NTV Giant Clock

Overview

The NTV Giant Clock, completed on December 24, 2001, is a massive cuckoo clock located on the second floor of the Nippon Television Tower. Its overwhelming scale—18 meters wide and 12 meters high—is breathtaking. The entire clock is made of copper plates, a staggering 1,228 of them, each painstakingly hand-crafted and assembled. The design was created by the renowned anime film director, Hayao Miyazaki, the result of a five-year collaboration between Studio Ghibli and Nippon Television. When the time strikes, a total of 32 mechanisms spring into action. Characters within the clock provide the "sound" and "movement" of the performance. Some ring bells, others begin forging, steam billows, and the sun peeks out—every part moves, weaving a grand story accompanied by elegant music. Showtimes are at 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 8:00 PM from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, it also starts at 10:00 AM. ※Please note that the show begins about 3 minutes before the hour! At night, the NTV Giant Clock is beautifully illuminated! The clock numbers glow red, and soft light spills from windows and crevices, showcasing the Ghibli-esque attention to detail. The same performance takes on a completely different feel at night, offering double the enjoyment. On the second floor, you'll find the restaurant 'Hanayasai,' offering hotel-made cuisine. Relax and unwind in their comfortable tables by the river or enjoy the cherry blossom trees from their outdoor terrace. Immerse yourself in the world of Ghibli at the NTV Giant Clock. It's a must-see for Ghibli fans and everyone else, regardless of age.