The Kanasashi Station Elevated Water Tank
The Tenryu Hamanako Railway Kanasashi Station Elevated Water Tank (天竜浜名湖鉄道金指駅高架貯水槽) is a reinforced concrete elevated water tank of about 1938 on the Tenryu Hamanako Railway at Kanasashi Station in Hamana Ward, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on January 26, 2011 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a reinforced concrete structure covering 13 square metres; registration number 22-0153.
A Round Tank on Four Legs
The tank stands north-west of the platform (Agency for Cultural Affairs). Four 0.5-metre square columns, set 4 metres apart at the base and leaning inward, carry a round tank 4 metres across, with a valved iron pipe down the centre.
According to the railway, it holds about 18 tonnes and is notable for its rounded top, and traces of a pump remain at the base. No record gives its date, but it is thought to have been ready when Kanasashi Station opened in April 1938.
Why It Was Registered
It was registered under the criterion of contributing to the historic landscape of the country (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The Agency notes its powerful appearance. With the one at the Tenryu-Futamata depot, it is a rare survivor of the line's water supply for steam locomotives (Tenryu Hamanako Railway).
What to Look For
Look for the four inward-leaning columns, the round tank with its domed top and the iron pipe running down the centre (Agency for Cultural Affairs, Tenryu Hamanako Railway).
Visiting
Kanasashi is a staffed station; the ticket office is open from 7:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on weekdays and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on weekends and holidays (Tenryu Hamanako Railway). It is also the gateway to Ryotanji Temple and other sights (Tenryu Hamanako Railway). Tickets, fares and the turntable tour are covered on the Tenryu Hamanako Railway page. Do not enter the tracks or railway land.
The Kita Ward of Hamamatsu named in the Agency's record became part of Hamana Ward when the city reorganised its wards on January 1, 2024; town names and lot numbers did not change (Hamamatsu City).
Q&A
- When was the Tenryu Hamanako Railway Kanasashi Station Elevated Water Tank built?
- About 1938 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Where is the Tenryu Hamanako Railway Kanasashi Station Elevated Water Tank?
- North-west of the platform at Kanasashi Station, Inasa-cho, Hamana Ward.
- What should I look for?
- Four leaning columns and a round, domed tank.
- Can I visit the Tenryu Hamanako Railway Kanasashi Station Elevated Water Tank?
- It stands in Kanasashi Station and can be seen when using the station.
- When was the Tenryu Hamanako Railway Kanasashi Station Elevated Water Tank registered?
- On January 26, 2011 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Tenryu Hamanako Railway Kanasashi Station Elevated Water Tank (天竜浜名湖鉄道金指駅高架貯水槽) |
|---|---|
| Location | 1033-2 Kanasashi, Inasa-cho, Kita Ward, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2011/01/26 (Heisei 23) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Reinforced concrete, 13 m² |
| Owner | Tenryu Hamanako Railway Co., Ltd. |
| Public Access | In Kanasashi Station (exterior only) |
References
- Tenryu Hamanako Railway Kanasashi Station Elevated Water Tank (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00008469
- Cultural Properties along the Line (Tenryu Hamanako Railway, Japanese)
- https://www.tenhama.co.jp/spot/bunkazai/
- Kanasashi Station (Tenryu Hamanako Railway, Japanese)
- https://www.tenhama.co.jp/about/station/kanasashi/
- Ward Reorganisation (Hamamatsu City, Japanese)
- https://www.city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp/kikaku/kuseido/index.html
Last verified: 2026.10.14
