#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo Museum #Edo Waterworks #Water History

Explore the Hidden History of Edo Waterworks

The Tokyo Waterworks Historical Museum, located in Bunkyo City, is set to host a captivating exhibition from October 25 to November 3, 2025, spotlighting the ancestral water supply system of Edo and its lingering heritage in modern Tokyo. This year’s event focuses on the significant historical document, Jōsuiki, a record of the Edo period's waterworks, promising an in-depth exploration of the ancient water infrastructure that supported the daily lives of Edo citizens.

Jōsuiki was completed in 1791 and is an essential manuscript in the study of Edo's water system. It is categorized as an Important Cultural Property designated by Tokyo, and the museum is the sole institution that houses a complete ten-volume set. Notably, the second volume features a detailed illustration of the Tamagawa Josui water source, providing a vibrant depiction of the area as it appeared in the Edo period. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to see this historical document up close during the limited exhibition.

Highlights of the Exhibition

The exhibition encompasses several perspectives on Edo’s water system, emphasizing the modern remnants that still survive today.

• - Rare Artifacts: Visitors can expect a detailed presentation of historical photographs and documents related to the Tamagawa waterworks, helping to illuminate Tokyo's water management history.
• - Engaging Displays: Curated photographs and artifacts present intriguing insights into the infrastructure that facilitated the supply of fresh water to Edo citizens.

In addition, the museum will hold another historical exhibition titled Reflecting on the Yodobashi Water Purification Plant - 60 Years Since Its Closure, coinciding with the anniversary of this vital facility. Established in 1898, this purification plant was the first modern facility to serve Tokyo and played a crucial role in the city's water distribution for decades. It was eventually closed in 1965, marking the end of an era. This segment of the exhibit will include photographs from the Meiji and Taisho eras, alongside literature depicting the plant's landmark history.

Exhibition Details

• - Dates: October 25 (Saturday) to November 3 (Monday, Holiday), 2025
• - Hours: Open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM)
• - Admission: Free of charge
• - Location: 3rd-floor Lecture Hall and other areas of the Tokyo Waterworks Historical Museum

The Tokyo Waterworks Historical Museum serves as a public relations facility for the Tokyo Waterworks Bureau, sharing the 400-year history and technology of Tokyo's water supply. Alongside exhibitions, guests can view actual Edo-period water pipes and reconstructed residential areas, further immersing themselves in the historical narrative of Tokyo’s water system. The museum also offers audio guides and allows visitors to borrow books related to water and Tokyo’s history.

Visitor Information

• - Address: 2-7-1 Hongo, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0033
• - Hours of Operation: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Final entry at 4:30 PM)
• - Closed: Every fourth Monday (if a holiday, the next day) and during the New Year’s holidays
• - Access: Approximately 8 minutes on foot from Ochanomizu Station or Hongo-sanchome Station
• - Parking: No parking available

For more information, visit Tokyo Waterworks Historical Museum. This remarkable exhibition is sponsored by Nomura Co., Ltd., emphasizing Tokyo's rich historical narrative through innovative public exhibits.