A Bell Tower that Still Tells the Time
The Shiwahori Time Signal Tower (時報塔) is a reinforced-concrete bell tower 7.8 metres high, built in 1922 in the centre of Shiwahori, Shiwa-cho, Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on September 3, 1997. Locals call it the Kakusei no Kane, the "awakening bell" (Agency for Cultural Affairs, Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture Tourism Association).
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records reinforced concrete, 7.8 metres high, registration number 34-0011, owned by Higashihiroshima City.
A Bell from America
According to Higashihiroshima City, in 1922 fifteen emigrants from Shiwahori village living in the United States heard that the village reservists' association was promoting punctuality, and sent an American-made bell. The villagers built this tower to hang it.
The timber upper part of the Shiwahori Time Signal Tower was remodelled around 1942, when a siren was fitted above the bell. More than a century after it was built, it still sounds the time by siren (Agency for Cultural Affairs, Higashihiroshima City).
Value as a Registered Cultural Property
The Shiwahori Time Signal Tower was registered as a structure contributing to the historic landscape of the country. The Agency for Cultural Affairs describes a tower-like belfry built by the reservists' association to encourage punctuality, still telling the time and widely loved.
What to Look For
The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes that, apart from the timber top, it is built of concrete with articulated walls made to look like stone. Higashihiroshima City admires its stone-like walls and Art Deco-style ornament.
The Hiroshima Prefecture Tourism Association notes that the Shiwahori Time Signal Tower stands on a cut-stone base, with the siren on the upper level announcing the time to the district.
Visiting
The Shiwahori Time Signal Tower is at 3324-7 Ninohira, Shiwahori, Shiwa-cho, Higashihiroshima, and can be seen from outside. It is about 15 minutes by car from the Shiwa interchange of the Sanyo Expressway, or about 25 minutes by the Shiwa loop bus from JR Hachihonmatsu Station to the Shiwahori stop, then a 5-minute walk (Hiroshima Prefecture Tourism Association).
Enquiries go to the cultural properties section of Higashihiroshima City.
Q&A
- When was it built?
- In 1922 (Agency for Cultural Affairs, Higashihiroshima City).
- Where did the bell come from?
- Fifteen emigrants from the village living in the United States sent an American-made bell (Higashihiroshima City).
- Does it still tell the time?
- Yes, by a siren fitted around 1942 (Agency for Cultural Affairs, Higashihiroshima City).
- How tall is it?
- 7.8 metres (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- When was the Shiwahori Time Signal Tower registered?
- On September 3, 1997.
Basic Information
| Name | Shiwahori Time Signal Tower (時報塔) |
|---|---|
| Location | 3324-7 Ninohira, Shiwahori, Shiwa-cho, Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 1997/09/03 (Heisei 9) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Reinforced concrete, 7.8 metres high |
| Owner | Higashihiroshima City |
| Public Access | Viewable from outside |
References
- Shiwahori Time Signal Tower (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00000313
- Time Signal Tower (Higashihiroshima City)
- https://www.city.higashihiroshima.lg.jp/soshiki/kyoikuiinkaishogaigakushu/3/11/bunkazai/town/shiwa/39713.html
- Time Signal Tower (Dive! Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture Tourism Association)
- https://dive-hiroshima.com/explore/1197/
Last verified: 2026.10.11