14 Day Japan Travel Itinerary
Touring Tokyo and a Journey through Japan-- these are two books I have written about my travels in Japan. Check these out!!!
The oldest tower in Japan is found in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, and the clock continues to keep time after 128 years of being built.
The Sapporo Clock Tower was erected in 1878 as a military drill hall for the Sapporo Agricultural College, which opened its doors in 1876. The original plan was to install a bell tower, however, subsequent to the suggestion of Kuroda Kiyotaka, Governor of the Hokkaido Development Commission who was present at the hall's completion ceremony, a clock tower was installed in 1881 instead. It was not until 1970 though that the clockworks as well as the building was designated as one of Japan's National Important Cultural Properties.
E. Howard and Co. in Boston, U.S.A. is owed credit for the manufacturing of the clockworks.
In recognition, on August 7th, 2009, the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers designated the Sapporo Clock Tower as Mechanical Engineering Heritage #32.
There is a long history of the Clock Tower. Tourists can pay an admission ticket of 200 yen ($1.73) to enter into the building and explore the museum's Clock tower history.
Hours of Operation:
8:45 a.m. to 5:10 p.m. (entry until 5:00 p.m.)
Closed from January 1-3