In Tokyo’s Yanaka district, the Daimyo Clock Museum displays a private collection of Japanese clocks and pocket watches in a modest building set among greenery. The exhibits include clocks associated with the Tokugawa clan and trace the history of timekeeping in Japan, particularly during the Edo period. Entry costs 300 yen, and a visit takes about 30 minutes. Most exhibit information is in Japanese; an English guide is available to buy. Remove your shoes at the entrance, with slippers provided for use inside.
A museum founded to preserve Japanese clocks
The Daimyo Clock Museum opened in 1972 as a community-run museum devoted to Japanese clocks from the Edo period. Its collection gives visitors a look at the country’s historical ways of measuring time, before modern clocks became standard.
Understanding the displays
The collection includes old clocks and pocket watches, with some pieces associated with the Tokugawa clan. Exhibition information is primarily in Japanese. An English guide is available for purchase for visitors who want more context about the objects.
FAQ
How much is admission to the Daimyo Clock Museum?
Entry costs 300 yen.
How long does a visit take?
Allow about 30 minutes to explore the museum.
Do you have to take off your shoes?
Yes. Shoes are not worn inside, and slippers are provided.
Is information available in English?
Most display material is in Japanese, but an English guide is available to buy.
