Studio Ghibli Clock Tokyo NTV - Designed By Hayao Miyazaki

There are so many Studio Ghibli Tokyo things to do from eating official ‘Totoro Cream Puffs’ to shopping in the official Studio Ghibli Donguri Republic stores.

However, did you know one of the best Studio Ghibli Tokyo Japan attractions is actually free? Ginza is home to the giant Studio Ghibli Clock Tokyo NTV, designed by Hayao Miyazaki, Ghibli’s founder.

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Studio Ghibli Clock Ginza Tokyo NTV - Designed By Hayao Miyazaki

The Ginza Ghibli Clock Tokyo is an incredible time-piece, featuring an array of cute characters and there is even a ‘show’ several times a day when the clock springs into life.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli clock is said to have been inspired by Howl’s Moving Castle (but to be honest, no-one is really sure).

From show-times to the location, here is our ultimate guide to visit the Studio Ghibli clock in Tokyo with photos:

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Table of Contents

Where is the Studio Ghibli Clock in Tokyo?

Located in the Ginza district, the Studio Ghibli clock is located on the Shiodome Media Tower / NTV Tower – also known as Nittele Tower (the HQ of Japanese TV station, Nippon Television).

The closest stations to the NTV Studio Ghibli Clock in Tokyo are the Shiodome Station on the Toei Ōedo Line or Shimbashi JR Station. Both train stations are a 2 minute walk away from the Ghibli giant clock in Ginza.

You might like these Tokyo neighbourhood guides:
Akihabara
Asakusa
Ginza
Harajuku
Ikebukuro
Nakano
Odaiba
Ryogoku
Shibuya
Shimokitazawa
Shinjuku

Also check out our
Where to stay in Tokyo guide

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The Studio Ghibli Clock – What to expect

Created by Ghibli founder Hayao Miyazaki and built by Kunio Shachimaru (who also created the Giant Robot at the Ghibli Museum), the Ginza Ghibli clock (AKA Ni-Tele Really Big Clock) has to be seen to be believed.

It is easy to view up-close as there is a giant gantry and walk-way that you visit easily – there are stairs, escalators or elevators up to the viewing area from the ground floor below

Recently named as one of Tokyo’s best public art sculptures, the Ghibli clock and surrounding artwork is around 18 metres long and twelve metres high. In other words, BIG!

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There are lots of intricacies and moving parts on the giant time-piece including workers, wings and moving clock parts. The whole moving sculpture has kind of a rusty finish and gently merges into the metallic background.

The clock sculpture is said to comprise over 30 moving parts and characters and weigh over 25 tonnes. A little bit of steampunk and Studio Ghibli in Tokyo’s Ginza neighbourhood, make sure to make ‘time’ to see this colossal and cool clock!

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Studio Ghibli Clock show times

Miyazaki’s magnificent Ghibli clock is great to visit at any time of day, but if you can, try and coincide your visit with one of the several daily ‘shows’ when the clock springs into life – the characters move, steam emerges and there is a light-show of sorts.

Each Ghibli Clock Show lasts three minutes long and it is fun for all the family. And even if you aren’t a diehard Studio Ghibli fan, it is worth a visit as it is so unusual – and free too, bonus!

The Studio Ghibli Clock display occurs five times a day on weekdays (at 12pm, 1pm, 3pm, 6pm and 8pm) and six times a day on weekends – 10am, 12pm, 1pm, 3pm, 6pm and 8pm.

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We visited on a cold spring morning at the weekend and had the whole clock to ourselves – however you may want to arrive early during peak periods or school holidays.

Although a water feature acts as a natural barrier to the clock, the walkways allow you to get up pretty close to the Ni-Tele Really Big Clock and enjoy the spectacle.