About Bell Tower

Bell Tower located in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, is a historic bell tower that has become a familiar symbol of Kawagoe, and is a sightseeing spot where visitors can feel the atmosphere that has existed since the Edo period. Kawagoe is called “Koedo,” or “Little Edo,” and the atmosphere of the castle town, which retains strong traces of the Edo period, is attractive. The Bell Tower, in particular, blends in with the townscape, giving visitors a sense of the passage of time.

The Bell Tower was originally installed by Tadakatsu Sakai, lord of Kawagoe Castle, and the current building was reconstructed in the Meiji era. The current building was reconstructed in the Meiji period (1868-1912). The bell tower is a three-story wooden structure approximately 16 meters high, and its atmospheric appearance fits well with the townscape. The bell is still rung four times a day (morning, noon, evening, and dusk), and its tone has been selected as one of the “100 Soundscapes to Preserve” in Japan. With the sound of the bell echoing throughout the town, visitors can feel the sentiment of the Edo period and imagine how people in those days lived their lives listening to the sound of the Bell Tower.

The charm of the Bell Tower lies not only in its historical value but also in the sense of unity with the surrounding townscape. Kawagoe has streets lined with old warehouse-style merchant houses, and the Bell Tower is part of this landscape, making the townscape even more atmospheric. The combination of the kura-zukuri buildings and the Bell Tower creates the illusion of a time slip back to the Edo period, making it a great place to take pictures while strolling around. Especially at dusk, the Bell Tower and the warehouse buildings turn orange, creating a nostalgic and romantic atmosphere.

In addition, many tourist spots and stores are clustered around the Bell Tower. Japanese sweets stores, traditional craft stores, and cafes that make use of old houses line the streets, where visitors can stop by during their stroll. Kawagoe is especially famous for its sweet potatoes, and many sweets and gourmet foods made from sweet potatoes are sold here. Enjoying local delicacies while gazing at the Bell Tower is a recommended way for visitors to spend their time.

Another recommended point to visit the Bell Tower is the fusion of its surrounding scenery and events. Various festivals and events are held throughout the year in Kawagoe, sometimes with the Bell Tower as a backdrop for lighting up, illumination, and parades. Especially during the “Kawagoe Festival,” the whole town is gorgeously decorated and the Bell Tower appears fantastic as part of the festival, creating a very lively and enjoyable atmosphere.

In general, the Bell Tower symbolizes the history and atmosphere of Kawagoe, and the sound of the bell and the scenery evoke the atmosphere of Edo in the hearts of visitors. By enjoying it together with the streets of Kawagoe, visitors can fully appreciate its beauty and emotion. It is a spot where visitors can feel the charm of Kawagoe even more when they visit in combination with walking around the city and eating.