The Head Tank above the Power Station
The Former Sogi Power Station Head Tank (旧曽木発電所ヘッドタンク) is the head tank of the former Sogi hydroelectric station, built in 1909 at Oguchi, Isa City, Kagoshima Prefecture, which in 2006 was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a stone structure with an area of 290 square metres, owned by the national government and registered for its contribution to the historic landscape.
The Agency places it on high ground northeast of the main building, regulating the water flowing down for generation.
Structure
According to the Agency, it is built of dressed stone, and its mortar-finished face has four openings for the penstocks.
The surviving penstock foundation stones are included in the registration.
What to Look For
The Agency values it as a remnant of an early canal-type power station in Kyushu. The four openings and foundation stones show where the penstocks carried water down to the main building.
The dam office notes a viewing platform beside the head tank looking over the ruins and penstock supports.
Visiting the Former Sogi Power Station Head Tank
Conditions vary with the season and reservoir level.
Visiting information and the story of preservation are on the Former Sogi Power Station group page.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Kagoshima
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Former Sogi Power Station Head Tank
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Q&A
- When was the head tank built?
- In 1909.
- What was it for?
- Regulating the water flowing down for generation.
- How is it built?
- Of dressed stone, with four openings for penstocks.
- Where is it?
- On high ground northeast of the main building.
- Why is it important?
- It is a remnant of an early canal-type power station in Kyushu.
Basic Information
| Name | Former Sogi Power Station Head Tank (旧曽木発電所ヘッドタンク) |
|---|---|
| Location | Miyato, Oguchi, Isa City, Kagoshima Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2006/3/2 (Heisei 18) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Stone, area 290 square metres |
| Owner | National government (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) |
| Public Access | Visibility varies with season and water level |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Former Sogi Power Station Head Tank (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00005390
- Cultural Heritage Online: Former Sogi Power Station Head Tank (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/141158
- MLIT Tsuruda Dam Management Office: Sogi Power Station Ruins (Japanese)
- https://www.qsr.mlit.go.jp/turuta/go/sogi.html
Last verified: 2026.09.28
