About the Motojuku Water Purification Plant Regulating Reservoir
The Motojuku Water Purification Plant Regulating Reservoir (元宿浄水場調整池) is the reinforced-concrete regulating reservoir 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 reinforced concrete, 15.2 metres wide and 21.2 metres long (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 Regulating Reservoir 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 regulating reservoir lies east of the pump room, 15.2 metres across the front, 21.1 metres deep from front to back and 3.0 metres deep (Kiryu City).
A stone stair is set in the north-east corner, and vents are evenly spaced across the top (Kiryu City). The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes its resemblance in form to the high and low reservoirs on Suidoyama.
Visiting the Motojuku Water Purification Plant Regulating Reservoir
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 Regulating Reservoir
- [ Kusatsu Onsen & Tomioka Silk Mill Heritage Tours ]
Q&A
- When was the Motojuku Regulating Reservoir built?
- In 1932 (Kiryu City).
- How big is the Motojuku Regulating Reservoir?
- 15.2 metres by 21.1 metres and 3.0 metres deep (Kiryu City).
- What are the features of the Motojuku Regulating Reservoir?
- A stone stair in one corner and evenly spaced vents on top (Kiryu City).
- When was the Motojuku Water Purification Plant Regulating Reservoir registered?
- On November 5, 1997.
- Can you visit the Motojuku Water Purification Plant Regulating Reservoir?
- The Motojuku plant is normally closed to the public (Kiryu City).
Basic Information
| Name | Motojuku Water Purification Plant Regulating Reservoir (元宿浄水場調整池) |
|---|---|
| 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 structure |
| Dimensions | Reinforced concrete, 15.2 metres wide and 21.2 metres long (Kiryu City) |
| Owner | Kiryu City |
| Public Access | Normally closed |
References
- Motojuku Water Purification Plant Regulating Reservoir (Kiryu City)
- https://www.city.kiryu.lg.jp/kankou/bunkazai/1010700/kunitouroku/1002017.html
- Kiryu waterworks facilities (12) (Kiryu City)
- https://www.city.kiryu.lg.jp/kankou/bunkazai/1010700/kunitouroku/1002008.html
Last verified: 2026.10.07
