Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Tokinokane (Bell of Time) is an iconic wooden bell tower located in the Kurazukuri district of Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. Originating in the Edo period, it is a beloved structure that conveys the history of Kawagoe, which flourished as a castle town and commercial city. It is approximately 16 meters tall and has a four-story structure, and once played a role in announcing the time in the town. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times by fire, and the current building is said to have been rebuilt in the Meiji period.
Its distinctive features include the harmony between the traditional wooden architecture and the landscape lined with storehouse-style merchant houses, and the fact that the townscape changes with the seasons, making it a popular photo spot. In the daytime, you can enjoy the contrast between the storehouse walls and the Toki no Kane Bell, and at dusk and at night, the illuminations create a different atmosphere.
Highlights
- A sense of unity with the historic landscape: Standing amongst the rows of warehouses (Kawagoe Ichibangai), it retains the atmosphere of an old commercial district. It is a popular photo spot.
- The sound of the bell of time: The bell is still struck periodically, allowing you to experience the sound of time being struck in the past (please check the on-site signs for the time and frequency).
- Walking around the neighborhoodThe area is lined with traditional merchant houses, souvenir shops, and sweet shops, so you can enjoy both eating and shopping.
- Night view and illuminations: It is sometimes lit up during certain seasons or events, allowing you to take pictures with a different feel than during the day.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station
- Approximately 5-10 minutes walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line
- About 15-20 minutes on foot from Kawagoe Station on the Tobu Tojo Line or JR Kawagoe Line, or take a bus towards Kuranomachi
- bus: Take the city loop bus or local bus from Kawagoe Station or Honkawagoe Station and get off at "Ichibangai" or "Kuranomachi".
- car：Parking in the city center is a tourist destination, so it can get crowded. We recommend using public transportation. There are paid parking lots nearby, but they tend to fill up on weekends.
- remarks: As this is a tourist destination, there may be pedestrian-only hours and traffic restrictions. Please follow local signs.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Visiting alone to take photos and explore the surrounding area: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- If you want to take your time to explore nearby spots such as the Kurazukuri Street and Kashiya Yokocho, it will take 2 to 4 hours (half-day course).
- Sightseeing, eating, museums, etc.: 1-day itinerary
Nearby spots
- Kurazukuri Street (Kawagoe Ichibangai) - A popular tourist area stretching from before to after the Bell Tower
- Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley) — A street lined with traditional Japanese sweet shops and candy stores
- Kita-in Temple - A historic temple with gardens and important cultural properties
- Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Palace Ruins (Kawagoe City Museum and Honmaru Palace) — Historical Sites in the Castle Town
- Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine — A shrine known for matchmaking and seasonal events
- Kawagoe Festival Hall — A facility where you can see festivals and float displays
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- congestion: It gets very crowded on weekends, national holidays, Golden Week, cherry blossom season, autumn sightseeing season, and Kawagoe Festival (around mid-October). Early mornings and weekday mornings are relatively quiet.
- Photo Shooting Etiquette: Many tourists and locals pass through this area. Please be considerate of those around you when taking photos, as using a tripod or occupying the area for a long period of time may cause obstructions to people passing by.
- Consideration for the building: The Bell of Time is a historic wooden structure. Climbing is prohibited and you should not touch or climb on it.
- Noise and trash：City streets are also used by local residents. Please refrain from talking loudly or leaving trash behind. Eating and drinking should be limited to nearby stores or designated areas.
- Seasonal precautions: It gets very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. Please take precautions against heatstroke in the summer and cold weather in the winter. Be careful when walking on rainy days as the roads can get slippery.
- Bell time: The time and frequency of the bell ringing may change. If you want to be sure to hear it, please check the latest information on local signs or at the tourist information center.
The Bell of Time is a spot that symbolizes the history and townscape of Kawagoe. Please enjoy strolling around and taking photos at your own pace, taking into consideration the crowding situation and local rules.
