Okayama-no-Jishodo, Bell tower in Wakayama, Japan
Okayama-no-Jishodo is a wooden two-story bell tower with a traditional Japanese hip-and-gable roof covered in ceramic tiles. The structure has a square base and houses a bell on the upper level that served important communication functions.
The tower was built in 1712 under Lord Yoshimune of Kishu and served the population as a timekeeping and warning system. The bell itself was cast from cannons used during the Osaka Summer Campaign of 1615.
The name references its location near Oka Park, where it remains visible to visitors today. The bell in the second story served as an important signal for local residents to know the time and coordinate their activities.
The tower sits on a small hill between Oka Park and Wakayama Prefectural Museum, accessible from Wakayama Castle Park via a short climb. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for uneven ground when approaching the site.
The tower originally featured two striking points on its east and west sides that allowed synchronized time signals between multiple bell towers across the city. This system enabled residents in different neighborhoods to experience the time simultaneously.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
