Ghibli Clock
A giant, steampunk mechanical clock designed by Hayao Miyazaki, featuring a magical hourly show. A free Ghibli fan's dream!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch the magical show
Ghibli Clock
Best Time
Catch the magical show
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A giant, steampunk mechanical clock designed by Hayao Miyazaki, featuring a magical hourly show. A free Ghibli fan's dream!
"This Giant Moving Clock in Tokyo Feels Like a Scene from a Ghibli Film!"
🎯 Check Show Timings
The clock performs a show every few hours. Verify the schedule before you go to catch the magic!
🚶♀️ Easy Access from Stations
Walk the pedestrian skywalk from Shiodome or Shimbashi station for easy access.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The NTV Big Clock Show
A mesmerizing mechanical show with music and moving parts, designed by Hayao Miyazaki. Pure Ghibli magic!
Steampunk Design
Intricate copper and steel construction with over 30 moving parts, evoking a whimsical, Ghibli-esque world.
Free Ghibli Photo Spot
A unique and enchanting free attraction for Studio Ghibli fans to capture memorable photos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Catch the Clock's Show
Location & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Show Timings
The clock performs a show every few hours. Verify the schedule before you go to catch the magic!
🚶♀️ Easy Access from Stations
Walk the pedestrian skywalk from Shiodome or Shimbashi station for easy access.
☕ Nearby Starbucks
Grab a coffee at the nearby Starbucks while waiting for the clock's show to begin. [^review]
📸 Perfect Photo Op
This is a fantastic, free spot for Studio Ghibli fans to snap some unique photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Show Timings
The clock performs a show every few hours. Verify the schedule before you go to catch the magic!
🚶♀️ Easy Access from Stations
Walk the pedestrian skywalk from Shiodome or Shimbashi station for easy access.
☕ Nearby Starbucks
Grab a coffee at the nearby Starbucks while waiting for the clock's show to begin. [^review]
📸 Perfect Photo Op
This is a fantastic, free spot for Studio Ghibli fans to snap some unique photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Ghibli Clock, calling it 'magical' and a 'very nice place' that's worth the stop, especially for Studio Ghibli fans. The animated show is a highlight, though some note the importance of checking show times to fully enjoy the experience.
"Very nice place, be careful of the hours if you want to hear the clock ringing"
Anne-laure Charles
"Magical!"
Alessandro Tengattini
"Check timings for the show before visiting"
prathik shetty
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ghibli Clock is located at 1 Chome-6-1 Higashishinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo. It's easily accessible by walking along the pedestrian skywalk from Shiodome station or Shimbashi station.
No, the Ghibli Clock is located in the Shiodome district, not Shinjuku. It's relatively close to Ginza.
Taking the train to Shiodome or Shimbashi station and then walking is the most convenient method. The skywalk offers pleasant views.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, public transport is the recommended and most efficient way to visit.
Yes, it's a walkable distance from Ginza, making it a great addition to a day exploring that area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Ghibli Clock is a free outdoor attraction. You don't need any tickets to view it. +1
The clock itself is visible 24 hours a day, but the special musical show happens at scheduled times. It's best to check the show schedule. +1
Visit a few minutes before the top of the hour to catch the animated show. Weekdays offer slightly less crowded viewing than weekends. +1
There is no admission fee. The Ghibli Clock is a public art installation and a free spectacle for everyone to enjoy.
Yes, shows are scheduled for the evening, including 8 PM on weekdays and weekends. Some sources mention a 10 PM show on weekends. +1
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The clock comes to life with a musical performance featuring over 30 moving parts, including blacksmiths and spinning wheels, creating a magical spectacle. +1
The show typically lasts for a few minutes, synchronized with the hour. It's a brief but enchanting experience.
Absolutely! Children, especially fans of Studio Ghibli, will be captivated by the whimsical design and the animated show. +1
The clock was designed by Hayao Miyazaki, the renowned director of Studio Ghibli films, drawing inspiration from steampunk aesthetics and Ghibli's magical worlds. +1
Yes, visitors are encouraged to take photos and videos of the clock and its show. It's a popular spot for capturing memories. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The best time is during the show itself, as the moving parts and music create a dynamic scene. Early morning or late evening can offer fewer crowds for static shots. +1
Experiment with different angles from the pedestrian walkway. Capturing the clock with the surrounding cityscape can add context to your photos.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the magic. If you have a DSLR, consider a lens that can handle both wide shots and some detail. +1
You can get quite close from the public viewing area. The clock is large, so you can capture both its scale and intricate details.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan your visit around the show times to maximize the fun. The nearby Starbucks offers a convenient spot for parents to relax with a coffee while waiting for the performance. The easy access from Shiodome or Shimbashi stations also makes it manageable for families with strollers or young children. [^review]
✨ Studio Ghibli Enthusiasts
Take your time to appreciate the craftsmanship and the storytelling embedded in the clock's design. It's a unique opportunity to connect with Miyazaki's artistic vision in a tangible, public space. Don't forget your camera to capture this iconic piece of Ghibli-inspired art.
📸 Photography Buffs
Consider visiting during the show for dynamic action shots, or during off-peak hours for clearer, less crowded compositions. The surrounding architecture of the NTV building can also add an interesting backdrop to your photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mastermind: Hayao Miyazaki's Touch
Crafted from over 20 tons of copper and steel, the clock features an astonishing array of over 30 moving parts. Viewers can witness blacksmiths at work, teapots steaming, and cannons firing, all synchronized to a delightful musical score. This intricate mechanical ballet is designed to evoke the fantastical worlds found in Miyazaki's beloved films, making it a must-see for any fan.
The clock's steampunk aesthetic, with its gears, pipes, and metallic figures, perfectly complements the fantastical narrative it presents. It stands as a unique piece of public art, offering a free and accessible glimpse into the magical universe that Miyazaki has created, and a reminder that even everyday objects can be imbued with extraordinary wonder.
Experiencing the Show: Timing is Everything
The show schedule varies slightly between weekdays and weekends. On weekdays, performances typically occur at 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 8:00 PM. Weekends often include an earlier start at 10:00 AM and sometimes a later show at 10:00 PM. It's always a good idea to double-check the most current schedule, as times can occasionally be adjusted.
Many visitors find that waiting for the show is part of the fun. The anticipation builds as the clock's intricate mechanisms begin to stir, culminating in a few minutes of pure Ghibli-inspired delight. The experience is often described as enchanting and a highlight for many who visit Tokyo.
Location and Accessibility
Visitors can reach the clock by taking the train to either Shiodome Station or Shimbashi Station. From these stations, it's a short and pleasant walk, often along a pedestrian skywalk, to reach the clock. This makes it a convenient stop for those traveling between different parts of Tokyo, and it's noted to be not too far from the upscale Ginza district.
Being an outdoor attraction, the Ghibli Clock is accessible at all times, but the main draw is the scheduled show. Its proximity to major transport hubs and other attractions ensures it can be easily incorporated into a day of sightseeing without requiring a dedicated trip.
Social
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