Wako Clock Tower Ginza
An iconic Tokyo landmark, the Seiko House Ginza clock tower is a symbol of history, elegance, and precision timekeeping.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical lights and chimes
Wako Clock Tower Ginza
Best Time
Magical lights and chimes

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic Tokyo landmark, the Seiko House Ginza clock tower is a symbol of history, elegance, and precision timekeeping.
"This isn’t just a building—it’s Tokyo’s heartbeat. The Seiko clock tower at Ginza 4-chome doesn’t just tell time, it tells history."
🎯 Hear the Chimes
Listen for the Westminster chimes, especially beautiful at dusk.
🛍️ Explore Seiko's Finest
The ground floor boasts a wide range of Seiko watches, with exclusive women's models upstairs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Seiko House Ginza Clock Tower
Ginza 4-chome intersection
An iconic Tokyo landmark, this historic clock tower offers timeless beauty and Westminster chimes.

Seiko Boutique
Ground floor of Seiko House Ginza
Discover a curated selection of Seiko and Grand Seiko watches, including exclusive and high-end models.

Ginza Crossing
Surrounding the clock tower
Experience the vibrant energy of Tokyo's premier shopping district, especially lively on Sundays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Clock
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Hear the Chimes
Listen for the Westminster chimes, especially beautiful at dusk.
🛍️ Explore Seiko's Finest
The ground floor boasts a wide range of Seiko watches, with exclusive women's models upstairs.
🚶♀️ Sunday Stroll
Enjoy car-free streets on Sundays for a more relaxed exploration of Ginza.
📸 Landmark Photo Op
This building is a perfect landmark for meeting up or orienting yourself in Ginza.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Hear the Chimes
Listen for the Westminster chimes, especially beautiful at dusk.
🛍️ Explore Seiko's Finest
The ground floor boasts a wide range of Seiko watches, with exclusive women's models upstairs.
🚶♀️ Sunday Stroll
Enjoy car-free streets on Sundays for a more relaxed exploration of Ginza.
📸 Landmark Photo Op
This building is a perfect landmark for meeting up or orienting yourself in Ginza.
🕰️ Seiko Museum Nearby
A 5-minute walk away, the Seiko Museum requires advance online reservation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors describe the Wako Clock Tower, now Seiko House Ginza, as Tokyo's heartbeat and a timeless cultural icon. They praise its historical significance, elegant architecture, and the exquisite watch collections within the boutique. The chimes and the vibrant atmosphere of Ginza, especially on Sundays, are frequently highlighted as memorable aspects of the experience.
"This isn’t just a building—it’s Tokyo’s heartbeat. The Seiko clock tower at Ginza 4-chome doesn’t just tell time, it tells history. 🕰️⛩️ Born in 1932, scarred by war, rebuilt by stubborn beauty, and still standing tall over the neon frenzy. You look up, see those hands ticking, and you realize: Tokyo keeps moving, but some things remain eternal.
Inside? Pure elegance—marble floors, curated light, watches that feel more like heirlooms than objects. It’s where craftsmanship meets obsession. Where precision is worshipped. Where time feels… heavier, almost sacred.
Come here at dusk when the lights glow and the tower sings Westminster chimes—suddenly, the chaos of Ginza melts into rhythm. It’s a reminder that time isn’t money here—it’s memory, legacy, and soul.
If you’re in Tokyo and skip this, you’ve missed the city’s pulse. 💥🇯🇵
#Tokyo #Ginza #Seiko #SeikoHouseGinza #Luxury #History #Watches #Japan #CulturalIcon #TravelJapan #GinzaCrossing #TimeNeverStops 🕰️✨🌏"
Donald J. Kaufman, Attorney at Law
"Standing on the main Ginza shopping street, the Seiko House Ginza Clock Tower is one of the
most recognizable landmarks in the Ginza district. The impressive building dates back to 1932 and was formerly known as the Wako Main Building before being renamed in 2022."
Gaby
"An architectural iconic landmark within the busy shopping district of Ginza, Tokyo. Inside in 1st floor they have the widest range of Seiko watches and in 2nd floor they have accessories and exclusive watches for women. The Seiko museum is 5 min away. Online reservation in advance is necessary for entering the museum."
Dr. Mehruba Mona
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Wako Clock Tower (now Seiko House Ginza) is conveniently located at the Ginza 4-chome intersection. The easiest way to reach it is by taking the Tokyo Metro to Ginza Station, which is directly connected to the area. Several other subway lines also stop nearby, including Higashi-Ginza and Shimbashi stations.
Yes, Ginza is very well-connected by train. The JR Yamanote Line stops at nearby Shimbashi Station, and multiple Tokyo Metro lines serve Ginza Station directly, making it easily accessible from all parts of the city.
Walking is the best way to explore Ginza and its surroundings. On Sundays, the main street is closed to traffic, creating a pedestrian paradise perfect for leisurely strolls and window shopping.
While there are parking garages in Ginza, they can be expensive and difficult to navigate. Public transportation is highly recommended for visiting the Wako Clock Tower and the surrounding area.
Taxis are readily available in Tokyo, and you can certainly take one to Ginza. However, be prepared for potential traffic, especially during peak hours, and higher fares compared to public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, viewing the Wako Clock Tower from the outside is completely free. It's a public landmark at the heart of Ginza.
Seiko House Ginza typically opens around 10 AM and closes around 8 PM, but it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary.
Entry to the Seiko boutique on the ground floor of Seiko House Ginza is free. You can browse their extensive watch collections without any charge.
