Ningyocho Mechanical Clock Towers

Long before the development of the now world-leading Japanese robotics, wind-up and mechanical automatons called karakuri had been in vogue in Japan since the 17th century . Some of these traditional wooden puppets could bring cups of tea to their guests or prepare arrows and shoot them. The people of feudal Japan were very fond of novelties (especially those who could afford it) and they were adopted as a popular form of entertainment.

It was originally called Karakuri Yagura or Ningyōchō Mechanical Clock Towers which are a pair of often overlooked attractions located in the historic downtown district of Ningyōchō, which was known (and named) as the thriving center of puppetry , theater and manufacture of Tokyo.

In feudal times, the word yagura referred to the wooden watchtowers built on top of castles, deriving from a word meaning “ storehouse for arrows ”. In the world of performing arts, yagura is a raised scaffold built over the entrance to a Kabuki or Bunraku theater (puppet theater) from which drummers draw people’s attention.

The Karakuri Yagura or Ningyōchō Mechanical Clock Tower features cartoon illustrations of city life in the Edo period, and an animatronic show begins every hour in keeping with Ningyōchō’s historical heritage.

When the clock strikes the hour, the curtains open to reveal a puppet of a rakugo-ka , a traditional storyteller and comedian sitting on a cushion. For the next two minutes, he humorously narrates the story of how Ningyōchō got his name. Meanwhile, small windows open to display figurine versions of the illustrations depicting Edo townspeople, including a carpenter, a fishmonger, a samurai , and a geisha .

The other clock tower, located closer to the station, represents the typical firefighters of Tokyo in the 18th and 19th centuries . Although less animated than its twin, the fireman’s puppets are on display at all times and show little movement even at the right time, as the kiyari-uta , a popular ceremonial song once sung by lumberjacks, carpenters, and firefighters, is played in theater plays.

The best way to travel within Japan is by train, it is very convenient and punctual, although it can be expensive. For an even better price, we recommend traveling with the Japan Railways universal pass called JR PASS , which you can purchase on their website. This pass is purchased before traveling to Japan , arriving at the airport or at any train station , you can pick up your pass with proof of purchase .