About the Handayama No. 3 Distribution Reservoir
The Handayama No. 3 Distribution Reservoir (半田山配水地三号配水池) is a circular distribution reservoir built in 1919 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. It lies just north of the No. 1 and No. 2 reservoirs and follows their design (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 33-0096, 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. 3 Distribution Reservoir was registered as a structure that would be difficult to reproduce. According to the Agency for Cultural Affairs, it was built in the first extension of the waterworks on land set aside as a reserve when the system was founded, so 14 years after the founding the city added a basin of the same shape.
How It Is Built
Around a central domical vault, the Handayama No. 3 Distribution Reservoir has 16 almost half-conical reinforced-concrete roof ribs laid out radially (Agency for Cultural Affairs), the same structural type as the original reservoirs.
Although it dates from the Taisho era, it matches the Meiji No. 1 and No. 2 reservoirs, and comparing all three shows that the site was built to one consistent design.
Visiting the Handayama No. 3 Distribution Reservoir
The Handayama No. 3 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. 3 Distribution Reservoir
- [ Kurashiki Bikan District & Korakuen Garden Tours ]
Q&A
- When was the Handayama No. 3 Distribution Reservoir built?
- In 1919, during the first extension of the waterworks.
- How is the Handayama No. 3 reservoir roofed?
- With 16 almost half-conical concrete ribs radiating from a central domical vault (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- When was the Handayama No. 3 Distribution Reservoir registered?
- On February 9, 2005.
- How does it differ from the No. 1 and No. 2 reservoirs?
- It was built later, in 1919, but to the same structural design.
- Can you visit the Handayama No. 3 Distribution Reservoir?
- Yes, from outside, within the Handayama Botanical Garden; garden admission is required (Okayama Prefecture).
Basic Information
| Name | Handayama No. 3 Distribution Reservoir (半田山配水地三号配水池) |
|---|---|
| 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. 3 Distribution Reservoir (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00004631
- Handayama Distribution Reservoirs (Okayama Prefecture cultural properties)
- https://www.pref.okayama.jp/uploaded/attachment/260977.pdf
Last verified: 2026.10.06
