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October 28, 2019
Bureau of Waterworks

Tokyo Waterworks Historical Museum FY 2019 “Fall Special Exhibition”

During Tokyo Heritage Week 2019 (October 26 to November 4), the Tokyo Waterworks Historical Museum will hold a Josuiki (Water Records) Exhibit to allow a public viewing of Josuiki, a set of historical documents designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. A History of Waterworks Exhibit will be held concurrently to introduce the development of Tokyo’s waterworks. Josuiki is an invaluable cultural property that is only displayed once a year. Do not miss this opportunity to view a piece of Tokyo’s history.

Josuiki Exhibit: Civil Engineering and Water Services

The complete set of Josuiki, historical documents designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, will be available for public viewing. The opportunity to view the actual documents is available only once a year during Tokyo Heritage Week. Use this occasion to view the fine beauty of the work.

  • Josuiki
    An important document of the waterworks system in the Edo period (1603 - 1868). It is composed of 10 volumes edited and compiled in 1791 from water records concerning the Tamagawa and Kanda Josui water channels and more. Three copies of Josuiki were made, but only the one copy, preserved by the TMG, is a complete set.

Photo of illustration from Josuiki

Pictorial map from Vol. 2 of Josuiki

History of Waterworks Exhibit: The Olympics and Waterworks

Next summer’s Tokyo 2020 Games are fast approaching. In connection with this, “Olympics and Waterworks” will look back at Tokyo’s waterworks around the time of the Tokyo 1964 Games. Graphic panels along with actual materials and videos will introduce the water shortage at that time and the development of Tokyo’s waterworks during Japan’s post-war economic boom.

Photo of Ogouchi Reservoir

The exposed bottom of Ogouchi Reservoir during the 1964 drought (June 1964)

Event Period

Saturday, October 26 to Monday, November 4, 2019

Museum Hours

9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Last entry 4:30 p.m.)

Entrance Fee

Free

Tokyo Waterworks Historical Museum

Multi-lingual museum website: http://www.suidorekishi.jp/language.html(External link)

  • Closed
    The fourth Monday of the month (Open if Monday is a holiday, and closed on the next day)
    The museum will be open throughout the Fall Special Exhibition period.
  • Location
    2-7-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku
  • Phone
    03-5802-9040
  • By public transportation
    Ochanomizu Station on the JR Chuo or Sobu lines, Hongo-sanchome Station on the Marunouchi or Oedo subway lines, or other rail and bus stops in the vicinity.
    (No parking available for private vehicles.)

Inquiries (Assistance in Japanese only)

Public Relations Section
Customer Service Division
Bureau of Waterworks
Phone: 03-5320-6326