Field clock
野良時計（Nora Dokei）
Ticking for Over 130 Years: A Handmade Clock Tower Among the Fields
Over 130 years ago, landowner Genma Hatakenaka built the Nora Dokei (field clock) after becoming fascinated by the principles and intricate inner workings of clocks. At the time most households did not have wall clocks, so Hatakenaka taught himself about the mechanisms by repeatedly dismantling and reassembling an American clock he owned.
He succeeded in this feat of reverse engineering, and constructed a large clock tower with a distinctly Japanese touch. His tower quickly became an important local landmark, allowing farmers working hard in the fields to tell time just by looking up.
During the summer sunflower fields bloom around the tower, complementing its old-fashioned aesthetic and bringing a burst of color to the little city of Aki, located near Kochi’s coastline.
※Please note that the Clock Tower is not open to the public, as it is part of a private residence.
He succeeded in this feat of reverse engineering, and constructed a large clock tower with a distinctly Japanese touch. His tower quickly became an important local landmark, allowing farmers working hard in the fields to tell time just by looking up.
During the summer sunflower fields bloom around the tower, complementing its old-fashioned aesthetic and bringing a burst of color to the little city of Aki, located near Kochi’s coastline.
※Please note that the Clock Tower is not open to the public, as it is part of a private residence.
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| Address | 高知県安芸市土居638-4 （638-4, Doi, Aki City, Kochi Prefecture, Japan） |
|---|---|
| Telephone Number |
0887-34-8344 Aki Tourism & Information Center
|
| Directions | About 50 min drive from Nankoku IC on Kochi Expressway |
| Website | Kochi East Tourism Association |
| Map Code | 335 349 440*17 |
