About the Handayama No. 1 Distribution Reservoir
The Handayama No. 1 Distribution Reservoir (半田山配水地一号配水池) is a circular distribution reservoir built in 1905 on Mount Handa in Hokaiin, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on February 9, 2005. Part of Okayama's original waterworks, it is 21 metres across (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records it as brick and reinforced concrete, with an area of 335 square metres; registration number 33-0094, owned by Okayama City. The Handayama Distribution Reservoirs were built as part of Okayama City's original waterworks, founded in 1905 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Why It Was Registered
The Handayama No. 1 Distribution Reservoir was registered as a structure that would be difficult to reproduce. The Agency for Cultural Affairs calls it one of the few circular distribution reservoirs in Japan. Built about 50 metres up Mount Handa, northwest of the Mino purification plant, it stored treated water and fed it to the city.
How It Is Built
According to the Agency, the Handayama No. 1 Distribution Reservoir has two concentric internal walls topped by brick arches, and is roofed with reinforced-concrete domical vaults.
Okayama Prefecture notes that the reservoir is buried in the ground with a water depth of 4 metres. What shows above ground is the ventilated outer wall and roof; seen beside the No. 2 reservoir, it reveals the original layout of two identical circular basins side by side.
Visiting the Handayama No. 1 Distribution Reservoir
The Handayama No. 1 Distribution Reservoir stands within the Okayama City Handayama Botanical Garden and is open for exterior viewing only (Okayama Prefecture). Garden admission is required; hours and directions are on the Handayama Distribution Reservoirs page.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Okayama
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Handayama No. 1 Distribution Reservoir
- [ Kurashiki Bikan District & Korakuen Garden Tours ]
Q&A
- When was the Handayama No. 1 Distribution Reservoir built?
- In 1905, as part of Okayama City's original waterworks.
- How big is the Handayama No. 1 reservoir?
- 21 metres across, with an area of 335 square metres (Agency for Cultural Affairs) and a water depth of 4 metres (Okayama Prefecture).
- When was the Handayama No. 1 Distribution Reservoir registered?
- On February 9, 2005.
- What is inside the Handayama No. 1 reservoir?
- Two concentric walls topped by brick arches, under reinforced-concrete domical vaults (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Can you visit the Handayama No. 1 Distribution Reservoir?
- Yes, from outside, within the Handayama Botanical Garden; garden admission is required (Okayama Prefecture).
Basic Information
| Name | Handayama No. 1 Distribution Reservoir (半田山配水地一号配水池) |
|---|---|
| Location | 3-1 Hokaiin, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2005/2/9 (Heisei 17) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Brick and reinforced concrete, with an area of 335 square metres |
| Owner | Okayama City |
| Public Access | Exterior only (inside the Handayama Botanical Garden; admission charged) |
References
- Handayama No. 1 Distribution Reservoir (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00004629
- Handayama Distribution Reservoirs (Okayama Prefecture cultural properties)
- https://www.pref.okayama.jp/uploaded/attachment/260977.pdf
Last verified: 2026.10.06
