Toki no Kane

The Chime of Time is a symbol of Kawagoe, a town of traditional Japanese warehouses. Locals love the Chime, which has been telling time since the Edo Period. It is said to have been built 400 years ago. The present tower and bell are the fourth generation, having been rebuilt after burning down several times. The Chime is 16-meters high and has three wooden layers; it sounds four times a day. While it now rings automatically, the tone informing locals of the time has not changed, and in 1996 was chosen as one of the ”100 Soundscapes of Japan.” The chime has a different character depending on the time of day, comforting those who seek nostalgia and healing.