SEIKO HOUSE GINZA

In short

Standing at the corner of the Ginza 4-chome intersection, this building is famous for its clock tower. Completed in 1932, this is the second-generation clock tower, and its Neo-Renaissance appearance is affectionately regarded as a landmark of Ginza. Since 2022, it has operated under the name "SEIKO HOUSE GINZA."

• ​Four-sided clock tower​​: The faces of the clock tower face almost precisely north, south, east, and west. The height from the ground to the clock tower is 39.39 meters.
• ​Chimes marking the hour​​: The Westminster chimes have been ringing here since 1954.
• ​Natural stone and bronze exterior​​: Natural stone is used for the exterior, and bronze openwork with arabesque patterns adorns the areas beneath the clock faces and the windows.

History and Highlights

SEIKO HOUSE GINZA is a building known for its clock tower, situated at the Ginza 4-chome intersection. The clock tower is cherished as a landmark of Ginza. The connection to this corner site dates back to the Meiji era. Hattori Kintaro, founder of Hattori Tokeiten (Hattori Clock Shop), purchased and renovated the Choya Shimbun newspaper headquarters located on the corner of the intersection, opening a new store in January 1895. The first-generation clock tower had been completed the previous year.

A rebuilding was planned during the Taisho era, but construction was halted by the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. Work resumed at the end of 1929. Designed by the Watanabe Jin Architectural Office, the present building features the second-generation clock tower, completed in June 1932. Standing with a gentle curve overlooking the intersection, its style is referred to as Neo-Renaissance. It is said that Hattori Kintaro, wishing to create something unique in the world, revised the design of the clock tower numerous times, and the final plan was decided one year after construction began. Because it was built shortly after the earthquake, natural stone was used for the exterior with fire and earthquake resistance in mind.

Although the building was constructed before World War II, it miraculously escaped damage from air raids. From December 1952, when the postwar occupation requisition ended, it operated as the main store of Wako, which succeeded the retail division of Hattori Tokeiten. In 2022, it made a new start as SEIKO HOUSE GINZA.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Four-sided clock tower​​: The dials on all four sides of the clock tower face almost precisely north, south, east, and west. The dials measure 2.4 meters in diameter, and the height from the ground to the clock tower is 39.39 meters. When completed, the dials were made of glass and designed to be illuminated from the inside at night.
• ​Chimes marking the hour​​: The Westminster chimes began sounding on June 10, 1954, to mark Time Day. Today, the chimes begin 45 seconds before the top of the hour, followed by the first stroke after the lingering resonance, signaling the exact hour.
• ​Stone and bronze exterior​​: Granite is used for the exterior walls. The large curved facade facing the intersection forms a symmetrical layout centered on the clock tower. Beneath the clock faces and around the windows, delicate openwork arabesque patterns in bronze are featured.

Walking Tips

It is about a 1-minute walk from Exit A10 of Ginza Station. Because the clock tower is viewed from below, it is said that the displayed time can appear slightly different depending on where you stand at the intersection. If you are near the intersection shortly before the hour, you can hear the chimes and the tolling bell. On the 6th floor of the building is Seiko House Hall, which hosts events open to everyone. Kabukiza Theatre is located about 370 meters to the southeast.