At a glance
A massive steampunk-inspired clock designed by legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki adorns the Nippon TV building in Minato City. This 28-ton mechanical marvel features intricate animatronic performances throughout the day, showcasing Miyazaki's distinctive artistic style through moving parts and music.
Photographs
NTV Big Clock designed by Hayao Miyazaki
Located in Tokyo's Minato City, the NTV Big Clock AKA "Giant Ghibli Clock" is a masterpiece of steampunk engineering designed by legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki. This massive timepiece, measuring 12 meters high and 18 meters wide, features 32 intricate mechanical puppets that come to life during scheduled performances. The clock's design draws clear inspiration from Miyazaki's iconic film Howl's Moving Castle, embodying his distinctive artistic style and whimsical, mechanical imagination.
The Giant Ghibli Clock performs several times daily, with shows starting precisely three minutes before the scheduled times: 10:00, 12:00, 15:00, 18:00, and 20:00. Each performance lasts about 3 to 4 minutes, during which the entire façade comes alive—pistons pulse, hatches open, small figures move in rhythm, and bellows expand with theatrical flourish. The experience feels like watching one of Miyazaki’s dream machines unfold in real life. Evening performances are especially magical as the lighting enhances the warm copper tones of the clock, casting dramatic shadows and bringing a sense of fantasy to the surrounding urban scenery.
Located on the second-floor terrace of the Nippon TV headquarters in Shiodome, the clock is easily accessible via the pedestrian deck that connects Shimbashi and Shiodome Stations. Visitors can take the Yurikamome Line to Shiodome Station (directly connected), or JR lines and Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Shimbashi Station, then follow signs toward the Nippon TV building. The easiest route from Shimbashi is via Exit 2 of the Toei Asakusa Line, which leads directly to the elevated walkway.
Visitors will find a surprisingly calm and open plaza in front of the clock, with benches, rooftop gardens, and public walkways offering pleasant vantage points. It's a comfortable space to wait for a performance or simply observe the fusion of playful artistry and metropolitan motion. The Shinkansen and Yurikamome monorail glide past nearby, completing a scene that effortlessly blends analog charm with Tokyo’s kinetic energy. Though the clock is located within a corporate building, it remains fully outdoors and freely viewable to the public, requiring no tickets or entry fee.
Public reviews highlight the clock's captivating design and the enchanting performances that draw both locals and tourists. Many visitors appreciate the detailed craftsmanship and the whimsical atmosphere reminiscent of Miyazaki's films. Some reviews note that the area can be less crowded during weekdays, offering a more relaxed viewing experience. However, it's advised to arrive a few minutes early to secure a good viewing spot, especially during evening shows when the lighting adds to the spectacle.
Before you go
While the space is open to the public and photography is welcome, tripod use is generally discouraged due to pedestrian flow and limited space during performance times. If you plan to take photos, a compact or tabletop tripod placed on the railing or bench may be more appropriate. There are several benches and a rooftop garden nearby where visitors can rest while waiting for the clock’s performance. Public restrooms are available inside the Nippon TV building, and cafés can be found on the ground level and in nearby complexes.
Performance Timings: On weekdays (Monday to Friday), the clock performs at 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 18:00, and 20:00. On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), an additional morning show is included, with performances at 10:00, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 18:00, and 20:00. Please note that the mechanical performance begins approximately three minutes before each scheduled time, so it’s recommended to arrive early to catch the full show.
When to go
The Giant Ghibli Clock performance is most captivating during evening hours when the illuminated display creates a magical atmosphere reminiscent of Miyazaki's films. The clock runs shows throughout the day, but timing your visit for dusk offers the perfect balance of natural and artificial lighting to appreciate the intricate steampunk details. Plan to arrive at least 5 minutes before scheduled performance times, as shows begin 3 minutes prior to the hour. The most popular viewing times are during weekends and evening performances, while early morning shows tend to draw smaller crowds.
Public review summary
Visitors express consistent delight with the clocks steampunk aesthetic and Ghibli-inspired design. The automated performance draws particular praise, especially during evening shows when lighting enhances the experience. Some note difficulty finding the exact location and occasional disappointment when missing scheduled performances. Timing visits to catch the moving display is highlighted as crucial for full appreciation. Wait times are minimal but arriving early for shows is recommended.
What you'll find here
Location & access
- DirectionsAddress
1 Chome-6-1 Higashishinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0021, Japan
- How to get there
By Public Transport: JR Shimbashi Station, Yurikamome Shimbashi Station, Toei Oedo Line Shiodome Station, Toei Asakusa Line Shimbashi Station, and Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Shimbashi Station. All stations are within walking distance.
By Car: 1-minute drive from either the Shuto Expressway Inner Circular Route’s Shiodome or Shimbashi interchanges. However, please note that there is no dedicated parking available for visitors at the tower. If you are arriving by car, use one of the nearby paid parking facilities in the surrounding area.
Common questions
What times does the Giant Ghibli Clock performance happen?
The clock show runs at specific times throughout the day. Weekdays at 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 18:00, and 20:00, while weekends include an additional 10:00 show. The performance starts 3 minutes before the scheduled time.
How big is the NTV Clock AKA Giant Ghibli Clock?
The clock is an impressive structure measuring 12 meters high, 18 meters wide, and 3 meters thick, with a total weight of 28 tons. It features 32 mechanical puppets within its steampunk-inspired design.
Where is the best spot to view the clock?
The clock is best viewed from the second floor level above street level. You can access it via escalators from the street, and there are benches nearby for comfortable viewing. The elevated walkway provides the optimal vantage point.
Is there Ghibli merchandise available nearby?
Yes, there is a store on the ground floor of the Nippon TV building that sells original merchandise. It's a perfect stop for Studio Ghibli fans after watching the clock performance.
How long does the clock performance last?
The clock performance runs for approximately 3-4 minutes, featuring moving mechanical puppets, lights, and music. It's recommended to arrive about 15 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot.
Bring this spot to life with a local photographer
Book a vetted local photographer who knows the best light, angles, and timing for this location.