Translation guide
A bell tower is a tower that contains or is designed to hold bells. In Japanese, the most common word is 鐘楼 (shōrō), often found at temples. For clock towers with bells, 時計台 (tokeidai) is used. The word 鐘つき堂 (kanetsukidō) refers specifically to a bell tower where a bell is struck.
temple bell tower
clock tower with bells
A tower housing a large bell, typically at a Buddhist temple or Shinto shrine, used for signaling time or rituals.
The standard term for a bell tower at a Buddhist temple. It is a two-story structure where the bell is hung on the upper floor.
That temple's bell tower was built in the Edo period.
Literally 'bell-striking hall', this refers to a bell tower where a bell is rung by striking, often found in temples. It emphasizes the action of ringing the bell.
A less common synonym for 鐘楼, also meaning a bell hall or bell tower at a temple.
The old bell tower is being repaired.
A tower, often part of a public building, that has a clock and bells that chime.
Refers to a clock tower, which often includes bells. This is the most natural term for Western-style clock towers.
Sapporo's clock tower is a famous tourist spot.
Literally 'bell tower', this can refer to a bell tower in a church or a standalone structure. It is less common than 鐘楼 for temples.
A tower or turret on a building that contains bells, such as on a church or city hall.
While primarily used for temple bell towers, it can also refer to bell towers on other buildings in a traditional context.
The bell tower of that building is beautifully decorated.
A more general term for a bell tower, suitable for churches and Western architecture.
鐘楼 (shōrō) is the general architectural term for a bell tower at a temple. 鐘つき堂 (kanetsukidō) emphasizes the function of ringing the bell and is often used when referring to the New Year's Eve bell-ringing event.
If the tower primarily functions as a clock and happens to have bells, 時計台 (tokeidai) is the best choice. For a bell tower without a clock, use 鐘楼 or 鐘塔.
The bell tower stands next to the main hall.
We visited the famous clock tower in the city center.
The New Year's Eve bell is rung at the bell tower.
教会の鐘塔から鐘の音が聞こえる。
You can hear the bells from the church's bell tower.
鐘塔のてっぺんに十字架がある。
There is a cross on top of the bell tower.