About the Motojuku Water Purification Plant Rapid Filtration House
The Motojuku Water Purification Plant Rapid Filtration House (元宿浄水場急速濾過場) is the rapid filtration house completed in 1932 at the Motojuku Water Purification Plant in Motojuku-cho, Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on November 5, 1997.
It is recorded as single-storey reinforced concrete with a building area of 190 square metres (Kiryu City); owned by Kiryu City. Kiryu's water supply began in April 1932, filtering groundwater at Motojuku and pumping it up to the reservoirs on Suidoyama hill (Kiryu City).
Why It Was Registered
The Motojuku Water Purification Plant Rapid Filtration House was registered as a structure that contributes to the historic landscape of the country. The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes how rare it is for a complete early Showa waterworks, from Motojuku to the high and low reservoirs at Tsutsumi-cho, to survive so well.
What to Look For
The rapid filtration house is single-storey reinforced concrete with a washed artificial-stone finish, unlike the other two buildings. Art Deco in style, it steps up and forward towards the central entrance in a symmetrical front that stresses the centre (Kiryu City).
The rapid filters inside have been made by the British firm Candy from the start, and still run after repeated maintenance (Kiryu City).
Visiting the Motojuku Water Purification Plant Rapid Filtration House
According to Kiryu City, the Motojuku Water Purification Plant is normally closed to the public, so visitors cannot enter the site; view the buildings from outside. The address is 14-37 Motojuku-cho, Kiryu City; enquiries go to the Kiryu City Board of Education cultural properties section (0277-46-6467).
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Gunma
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Motojuku Water Purification Plant Rapid Filtration House
- [ Kusatsu Onsen & Tomioka Silk Mill Heritage Tours ]
Q&A
- When was the Motojuku Rapid Filtration House built?
- In 1932 (Kiryu City).
- What does the Motojuku Rapid Filtration House look like?
- A symmetrical Art Deco front stepping up to the centre, in washed artificial stone (Kiryu City).
- Who made the Motojuku filters?
- The British firm Candy; they still run (Kiryu City).
- When was the Motojuku Water Purification Plant Rapid Filtration House registered?
- On November 5, 1997.
- Can you visit the Motojuku Water Purification Plant Rapid Filtration House?
- The Motojuku plant is normally closed to the public (Kiryu City).
Basic Information
| Name | Motojuku Water Purification Plant Rapid Filtration House (元宿浄水場急速濾過場) |
|---|---|
| Location | 14-37 Motojuku-cho, Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 1997/11/5 (Heisei 9) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Single-storey reinforced concrete with a building area of 190 square metres (Kiryu City) |
| Owner | Kiryu City |
| Public Access | Normally closed |
References
- Motojuku Water Purification Plant Rapid Filtration House (Kiryu City)
- https://www.city.kiryu.lg.jp/kankou/bunkazai/1010700/kunitouroku/1002018.html
- Kiryu waterworks facilities (12) (Kiryu City)
- https://www.city.kiryu.lg.jp/kankou/bunkazai/1010700/kunitouroku/1002008.html
Last verified: 2026.10.07
