as one of the "100 Best Soundscapes to Preserve" in Japan.
In the old days, the bell was rung at a fixed time by the bell keeper, but now it is a mechanical bell. The sound of the bells, however, is still the same as in the past. If you hear the sound of the bell while strolling in Kawagoe, be sure to listen carefully.
Highlights
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If you pass under the Bell of Time, you will find Yakushi Shrine.
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The surrounding area is dotted with souvenir shops and gourmet restaurants.
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If you take a picture of the hour bell from a little further away than directly below, you can get a good shot of the whole thing.
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The bell rings four times a day, at 6:00AM, noon, 3:00PM, and 6:00PM.
