Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower - Hokkaido

Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower (秩父別町開基百年記念塔) is the tower to commemorate Chippubetsu’s 100th anniversary. It is located at 2-Jo 1-Chome 2085 in the town of Chippubetsu in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. 

Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower (秩父別町開基百年記念塔)
Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower

Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower details

Standing tall at 30.46 meters (100 feet), the Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower serves as a symbol of Chippubetsu's resilience and progress over the past century. Built in 1994 to commemorate the town's centennial anniversary, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of its founding.

Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower - Chippubetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture
Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower - Chippubetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture

At the pinnacle of the tower lies a remarkable Dutch-made swinging bell, weighing an impressive 2.8 tons. This bell, one of the largest in Japan, adorns the tower's summit and rings out four times a day, echoing across the town and countryside, marking the passage of time with its melodious chimes. 

Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower and the Bell Arch
Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower and the Bell Arch

Chippubetsu Town Guide Map
Chippubetsu Town Guide Map

The tower as seen from Chippubetsu Library
The tower as seen from Chippubetsu Library

Visitors to the Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower are in for a treat as they ascend its heights. While there are no elevators installed in the tower, the journey up is an experience in itself, as you climb the stairs to reach the observation deck. As you ascend, the anticipation builds, knowing that a breathtaking panoramic view awaits you at the top.

開基百年記念塔
秩父別町開基百年記念塔

Once you reach the observation deck, take a moment to soak in the awe-inspiring vistas that stretch out before you. From rolling hills to quaint villages, the beauty of Chippubetsu unfolds in all its glory, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Ground floor of Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower
Ground floor of Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower

There is a time capsule buried here.

Instructions when entering Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower

But the experience doesn't end there. Nestled within the observation deck is the beloved "Happiness Bell," a cherished feature that invites visitors to make a wish and ring for good fortune. Adorned with a poster offering guidance on the number of pulls for specific wishes, visitors are encouraged to pull the bell with all their heart, believing that their wishes will come true with each resonant chime.

Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower
Going up the Observation Deck

Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower
Heads up, this tower does not have an elevator

Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower
The Observation Deck

Read about the history and details of Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower

Bell of Happiness
Happiness Bell


Translation:

Bell of happiness

Please pull it with all your heart so that your wish will come true.

Love story...pull once

Increased financial luck...draw twice

Longevity...pull 3 times

Good luck...draw 4 times!

Great wish fulfillment...pull 5 times

Whether you seek love, prosperity, longevity, or simply the fulfillment of a heartfelt wish, the Happiness Bell offers a moment of reflection and hope amidst the tranquility of the tower's heights.

View from the observation deck

View from the observation deck
Chippubetsu Family Sports Center

Chippubetsu town

Chippubetsu Onsen Chip Yu & Yu
Chippubetsu Onsen Chip Yu & Yu

Chippubetsu Roadside Station
Chippubetsu Roadside Station

So, if you find yourself in Chippubetsu, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower. Immerse yourself in its history, marvel at its beauty, and let the Happiness Bell guide your wishes as you bask in the magic of this enchanting town.

My family and I visited Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower for the first time last October 23, 2022, during our “October 22-23” Road Trip. It was my 356th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. We enjoyed the view from the top and made sure to ring the bell. Can you guess how many times I pulled the bell? 


Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower Fees

It’s FREE to enter and go to the top of Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower. Parking is also FREE.


Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower Operating Hours

Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower is open from 9 AM to 5:00 PM. 

From November to March it is open until 4:00 PM.


Why visit Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower?

Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower is one of the town’s must-visit tourist destinations. Not only is it a symbol and landmark of the town, it also offers a chance to see the town from a bird’s eye view. Aside from that, it’s FREE to go up the tower. So why not go up to its observation deck?


Getting to Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower

 

Go to the bus terminal in front of Asahikawa Station. Once there, board bus #56 Rumoi Line of the Dohoku Bus Company. Board down at Chippubetsu 1-Chome bus stop. Once there, walk for about 290 meters to reach Chippubetsu Centennial Memorial Tower.

You can also board the Asahikawa - Rumoi Route Bus of the Engan Bus Company. It costs the same and also has the same travel time and bus stop. 

Travel time: 1 hour and 8 minutes

Fare: 780 yen


Ratings

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Cleanliness

Overall rating


Location: 2085番地 Chippubetsu, Uryu District, Hokkaido 078-2100, Japan

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