The Head Tank of the Iri Plant
The Iri Power Station Water Tank (入発電所水槽) is the head tank of a hydroelectric station built in 1920 in Iri, Kagamino Town, Tomata District, Okayama Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on October 18, 2006. It is owned by the Chugoku Electric Power Company.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records it as reinforced concrete with an area of 245 square metres and a stone wall; its registration number is 33-0127.
Why It Was Registered
The Iri Power Station Water Tank was registered as a structure that contributes to the historic landscape of the country. According to the Agency for Cultural Affairs, it stands on the upper Yoshii River at the end of the headrace and regulates the flow of water into the powerhouse.
A spillway is set on its east side (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The tank receives the water brought by the headrace and sends it through the penstock to the main building about 30 m to the west.
What to Look For
According to the Agency, steps on the west side and a retaining wall on the south side are both built of cobblestones. Note the pairing of the concrete tank with the rounded river stones around it.
The spillway on the east lets surplus water escape from the tank. As with the walls by the penstock and powerhouse, cobblestone masonry ties the whole site together.
Visiting the Iri Power Station Water Tank
The Iri Power Station Water Tank is part of a utility-owned power facility. Information on the station as a whole is on the Iri Power Station page. Do not enter the facility, and follow posted guidance when viewing from outside.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Okayama
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Iri Power Station Water Tank
- [ Kurashiki Bikan District & Korakuen Garden Tours ]
Q&A
- When was the Iri Power Station Water Tank built?
- In 1920.
- When was it registered as a cultural property?
- On October 18, 2006.
- What does the tank do?
- It sits at the end of the headrace and regulates the flow into the powerhouse, with a spillway on the east side.
- How large is it?
- Reinforced concrete with an area of 245 square metres, plus a stone wall.
- Can you visit it?
- It is part of a power facility; follow posted guidance when viewing from outside.
Basic Information
| Name | Iri Power Station Water Tank (入発電所水槽) |
|---|---|
| Location | Iri, Kagamino Town, Tomata District, Okayama Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2006/10/18 (Heisei 18) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Reinforced concrete, area 245 square metres, with stone wall |
| Owner | Chugoku Electric Power Company |
| Public Access | Part of a power facility |
References
- Iri Power Station Water Tank (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00005917
Last verified: 2026.10.06