Yes, the Seiko Museum, located a short walk from the clock tower, requires advance online reservation for entry. Plan ahead to secure your spot.
Seiko House Ginza sometimes features special window displays and events, especially around anniversaries or new product launches. Keep an eye on their social media or website for announcements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Wako building, now Seiko House Ginza, houses a premium Seiko boutique on the first floor, offering a wide range of watches. The second floor features accessories and exclusive women's watches.
Visiting at dusk offers a magical experience as the clock tower lights up and its chimes ring out. Sundays are also great for exploring the pedestrian-friendly streets.
Yes, the clock tower is known for its Westminster chimes. Many visitors enjoy hearing them, especially during the evening.
Absolutely! The clock tower itself is a stunning subject, and the surrounding Ginza crossing offers dynamic cityscapes, especially at night.
Originally the Wako Main Building, this landmark dates back to 1932 and has witnessed much of Tokyo's modern history, including being rebuilt after wartime damage. It was renamed Seiko House Ginza in 2022.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Seiko House Ginza is primarily a retail space, the surrounding Ginza district is packed with dining options, from high-end restaurants to casual eateries and cafes.
Ginza offers a diverse culinary scene. You can find everything from traditional Japanese cuisine like sushi and tempura to international flavors, bakeries, and stylish cafes.
While Ginza is known for luxury, you can find more affordable options by exploring side streets or looking for department store food halls (depachika) which often have delicious bento boxes and prepared meals.
Yes, there are numerous cafes and coffee shops in the Ginza area, perfect for a break while exploring. Many offer excellent coffee and pastries.
For popular or high-end restaurants, making reservations is highly recommended, especially during peak dining hours or on weekends. For more casual places, walk-ins are often possible.
📸 📸 Photography
The Ginza 4-chome intersection itself provides the best vantage points. Try different angles, especially at dusk when the tower is illuminated.
Photography is generally allowed in the public areas of Seiko House Ginza, but it's always polite to be discreet and avoid photographing staff or other customers without permission.
Dusk is ideal for capturing the clock tower as it lights up against the darkening sky. The surrounding neon signs of Ginza also add to the vibrant atmosphere.
Generally, casual photography is permitted in public areas of Ginza. However, some high-end boutiques or private establishments might have their own policies.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both the clock tower and street scenes. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the bustling intersection. Don't forget a tripod for low-light shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For dining, look for department store food halls (depachika) which offer a wide variety of visually appealing and kid-friendly food options. Many cafes also provide a good spot for a rest and a treat. Remember that Ginza can get crowded, so keeping a close eye on children is essential. The novelty of the clock tower and the vibrant street scene can make for a memorable part of a family's Tokyo adventure.
⌚ Watch Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to visit the Seiko Museum, located just a short walk away, which delves into the brand's fascinating history, showcasing groundbreaking innovations like the world's first quartz watch. The Wako Clock Tower itself is a symbol of precision and timekeeping, making the entire area a fitting tribute to horology.
📸 Photography Buffs
Experiment with different angles from the intersection, capture the tower's chimes, and explore the architectural details of the surrounding buildings. Sundays offer a unique photographic opportunity with the pedestrian-only street, allowing for wider shots of the lively scene. Remember to bring a versatile lens and consider a tripod for low-light photography to capture the magic of Ginza after dark.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Renaming of Seiko House Ginza
This landmark is more than just an architectural marvel; it's deeply intertwined with the history of Seiko. Ginza is considered the birthplace of Seiko, and the clock tower has been a constant presence, witnessing the evolution of the brand and the city. Inside, visitors can explore a premium Seiko boutique, showcasing the brand's dedication to precision and craftsmanship. The building's history is a testament to Tokyo's ability to blend tradition with modernity, with the clock tower serving as a timeless anchor in the bustling metropolis.
Experiencing the Seiko Boutique
Visitors often highlight the opportunity to find watches that are exclusive to the Asian market, making a trip to this boutique a unique shopping opportunity. The boutique is not just a place to buy watches; it's an immersion into the world of Seiko, where the brand's heritage of precision and innovation is palpable. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, the Seiko boutique in Ginza offers a memorable encounter with Japanese watchmaking excellence.
Ginza: A Shopper's Paradise
Beyond the luxury shopping, Ginza also offers a vibrant street life. On Sundays, the main Chuo Dori street is closed to vehicular traffic, transforming into a wide pedestrian promenade. This creates a lively atmosphere perfect for leisurely walks, people-watching, and enjoying street performances. The area is also dotted with art galleries, theaters, and a diverse array of dining establishments, making it a comprehensive destination for a day out in Tokyo.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit