About the Motojuku Water Purification Plant Pump Room
The Motojuku Water Purification Plant Pump Room (元宿浄水場喞筒室) is the pump room 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 280 square metres; registration number 10-0011, 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 Pump Room 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 pump room stands south-west of the former office and shares its design: tall windows and pilasters stressing the vertical, scratch-tile walls and a decorated entrance canopy, all characteristic of their time (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
According to Kiryu City, the roof is asphalt-covered, and inside are Art Deco light fittings and designed brass handrails.
Visiting the Motojuku Water Purification Plant Pump Room
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 Pump Room
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Q&A
- When was the Motojuku Pump Room built?
- In 1932 (Kiryu City).
- What does the Motojuku Pump Room look like?
- Strong verticals, scratch-tile walls and a decorated entrance canopy (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What is inside the Motojuku Pump Room?
- Art Deco light fittings and brass handrails (Kiryu City).
- When was the Motojuku Water Purification Plant Pump Room registered?
- On November 5, 1997.
- Can you visit the Motojuku Water Purification Plant Pump Room?
- The Motojuku plant is normally closed to the public (Kiryu City).
Basic Information
| Name | Motojuku Water Purification Plant Pump Room (元宿浄水場喞筒室) |
|---|---|
| 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 280 square metres |
| Owner | Kiryu City |
| Public Access | Normally closed |
References
- Motojuku Water Purification Plant Pump Room (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00000332
- Motojuku Water Purification Plant Pump Room (Kiryu City)
- https://www.city.kiryu.lg.jp/kankou/bunkazai/1010700/kunitouroku/1002019.html
- Kiryu waterworks facilities (12) (Kiryu City)
- https://www.city.kiryu.lg.jp/kankou/bunkazai/1010700/kunitouroku/1002008.html
Last verified: 2026.10.07
