Kokuchō Bell of Time, Bell tower in Nihonbashi-Kodenmachō, Japan
The Kokuchō Bell of Time is a bell tower in Jisshi Park featuring traditional Japanese design with a working bell at its center. The structure sits within the park's grounds, creating a notable landmark for the surrounding Nihonbashi area.
The bell tower was built in 1626 during the early Edo period and served the local community as an essential timekeeping device. Its long presence in this district connects it to centuries of the neighborhood's development.
The bell represents a traditional Japanese approach to marking time that still resonates with Tokyo residents today. This connection to the past shapes how people experience this corner of the city and shows how communal practices continue in modern neighborhoods.
The bell tower is within easy walking distance from nearby train stations and sits in the heart of the Nihonbashi district. Visitors can easily include it while exploring the surrounding streets and small parks.
Local fishermen maintain an annual tradition of replacing a dedicated lantern beside the bell tower, a custom that dates back to 1657. This unusual link between the bell structure and fishing traditions makes the place memorable for those who discover it.
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