Translation guide
The traditional Japanese timekeeping system divides the day into 12 'hours' (刻), each named after a zodiac animal. The 'hour of the Snake' (巳の刻) corresponds roughly to 9–11 AM.
hour of the Snake
Traditional Japanese time period, roughly 9–11 AM.
Referring to the historical time period named after the Snake zodiac sign.
The standard term for the 'hour of the Snake' in the traditional Japanese temporal system. Used in historical or literary contexts.
In modern Japanese, simply use standard clock times (e.g., 午前9時から11時) unless you are discussing history, literature, or traditional culture.
The incident occurred at the hour of the Snake.
A variant reading of the same characters, also meaning 'hour of the Snake'. Less common than 巳の刻.
We depart at the hour of the Snake.